Mixed martial arts is one of the most physically demanding sports in existence. The entire body is used in a match, and various combinations of speed and strength are used by competitors to gain an advantage over their opponents. But physicality isn't the only attribute of the sport -- in addition to split-second reactions, the fighting style a competitor chooses determines both the way he attacks and the way his opponent tries to defeat them. Grappling techniques are used when the fight goes to the floor, with the competitors trying to force a submission and win the match.
Judo
Judo is a variation on jiu-jitsu that aims to train both the body and the mind. One of the hallmarks of this method is the throwdown techniques, which make it easier for a competitor to get his opponent on the ground and fight through grappling. Judo is also a strong grappling method in terms of self-defense tactics, and rather than throwing punches it emphasizes holds, chokes and armlocks to subdue an opponent and force a submission.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Also called BJJ for short, this fighting style can be applied both in stand-up and grappling, although its impact is more pronounced in grappling. BJJ is related to judo in the way it emphasizes chokeholds and other strength-related holds, but the holds can be employed in various ways from both the front, side or back of an opponent. Unlike judo, BJJ also features the "ground and pound" technique, in which a fighter in a top position unleashes a barrage of punches to try and knock out, or at least wear out, the opponent.
Wrestling
Wrestling is closely related to the type of grappling employed in collegiate wrestling and other traditional forms of wrestling. Wrestling can employ an incredible amount of control over the opponent, and its greatest strength lies in the grappler's endurance -- wrestling can exhaust an opponent, making it easier to achieve submissions. Ground and pound is sometimes used, but wrestling usually leads to longer fights since instant finishes like knockouts and submissions aren't always the wrestler's strength, at least on the ground.
Considerations
Although grappling skills are needed by any individual entering a mixed martial arts competition, the strength of these skills varies depending on the competitor's emphasis in training. Fighters who are much better at stand-up fighting are more likely to possess minimal grappling skills, mostly concerning defense to get back up on their feet. Other competitors, on the other hand, will try to tire out an opponent before wrestling them down to the ground where they have a decided advantage. Many collegiate wrestlers transition to mixed martial arts and are effective in grappling because it uses so many skills they have developed over the years.
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