Skills the Next Generation of MMA Fighters Possess

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MMA has changed a lot in its short history. 

Fighters were once only disciplined in one martial art. 

Now, fighters train in many areas of the game. 

While there are still fighters who stick specifically to wrestling or striking, others have evolved to focus on all aspects of MMA. 

Here's a look at the skills that the next generation of fighters have. 

Takedown Defense

Jose Aldo stuffing a takedown by Chad Mendes- Photo by Sherdog.com

Wrestling is one of the most dominant bases for MMA. 

But if you are able to have great takedown defense, then an opponent's wrestling pedigree won't even matter. 

Guys like UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Edson Barboza may not have come from a traditional wrestling background. 

But, both fighters have been able to keep some of the best in the world from taking the fight to the ground. 

A Good Ground Game

Photo by: Daniel S. Archuleta/Sherdog

Although some people may think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a dying art inside the Octagon, without a good ground game, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. 

Even if you're not a submission specialist, fighters today should learn how to escape them and use them to set up other things. 

Training on the ground can also help you gain better positions, which can lead you to some great ground and pound, or a submission victory. 

Diverse Striking

Jon Jones attempting a front kick to Lyoto Machida-Photo by Esther Lin for MMAFighting

Although a great right hook or an uppercut can get the job done, if a fighter depends too much on just his hands, he can get predictable. 

Adding a diverse range of leg kicks, knees, elbows and attacking from different angles can oftentimes confuse a fighter's opponents. 

Diverse striking can also open up other areas in a fighter's game. 

Know When to Turn the Killer Instinct Switch on and off

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One of the things that sets the next generation of fighters apart from other ones are their game plans. 

Fighters like Jose Aldo, Carlos Condit and Jon Jones have a killer instinct. 

But, they also know how not to gas themselves out and stick to a certain game plan. 

Because of this, they don't have to depend on just a one-punch knockout.