How Many Takedowns Are There in MMA?  A Complete Guide

 MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is a fast-paced and exciting sport where fighters use a combination of striking and grappling techniques to win. One of the key aspects of MMA is the takedown — a technique used to take the fight from standing up to the ground. If you've ever wondered, "How many takedowns are there in MMA?" you're not alone. There are actually several different types of takedowns, and each one has its own purpose and style.

In this article, we'll explore the most common takedowns in MMA, explain why they matter, and help you understand how these moves work in the context of a fight.

What Is a Takedown in MMA?

A takedown is when one fighter brings their opponent from a standing position to the ground. This is usually done to gain control over the opponent, score points, or set up other techniques like ground and pound or submissions. Takedowns are important because they can completely change the direction of a fight. It's not just about brute strength; the right timing, technique, and strategy can make all the difference.

The Most Common Types of Takedowns in MMA

 There are many different ways to take someone down in MMA. Let's look at some of the most popular and effective ones:

1. Single Leg Takedown

 One of the most common takedowns you'll see in MMA is the single-leg takedown. In this move, the fighter grabs one of their opponent's legs and pulls it out from under them. The idea is to throw off the opponent's balance and bring them to the ground.

How it works: The fighter dives forward, grabs the opponent's leg (usually near the knee), and then lifts it up or sweeps it out from under them, often using their body weight to complete the takedown.

The single-leg takedown is a great way to quickly neutralize an opponent, especially if they're good at striking.

2. Double Leg Takedown

 Another popular move is the double-leg takedown. This one is similar to the single leg, but here, the fighter grabs both of the opponent's legs instead of just one. The double leg is powerful because it allows the fighter to control the opponent more effectively and take them down with more force.

How it works: The fighter shoots forward and grabs both legs of the opponent. They then lift the legs while driving forward or sideways to bring the opponent down to the mat.

The double-leg takedown is a go-to move for many MMA fighters because of its effectiveness in both offence and defence.

3. Suplex

 The suplex is one of the most dramatic and crowd-pleasing takedowns in MMA. It's a move that requires a lot of strength, as the fighter lifts their opponent off the ground and throws them over their head onto the mat.

How it works: The fighter hooks their opponent around the waist or legs, lifts them into the air, and then throws them backwards with force. This move is risky but can have a huge impact on the fight.

While the suplexis is not used as often as other takedowns in MMA, it's highly effective when executed properly and can leave the opponent disoriented.

4. Body Lock Takedown

 The body lock takedown involves the fighter wrapping their arms around the opponent's torso, usually around the waist. Once the lock is secured, the fighter uses their body weight to either trip or drive the opponent to the ground.

How it works: The fighter closes the distance, grabs the opponent around the body, and manipulates their balance, either by lifting them or using a trip to bring them to the mat.

The body lock takedown is very effective in close-range situations where there's little room to shoot for a leg.

5. Trip Takedown

 A trip takedown is when the fighter uses their leg to sweep or trip their opponent's leg while keeping control of their upper body. This move is commonly used when both fighters are in the clinch position, which is when they're locked up and close to each other.

How it works: The fighter steps or sweeps their leg in front of the opponent's leg, causing them to lose balance and fall to the ground.

Trip takedowns are useful when the opponent is already off-balance or when they're focused on defending other attacks.

6. Judo Takedowns

 Judo has a significant influence on MMA, and many of the takedowns from Judo are used in the octagon. The two most common Judo takedowns are the hip throw and the shoulder throw.

How it works: In a hip throw, the fighter grabs the opponent, swings their own hip into the opponent's waist, and throws them over their hip. In a shoulder throw, the fighter grabs the opponent's upper body, uses a spinning motion, and flips them onto the mat.

Judo-based takedowns are powerful because they use the opponent's momentum against them.

7. Knee Tap Takedown

 The knee tap takedown is a quick, sneaky move that can catch an opponent off guard. The fighter taps the opponent's knee while pulling on their upper body to trip them.

How it works: The fighter taps or hooks the opponent's knee while driving forward or sideways, causing the opponent to lose balance and fall.

This move is fast and effective, especially when both fighters are in close quarters.

Why Takedowns Matter in MMA

 Takedowns are important in MMA for a few key reasons:

1. Scoring Points

 In MMA, judges score fights based on effective techniques, and a successful takedown can score valuable points. The fighter who consistently brings their opponent to the ground and controls them is likely to win the round.

2. Controlling the Pace

 Takedowns give the fighter a chance to control the fight. Once the fight hits the ground, the fighter on top can control the pace by using ground and pound (strikes from the top position) or setting up submissions.

3. Setting Up Submissions

 When a fighter takes their opponent down, they can often move into a dominant position on the ground, like side control or mount. From there, they can set up submissions, where they try to force their opponent to tap out by locking in a choke or joint lock.

4. Defensive Takedowns

 Sometimes, fighters use takedowns as a way to defend against an opponent's attacks. If the opponent is attacking with strikes or submissions, a fighter can use a counter-takedown to bring the fight to the ground and reset the situation.

How Many Takedowns Are There in MMA?

 When you ask, "How many takedowns are there in MMA?," the answer is that there are many variations of takedowns. While the basic types like the single leg, double leg, suplex, and trip takedown are the most common, fighters are always innovating and developing new techniques. Takedowns can be used in different ways depending on the fighter's style and strategy, so the exact number of takedown variations is endless.

The Importance of Takedown Defense

 While takedowns are important for offence, takedown defence is just as crucial. A fighter who can stop an opponent from taking them down is at an advantage, especially if they're better at striking. Defending a takedown allows the fighter to stay on their feet, avoid being controlled on the ground, and continue to land punches and kicks.

Takedown defence involves techniques like sprawling, using underhooks, and even wall walking (where a fighter uses the cage to help them get back to their feet).

Conclusion

Takedowns are an essential part of MMA fighting. Whether it's a single leg, a suplex, or a Judo throw, these techniques help fighters control the fight and set up attacks. While there's no exact number of takedowns in MMA, the moves we've discussed are the ones you'll see most often in the octagon. A successful takedown can change the course of a fight, so mastering these techniques is a big part of any fighter's training.

Now you know the basics of takedowns in MMA — how they work, why they matter, and the different styles you'll see in a fight. Whether you're an MMA fan or just getting into the sport, understanding takedowns will help you appreciate the complexity and skill that goes into every fight.