"Jiu-Jitsu Off Your Back Is Becoming Obsolete".

Quote:

"Guys just know how to defend submissions. Everyone knows how to defend a triangle, the good fighters do anyway. You aren't going to tap Georges St. Pierre off your back."

Just a quote from Gray Maynard in Fight Magazine. No source but you can which includes a decent interview with him, and funny stories with him and Rashad.

Gray Maynard is closed minded.  All styles are evolving.  No technique will ever die.  It's just a matter of time before someone finds a new way.

I highly dislike Maynard. I hope Frankie triangles him to sleep when they fight, that'd be hilarious. It won't happen, but whatever

I disagree, but I understand what he's saying. Every top level fighter is training in BJJ, so they are learning how to defend submissions. I wouldn't say it's obsolete, because there are some very high level BJJ guys out there who can sub even the best fighters at any time. The bigger and more widespread BJJ becomes, the less triangles and armbars we'll see from the bottom.


Just so everyone knows, I am not agreeing with what Gray is saying, just that I understand what he's getting at. 

A guy like Pettis or Oliveira could sub Gray off their back.

Maynard likes to make very blunt statements that are never really true. Jiu-jitsu hasn't changed and although wrestlers evolved and got better they are winning because of the rules in the US, not because JJ doesn't work anymore. Giving wrestlers 3x5 minute rounds is like giving them a weapon. Giving them a cage is like giving them ammo. Guys like Oliveira and Pettis (like Swickotine mentioned) are still using JJ off their backs very effectively. 

I think it's silly that Gray would say this. He has to know his style of fighting (stand for 4 minutes, then shoot, as he did against Florian) is built specifically so he doesn't get submitted off his back.

I can guarantee both Oliveira and Pettis would school Maynard on the ground, whether the judges agree or not. Needless to say I strongly disagree with Maynard. 

Maynard clearly doesn't know Jiu-Jitsu.  It's not about just a triangle by itself.  BJJ is human chess, so you see a lot of high level guys winning with basic submissions, because they set their opponent up.  If you take a truly talented high level Jiu-Jitsu guy, he could most definitely tap GSP, Maynard, or any other talented wrestler in MMA today. 

I think it all depends on who the bjj and wrestler but Sonnen is one of the top wrestlers and he still gets subbed by guys on thier back

The guard has its place, but for the vast majority of MMA fighters, it's always better to be on top (assuming the back is not an option) when it hits the ground.

"If you take a truly talented high level Jiu-Jitsu guy, he could most definitely tap GSP . . . or any other talented wrestler in MMA today." 

How did Shields and Penn do with that?