Fighters participating in grappling matches in between MMA fights presents an interesting opportunity. As the bouts don’t involve striking, it is far more likely that a fighter leaves the bout unscathed and able to compete again shortly. Only if a fighter were to wait too long to tap is there much risk of injury during these bouts, although they certainly could occur.
This allows fans to watch their favourite fighters compete more often, albeit with no striking involved.
Properly promoted grappling matches also present an opportunity for former fighters to make some money after they are no longer competitive in bouts involving striking. Case in point, Dan Henderson is choosing to compete just 2 months after retiring from MMA.
While Dan Henderson has an impressive wrestling pedigree, he is still a 46-year old man going up against a 29-year old super-athlete in Jon Jones. Jones should be considered a heavy favourite in this fight, but it is never a good idea to overlook Dan Henderson at anything.
