My hypothesis of Archetypal MMA fight strategies or outcomes

The idea of there being a limited number of archetypal MMA fight strategies or outcomes,

much like the concept of seven basic stories, is an intriguing one. In MMA, fighters win

based on certain repeating strategies or approaches that reflect underlying principles. Here

are seven archetypes that could represent the "only 7 MMA fights ever fought," with

variations stemming from these core strategies:

1. Striker vs. Grappler

• Core Dynamic: The striker looks to keep the fight standing, while the grappler seeks

to take the fight to the ground.

• Victory Path: The striker wins by knockout or damage accumulation, while the

grappler wins via submission or ground control.

• Examples: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor

McGregor.

2. Pressure Fighter vs. Counter Fighter

• Core Dynamic: The pressure fighter continuously moves forward, forcing

exchanges, while the counter fighter waits for the right moment to strike with

precision.

• Victory Path: The pressure fighter can overwhelm with volume and aggression,

while the counter fighter capitalizes on mistakes with knockouts or slick counters.

• Examples: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa.

3. Grappling Control vs. Defensive Striker

• Core Dynamic: The grappler focuses on control and positioning, seeking to stifle

the opponent's offense and wear them down with clinch or ground work.

• Victory Path: Grappling dominance through top control, submissions, or ground

and pound. The striker must use superior footwork and defensive grappling to

escape.

• Examples: Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin

Poirier.

4. Technical Master vs. Brawler

• Core Dynamic: The technical fighter relies on superior skill, technique, and

strategy, while the brawler looks to make the fight chaotic and land big shots.

• Victory Path: The technician wins by outclassing the brawler, picking them apart.

The brawler seeks to break the rhythm and land a finishing blow.

• Examples: Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira, Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo 1.

5. Cardio King vs. Fast Starter

• Core Dynamic: The fast starter looks to finish the fight early, putting heavy pressure

or looking for an early knockout or submission. The cardio king aims to weather the

storm and capitalize on the opponent’s fatigue later.

• Victory Path: The fast starter wins early, or the cardio king takes over in the later

rounds with superior conditioning and durability.

• Examples: Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 2, Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos 2.

6. Submission Specialist vs. Wrestler

• Core Dynamic: The submission specialist seeks to find any opening to lock in a

submission, even from their back. The wrestler looks to use ground control to stay

safe and dominate position.

• Victory Path: The submission specialist capitalizes on mistakes to secure a

submission, while the wrestler neutralizes submission attempts with pressure and

top control.

• Examples: Demian Maia vs. Ben Askren, Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar 1.

7. Balanced Fighter vs. Specialist

• Core Dynamic: The balanced fighter is proficient in all areas (striking, wrestling, and

submissions), while the specialist excels in one dimension.

• Victory Path: The balanced fighter adapts to the specialist’s game and exploits

weaknesses. The specialist must impose their one strength before the balanced

fighter takes over.

• Examples: Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis, Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit.

These seven archetypal fight scenarios encompass the fundamental strategies and tactics

seen repeatedly in MMA. Each fight type represents different ways fighters can leverage

their strengths and impose their game plan, and every MMA match is likely a variation or

combination of these archetypes.