Is the Olympic Training Center or Iowa State best for MMA?

TXUSAhwt · 08-03-2006, 09:12 PM

Hello I do not normally post but I do love this forum and value some peoples opinions on sherdog. I have been faced with a tough decision recently and am having the toughest time deciding between the two. I have been given the opportunity to wrestle at either Iowa State University under Cael Sanderson and Tim Hartung who will be my training partners or I could wrestle at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for Greco Roman Wrestling. I was wondering what people thought would make me better prepared for MMA in the future? Any input would be greatly appreciated! I hope to one day be an MMA fighter and know that wrestling at Iowa State would be helpful because I will learn the winning mentality that Cael Sanderson has and he has given me permission to train mma during the wrestling offseason and maybe travel and train with team Militech and learn from the best. I also could go to the Olympic Training Center and wrestle with the best Greco Roman Wrestlers in the country and could train mma with some of the Olympic wrestlers that fight as well. I have gone back and forth with my decision a thousand times but now it is crunch time and I have to decide by tomorrow.

So I guess my questions are...

1. Where would I most benefit in MMA between Iowa State and maybe training with Militech occasionally or the Olympic Training Center for Greco.

2. What looks better to the MMA world... NCAA Champion or Olympian?

3. What is better for fighting... Folkstyle/Collegiate wrestling or Greco Roman?

Thanks for all of y'alls input and I would glady give my two cents on any questions if you ever needed input.

One of the highlight tapes of me wrestling....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5KG11IhbeU

Rory McDonell · 08-03-2006, 10:23 PM

nice highlight. Thats probably the best suplex I've ever seen from a heavyweight.
my opinion on your questions:

1. Its a toss up, Iowa state and Miletiech would be better for MMA. Leg attacks are still important, and leg defence is crucial. On the other hand, Olympic caliber athletes at your disposal is nothing to scoff at.

2. To the MMA WORLD definetly Olympian. To the MMA world in the USA I get the impression that its about equal. My coach always jokes about the world championships of NCAA wrestling (blown out of proportion for one countries nationals).

3. I may get ripped for this, but I think folkstyle is better. You already obviously have an excellent grasp of greco, and folkstyle will work your leg takedowns/defences and conditioning better than greco.

hope that was helpful

Rory McDonell · 08-03-2006, 10:24 PM

p.s. might get a better response in the grappling forum

TXUSAhwt · 08-03-2006, 11:30 PM

thanks alot buddy! I liked your advice and will take it all to heart. I can always do the OTC after ISU also so I bet I will end up doing that. Thanks again and feel free to message me anytime!