“No lies detected,” Aljamain Sterling lobbies for wrestling as the best base for MMA siding with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling believes wrestling is the best base for success in the UFC and the sport of MMA.

“No lies detected,” Aljamain Sterling lobbies for wrestling as the best base for MMA siding with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo

Aljamain Sterling opined about MMA (Image source: Getty Images)

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), an ongoing debate has persisted for decades. It is about the most effective base for the sport. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) enjoyed the spotlight in its early days. However, the tides have shifted, and wrestling now stands as the undisputed best base for MMA. And UFC Champion Aljamain Sterling seems to agree with it.

The evolution of the sport since its nascent days has been truly captivating. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains an essential aspect of fighting. However, wrestling has emerged as the dominant foundation for success in MMA. Things have changed a lot with the passage of time.

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In an interview with MMA Junkie, Aljamain Sterling reflected on how wrestling changed his life. “It gave me purpose. It gave me a sense of urgency of a way to use it as an escape route and make something of myself,” he said. A skilled wrestler can strategically neutralize a striker’s advantages and fighters in the UFC have proven this time and time again. This adaptability and control make wrestling an invaluable tool for aspiring MMA fighters.

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Sterlink believes that the evidence of wrestling’s supremacy in MMA lies in the resumes of renowned champions like Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman, and Daniel Cormier. These fighters have all honed their skills in the wrestling world, paving the way for their success in the octagon.

Related: “This guy is a good wrestler?” Bo Nickal hilariously compares Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling skills to 8-year-olds in Pennsylvania

Aljamain Sterling and other former wrestlers who bagged UFC Championships

Alexander Volkanovski Yair Rodriguez
Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 ( Image source: Getty Images )

There have been various fighters who transcended barriers and made history by winning championships. Henry Cejudo’s illustrious wrestling career saw him capture an Olympic Gold medal at the tender age of 21 during the 2008 Summer Olympics. He was the former two-division UFC champion in both the flyweight and bantamweight categories.

On the other hand, Kamaru Usman’s journey in freestyle wrestling earned him multiple titles and accolades, competing at different weight classes and demonstrating his versatility. He was the UFC Welterweight Champion and has enjoyed a long winning streak since his debut.

Besides, Daniel Cormier’s international wrestling accolades include a World bronze medal, a Pan American Games gold medal, and being a two-time Pan American champion. He was the UFC Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion.

The current UFC Bantamweight Champion, Aljamain Sterling was also a wrestler. His impressive wrestling background boasts two-time NCAA Division III All-American recognition and laid the groundwork for his excellence in MMA. Retweeting a compilation of the aforementioned accolades, Sterling confirmed the speculation stating, “No lies detected, sir!”

As MMA continues to evolve, wrestling remains the bedrock upon which fighters build their skill sets. With its strategic advantages and adaptability, wrestling is undoubtedly the ultimate foundation for success in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of MMA.

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