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How To Make Your Takedowns Count
Analyzing Mateusz Gamrot's Grappling Ahead Of UFC 299
William
March 8th, 2024
First Things First
Today we're going to study one of the best grapplers in the UFC, Mateusz Gamrot. Sometimes he is an overwhelming offensive dynamo. But he can also look completely lost. Today we're going to answer why.
If you want a look at some of the best grappling in MMA and learn how to make sure your takedowns count, this one is for you.
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Table of Contents
Mateusz Gamrot
Gamrot is a top five lightweight. And that’s 100% due to his grappling and pace.
Before climbing the MMA ranks he actually qualified for the ADCC World Championships. He was stopped by grappling savant turned MMA fighter Garry Tonon in the first round of the tournament.
Since switching to MMA he's collected KSW belts, a 23-2 record, and a reputation as one of the highest risk, low reward fighters in the UFC. Why? He just makes people look bad. Sometimes even himself.
Gamrot's game is janky. He shoots and scrambles from everywhere. More often than not he breaks people with his frenetic wrestling. But he also gives his opponent opportunities for clean, highlight reel counters because of his wide open style. Still, we can learn a lot from Gamrot's wrestling.
Today we're going to take a look at how Gamrot grapples, take what works, and discard the rest. Let's analyze Gamrot's game so we can make sure our takedowns count.
Why His Grappling Works
Let's start with the positive. Gamrot integrates takedowns into his striking well. He uses his hands to hide proactive shots from far out, and he can grab reactive takedowns when his opponent walks forward. Below is a simple proactive takedown.
Mateusz Gamrot vs Guram Kutateladze  | Gamrot flaps his hands before diving on a low single. Gamrot collapses Guram by driving forward while pulling his ankle out. Gamrot holds onto Guram’s ankle while moving forward so Guram grabs double under hooks to make the most of his open guard. |
Now let's look at how Gamrot can counter pressure with reactive takedowns.
Mateusz Gamrot vs Scott Holtzman  | Holtzman is walking Gamrot to the fence. Gamrot responds by grabbing a low single, climbing, running the pipe, and finishing with a double leg. Gamrot tries to hold onto Holtzman, but he wall walks as Gamrot tries to go to his back. Gamrot holds a back body lock and kicks out Holtzman’s leg. |
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