The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship stands as one of the most respected and challenging grappling tournaments globally. Yet, despite its prestige, it rarely sees participation from the biggest names in Mixed Martial Arts. Malachy Friedman, a seasoned BJJ black belt coach and grappler, sheds light on the core reasons behind this phenomenon.

The Heel Hook Hazard

Heel hooks are a potent and perilous submission technique targeting the knee joint. This move, while highly effective in grappling, carries a significant risk of causing severe injury. For MMA fighters, whose careers depend heavily on their physical well-being and ability to compete, the potential for a debilitating injury from a heel hook is a major deterrent.

In a discussion on The Everyday Perspective Podcast, Friedman emphasized the dangers associated with heel hooks. He pointed out that seeing fighters like Khamzat Chimaev in ADCC would be thrilling, but the risk of them being heel hooked is high. Friedman stated, “If somebody heel hooks Khamzat Chimaev, you took the easy way out. Good job getting rid of one of the most exciting guys in the division with a heel hook.”

Financial Incentives and Comfort Zones

Friedman further explained that for fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, participation in ADCC would require substantial financial incentives. “We would have to offer him so much money for him to enter into a competition where there are heel hooks and it’s against his type of rule set where he would feel comfortable,” he noted. Khabib, known for his dominant grappling in MMA, is not a leg lock specialist and would likely be uncomfortable competing under ADCC rules that heavily feature heel hooks.

This sentiment extends to other notable fighters like Nick and Nate Diaz. While their grappling credentials are impressive, the threat of leg locks in ADCC is a significant concern. Friedman expressed his desire to see them compete but acknowledged the risks: “I don’t want to watch Nick Diaz or Nate Diaz have to deal with leg locks.”

A Clash of Styles

The reluctance of MMA fighters to compete in ADCC is not just about the financial aspect; it also involves a fundamental clash of grappling styles. Many top MMA fighters are not specialized in leg locks, particularly heel hooks. Competing in ADCC would require them to adapt their training extensively, which may not align with their established fighting styles and strategies.

The Road Ahead

To attract big MMA names to ADCC, organizers might need to rethink their approach. Offering significant financial incentives is one solution, but it may not be sufficient. Adjusting the rules to limit or exclude heel hooks could make the competition more appealing to MMA fighters. However, such changes could alter the essence of ADCC, which prides itself on being a comprehensive test of grappling skills.

Malachy Friedman highlights that the primary reason big MMA names avoid ADCC is the high risk associated with leg locks, especially heel hooks. The potential for severe injury and the need to adapt their grappling approach are significant barriers. While fans dream of seeing their favorite MMA fighters compete in ADCC, the reality is that without substantial financial incentives and possible rule adjustments, their participation remains unlikely. The allure of ADCC lies in its brutal and comprehensive test of grappling, but for MMA fighters, the risks currently outweigh the rewards.

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