2013: Year of the All American wrestler
It used to be that a black belt in BJJ was considered to be the benchmark for success in mixed martial arts. However, the sport has evolved, and the key determinant of success appears to be achieving All American status in folkstyle wrestling, or barring a collegiate career, becoming All State in High school.
Of the ten UFC champions or contenders for the vacant title, seven are former All State or All American wrestlers. By contrast, only two are BJJ black belts.
If Hendricks beats Lawler, all UFC champions from 170 up will be former All American Wrestlers, an unprecedented sweep.
Cain Velasquez
Two-time All-American in wrestling, a two-time Pac-10 champion, a junior college national champion for Iowa Central Community College.
Recently earned his black belt in BJJ.
Jon Jones
NJCAA All-American out of Iowa Central Community College.
White belt in BJJ
Chris Weidman
Two time NCAA Division I All-American (2006, 2007) Hofstra University.
Brown belt in BJJ
Welterweight title to be decided by Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler
Johny Hendricks
Four-time All-American at Oklahoma State University
Blue belt in BJJ
Robbie Lawler
All-State wrestler
Anthony Pettis
No competitive wrestling experience. 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo
Purple belt in BJJ
José Aldo
Muay Thai specialist
Black belt in BJJ
Dominick Cruz
Extensive high school wrestling experience. Did not wrestle at the collegiate level.
Blue belt in BJJ
Demetrious Johnson
Two time all State wrestler in high school. Did not wrestle at the collegiate level.
White belt in BJJ
Ronda Rousey
No competitive wrestling experience
Black belt in Judo, Olympic medalist
