The Best MMA Takedowns When Both Fighters Use the Same Stance

A wrestling shot and an MMA takedown entry are not always the same. Many practitioners have been taught that they must drop to a knee when attacking the legs. But MMA typically places us in a more upright stance, where touching the knee to the floor is often unnecessary. It can consume more energy, slow down the entry, and leave us too far out of position if the takedown fails. In Part 1 of this three-part series, we break down a system of same-stance takedown attacks built around shooting head-outside and stepping beyond our opponent’s lead leg. We discuss: • Why so many successful MMA takedowns occur with the head outside • The difference between attacking outside the lead hip and the rear hip • The risk and reward of each entry • Why head-outside attacks should be prioritized in same-stance situations • How MMA striking changes traditional wrestling mechanics • How to shoot more efficiently without sacrificing position if the attack fails The goal is not to force a traditional wrestling shot into an MMA exchange. It is to adjust the mechanics to the stance, distance, strikes, and consequences of the sport. Your takedown should place you in a strong position when it succeeds—and allow you to recover safely when it doesn’t. At KATA, we teach MMA grappling through systems that connect striking, takedowns, pinning, and submissions. If you want to develop practical MMA skills in a safe, controlled, and educational environment, come train with us in Los Angeles. Subscribe for Parts 2 and 3 of our MMA takedown series. #MMATakedowns #MMAGrappling #WrestlingForMMA #MixedMartialArts #KATALosAngeles We're building this channel to share high-level insights on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi grappling, wrestling, Judo, and MMA training. If you find this breakdown helpful, please like, subscribe, and drop a comment with any questions or future video requests.    / @katajiujitsu   www.instagram.com/katalosangeles www.instagram.com/a.caito Book a private or Q&A - info@katalosangeles.com – KATA