Ground Fighting: Two Sides, Two Perspectives [Part 1]

As most fans have grown accustomed to: Grapplers, specifically wrestlers, use a tactic that fans have coined 'Lay and Pray'. For the casual fan or those simply new to the sport, Lay and Pray is when a grappler takes down an opponent and does little to no damage, but maintain control on the top. People are quick to point John Fitch or Gray Maynard for this kind of style. This kind of style, while not 'pretty' to the casual or striking fan, is a sure way to win the fight and will stay for the foreseeable future. 

So with this style of ground fighting, should the man on top be given the nod for the fight? Or should the man on bottom be given points as well for their attempts to escape/submit?

Grappling, in its most simplistic form, requires a lot of energy. Wrestlers, Judo, and Jiu-jitsu requires a person to have a control of opponent. Wrestlers especially as, without submissions: the only way to win is with decision or with a pin. The man on top, contrary to the eyes in the fight, expends a lot of energy just to maintain control. It's hard enough to take down an opponent, but to hold them? The general rule is that it's easier to escape and less energy than it is to hold down an opponent. It is possible that these grapplers are going back to their old state of mind when fighting?

We've all seen it before: Grapplers, thanks to the gloves, have power in their hands and suddenly focus on striking with an opponent. Then, when they are caught, they either go back to their grappling to save themselves or else be knocked out or submitted. And for those who do lose their fight as a result, suddenly switch back to grappling. After all, it was the original reason that carried them to victory before. Why not use to control the fight and avoid being rocked again? Fans then label them as boring when the 'killer instincts' suddenly become lost when they decide to use grappling to take down and just maintain control. However, when coming to a revelation like that, a fighter could be looking into what is more important to them: The support of the fans or the fight itself. Having both is great, but for most fighters [with a few exceptions], will rather win a fight than the support. 

This kind of style, as I've come to notice, has a pattern. This style shines out when a grappling fighter is on a losing streak, close to earning a title shot, or is actually fighting for the title. Once a grappling fighter has a secure 'lock' on keeping on his job or rising to earn a possible contender ship, they'll explore new techniques and even show their stand-up skills. But it's always wise for a fighter to revert back to what they're originally known for.  

So should Lay And Pray fighters who control on top and win be condemned for having a style where the basic idea is to control an opponent? Of course, there are chances when a fighter can go for a submission or have better control: but if the man on bottom is not giving offense, why try to advance for position or worry about submissions? Especially if a chance to win the title, earn a title shot or even their career is possibly on the line.