Why​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Fight Styles Can Change the Odds Before a Major UFC Event

Often, a single UFC fight involves more than picking the athlete who is physically stronger, more skillful, or even more experienced. MMA combines several martial arts disciplines, and how they interact can significantly change the outlook on the matchup.

A very strong striker might overwhelm one type of opponent while struggling against another who keeps looking for opportunities to take over. A great wrestler may dominate nearly every fighter in the division but may not fare very well against those strong defensively-minded grappling specialists.

That is why style can be at least as important as a fighter’s overall form or reputation in the UFC when planning their schedule for an important UFC event.

Why Fight Styles Influence Sports Betting Odds

Looking​‍​‌‍​‍‌ at pre-fight odds for a UFC event can really only get you so far just a record alone. A significant part of that story is whether the fighters’ styles complement each other in the moment they enter the cage.

That is to say, in this light, sports betting odds are a kind of barometer of the type of fight the audience expects, and it is not simply about backing the more famous name. A change in the odds just before the event might also suggest that new information or shifting expectations are affecting the public’s attitude toward the fight.

The fans and the analysts that are keeping a close watch on the match are probably going to find that the fluctuations in the odds are yet another source of insight regarding the way in which each fighter’s advantages, disadvantages, and choice of fighting style can impact the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌result.

The Classic Striker Versus Grappler Matchup

There is no question that the striker versus the grappler is the most talked-about matchup in Mixed Martial Arts.

At the heart of this matchup is a fundamental difference in fighting styles: the striker usually wants to create distance, while the grappler aims to close in for the clinch and the ground game.

Which in fact creates some of the decisive questions:

• How capable is the striker in defending against the takedowns?
• How does the grappler move without getting heavily pummeled?
• Which of them has the better grip inside the fight space around the center of the Octagon?
• What happens when the fight reaches the fence?
• Will a fighter’s superior strength prevail while forcing an opponent into a corner?

In some cases, the reasons for the outcomes are exactly what’s being recorded.

A top-ten ranked fighter with a great record still has to contend with a stylistic mismatch against an opponent who specializes in the very techniques that expose his weaknesses, according to his own fight history.

Wrestling Can Totally Change the Rhythm

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In general, wrestling can change a fight’s tempo. If one fighter consistently tries to take another down, the other may hesitate to throw combinations if he worries the wrestler is just waiting to bring him down after a long sequence. So even if the wrestler isn’t effective at taking down a fighter all the time.

A change of levels would allow one to open a different attack possibility after several wrestling moves, for instance, a punch. A fighter’s lower stance, for example, helps defend against takedowns and changes how they fight if the attack comes from above.

Therefore, besides a fighter’s winning record, other factors can be the turning point in a fight.

The pace of the fight can be decided entirely through wrestling techniques. So if someone repeatedly tries to take another down, the other might think about avoiding those situations. Even if every takedown attempt fails, the mere threat is often enough to change a fighter’s movement strategy or positioning.

This is why fighters don’t necessarily have to use the same martial style to dominate a match. At times, the mere prospect of an offensive move is enough.

Styles Within Styles Matter Too

When two fighters are acknowledged as the main striking weapons of their teams, the tactical dynamic can change entirely. One may use foot and head kicks with good footwork, moving around a lot, while the other may prefer close-range punch combinations.

A similar phenomenon occurs with grappling. While one combatant might be a master at throwing takedowns and controlling positions, another may look for submission options without hesitation from almost any spot.

Pivotal elements might be:

• Distance: Some fighters are best on the outside.
• Pressure: Some constantly move forward and compress the action.
• Countering: Some competitors like to force their opponent to attack first.
• Control: Wrestlers may focus on maintaining position.
• Submissions: A type of grappling specialist will willingly enter into scrambles to find a finish.

Detailed information may help understand why two athletes with similar statistics may have vastly different perceptions of each other.

Athlete’s Cardiorespiratory Ability Could Make the Difference Whether a Style Still Begets Victory

A method that is an absolute success within five minutes could become much tougher to maintain later.

The wrestling sequence of movements is very fatiguing, and the fighter usually wrestles to get into a position to be on top of his opponent against the fence. Continuous movement and kicking can also become tiring across multiple rounds.

It also brings another factor to consider from a technique and tactics standpoint.

A striker who can attack relentlessly might wear down resistance; however, they also need the stamina to sustain a high pace for a long time. On the other hand, a cautious or calculated counter-fighter may gradually increase their chances of victory and exploit their opponent in a prolonged contest.

The length and pace of the competition can therefore change how a technique is viewed in terms of effectiveness.