Issue 062
May 2010
One of the most feared groups of fighters, the wrestlers have long brought a distinctive and fearsome style of fighting to the ring and cage. The pioneers of the art of ground ‘n pound, wrestlers are known for their explosive power and relentless energy. Many wrestlers have been athletes since a young age and bring years of experience to the cage, making them truly formidable opponents – take them lightly at your peril.
In brief
Dan Henderson
Champion in two weight classes in Pride. The Team Quest warrior’s all-action style established him as one of the most popular fighters in MMA.
Matt Hughes
Clean-living Illinois farm boy who shares the record with Chuck Liddell for most UFC wins (16).
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Former Shooto welterweight champion. Currently starring in the Dream lightweight division.
Brock Lesnar
The UFC heavyweight champion with a cartoon character physique.
Chael Sonnen
Former WEC title challenger now enjoying a new lease of life in the UFC. Coached by Greco-Roman silver medalist Matt Lindland.
Georges St Pierre
UFC Welterweight champion. Voted Fighter of the Year in the 2009 World MMA Awards.
Cain Velasquez
Fighting out of the American Kickboxing Academy, the big-hitting Velasquez has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
Wrestling Pedigree
Dan Henderson
A dual Olympian, Hendo represented the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Barcelona and Atlanta games
Matt Hughes
Won the Class A state championship twice in high school. A two-time All-American in college, placing 8th and 5th.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
With no previous experience, he started training at 19 and was soon fighting for the Shooto organization.
Brock Lesnar
Two-time NCAA All-American, NCAA heavyweight champ. Followed his college exploits with a lucrative career in the crazy world of pro wrestling.
Chael Sonnen
NCAA All-American when at University of Oregon and a US Olympic team alternate.
Georges St Pierre
Amazingly he never wrestled in high school. GSP has developed by training with the Canadian national wrestling team.
Cain Velasquez
The Arizona State standout was a two-time All-American collegiate wrestler.
Strengths
Dan Henderson
Over the years, he has moved away from ground ‘n pound to become a feared stand-up fighter. Great takedown defense.
Matt Hughes
Massive takedowns. Equally adept at finishing with strikes or submissions.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Known as ‘The Crusher’ because of his strength in the clinch and his aggressive ground ‘n pound.
Brock Lesnar
Unbelievable speed and athleticism for a man who has to cut to make the 265lb upper weight limit.
Chael Sonnen
Once he gets on top, he can shut his opponents down.
Georges St Pierre
Perfectly timed takedowns. Impossible to shift when he is on top.
Cain Velasquez
Even when stepping up in class, Cain has still been able to take opponents down to the canvas whenever he feels like it.
Must-see Fight
Dan Henderson
His dramatic third-round KO of Wanderlei Silva at Pride 33.
Matt Hughes
At UFC 52, Hughes survived the best Frank Trigg had to offer. He slammed Trigg, softened him up with some ground ‘n pound and closed the deal with a choke.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
His 2006 win over Per Eklund at Shooto Champion Carnival is a textbook example of how a wrestler can dictate the terms of a fight.
Brock Lesnar
His seven-minute destruction of Frank Mir. Lesnar answered the doubters in brutal fashion to take sole ownership of the heavyweight belt.
Chael Sonnen
His three-round mauling of Nate Marquardt let everyone know that the Sonnen revival was for real.
Georges St Pierre
The slaughter of BJ Penn at UFC 94. Total domination.
Cain Velasquez
In his UFC 99 clash with Cheick Kongo, Velasquez punched the grounded Frenchman in the head 251 times over three rounds.
What next?
Dan Henderson
Since signing for Strikeforce, Hendo has said he is interested in fights at both 185 and 205lb, and has refused to rule out taking a shot at Fedor.
Matt Hughes
Still a top ten welterweight. Also building up his H.I.T. Squad academy in Granite City, Illinois.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
In the top five of most world rankings, there are plenty of fights on the horizon. The long-awaited showdown with Aoki would be box office gold.
Brock Lesnar
Serious illness has put Lesnar’s career on hold. Following a miracle recovery, he is slated to return in the summer.
Chael Sonnen
After years of toil, recent performances have put him on course for a shot at Anderson Silva.
Georges St Pierre
Rumors that GSP is ready to chase his dream of wrestling for Canada at the 2012 Olympics refuse to go away, regardless of his statements.
Cain Velasquez
With his KO win over Minotauro, the 27-year-old looks destined to play a big part in the UFC title picture over the next few years.
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