No, MMA is not wrestling. Unlike WWE (pro-wrestling), MMA has strict rules and regulations that athletes must follow to win a fight. In WWE, the outcome of matches is predetermined and athletes are performing stunts and choreographed moves.
In contrast, MMA fighters enter the octagon with the intention of winning a fight through their skills, techniques, and strategies. That’s not to say that WWE is not entertaining or impressive in its own right or that skills are not required, but it is a different form of entertainment and sports altogether.
Is There Wrestling In MMA?
There is also wrestling such as Greco-Roman, freestyle wrestling and grappling which are part of MMA, but it is not the same as WWE. In MMA, these techniques are used strategically to gain an advantage over an opponent and ultimately win the fight. Below is an example GIF of a wrestling move called the ‘bear hug’ being used in MMA:
What’s The Difference Between Greco-Roman And Freestyle Wrestling?
Greco-Roman wrestling only allows for upper body attacks and prohibits grabbing or attacking below the waist. On the other hand, freestyle wrestling allows for both upper and lower body attacks, making it more similar to MMA grappling techniques.
Wrestling is in the Olympics and is not scripted like WWE. Wrestlers compete for medals and titles based on their skills and abilities, not pre-determined outcomes. Professional wresting is more tailored towards entertainment whereas Olympic wrestling is focused on competition and sportsmanship. This is one of the reasons why many people believe that MMA is better than professional wrestling.
MMA Fighters Who Have Wrestling Backgrounds
Many successful MMA fighters come from a strong wrestling background. Some notable examples include UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion and an Olympic gold medalist in his home country of Russia.
Other successful MMA fighters with wrestling backgrounds include Daniel Cormier who now teaches wrestling at Gilroy High School. Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar was also a collegiate wrestler, winning the NCAA Division I Heavyweight Championship twice. The list goes on and on but the key takeaways are that wrestling is a highly effective base for MMA and can translate well into the sport.
Brock Lesnar’s Daughter (Pro-Wrestler, MMA Fighter or Neither?)
A viral image has been circulating of Brock Lesnar’s daughter, Maya Lynn Lesnar posing with what looks like wrestling tights. However, if you look past the image, you’ll find that Maya is actually a track star at Colorado State University. She recently broke the state record with a 18.50-meter shot put throw.
Will she one day follow in her father’s footsteps and become a pro-wrestler or MMA fighter?
She’s not very active on social media, so who knows… but with a mentor like Brock Lesnar as a father and both women’s MMA and ladies pro-wrestling reaching new pinnacles, the possibilities are endless for Maya.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between MMA and pro-wrestling is important for fans and athletes alike. While they both share elements of combat sports, they are two distinct forms of entertainment in their own right. Whether it’s through the use of scripted storylines or strategic techniques in the ring/cage, both MMA and pro-wrestling continue to capture our attention and keep us entertained.
If you’d like to learn more about the world of pro-wrestling, we recommend checking out some live events or researching some of the legendary names in the sport. And for MMA fans, don’t forget to tune in to upcoming fights. Learn where to watch MMA fights in this section of MMA Panda.
