Does Catch Wrestling have a place in MMA or is BJJ the only serious option?

It would be, but there really is no catch wrestling infrastructure left; one, maybe 2 coaches in the US.

 

You planning on Joining Tony Cecchine's school, Wige?

 

In terms of limitations though, there can be a bit of a problem of encouraging going for the submission a bit too soon; against more positionally aware styles the catch wrestler might drop for a leglock and lose position because of it .

All serious systems have things it is better or worse at in certain situations compared to other systems; a purely BJJ fighter is going to lack takedowns comared to a judoka or wreslter for example.

 

which is why the greatest fighter will be like water....

:blurp

 

Sakuraba 4x2 Gracie

 

Yes, the best fighters tend to be well rounded, or at least strengthen some of the weaknesses that come from their system or own implementation of that system. Although there is some argument for being comparatively great at one thing and being able to find a way to always implement it, like a great submission guy working to always be able to get the takedown.

 

I'm trying to remember a major rivalry between between BJJ and Catch Wrestling in Brazil/Vale Tudo. I can't remember the name of catch wrestling there. Who can help me remember?

 

Trouble with catch is you don't train for submissions from your back due to the pin.

 

You mean luta livre or "free fight" as it translates to in English?

 

My man. Spot on.

 

Not the same as catch wrestling really though, both individually developed.

 

Not the same but there are similarities. I'm using it as an example for the BJJ vs Catch Wrestling argument.

 

:goodAgreed. I think Josh "The Natural" Barnett is a practitioner.