07 Jun Finding the right fighters, grapplers and strikers to study
This is meant to act as a simple guide for someone unfamiliar with MMA and the related disciplines to begin their study of some of the high level practitioners in each art.
First thing first: You’ve got to figure out your weight class.
MMA(weights in lbs) : 115 -125-135-145-155-170-185-205-265
BJJ (IBJJF Standards in lbs) 127-141.5-154.5-168-181.5-195-208-222-222+
Wrestling (college in lbs) 125-133-141-149-157-165-174-184-197-285
Freestyle Wrestling (in lbs) 126-143-163-190-214-276
Kickboxing (Glory in lbs) 143.3-154.3-169.8-187.4-209.4-Unlimited
Boxing (WBC in lbs) 126-130-135-140-147-154-160-168-175-200-Unlimited
So there are obviously other but we will stick to these 5 for simple purposes. Simply find out who the current champ in your weight class is, get familiar with their history, background, key moves, habits, training, opponents and your will have a great reference point for researching athletes to study further.
For example I would be watching film on:
MMA: Conor McGregor (UFC 145lb champ)
BJJ: Lucas Lepri (IBJJF 2016 168 champ)
Collegiate Wrestling: Zane Retherford (NCAA 149lbs champ from PSU)
Freestyle Wrestling: Frank Molinaro (Current USA qualifyer at 143)
Kickboxing: Robin Van Roosmalen (Glory 154lb Champ)
Boxing: Gennady Golovkin (undefeated and fights around 154)
Now I have 6 names to focus on to begin with and I can work from there. Another tactic is to ask your coaches what fighters you should be watching especially based on your body style. They can help you in focusing your study time even further.