ADCC competition can offer mixed martial arts fighters an opportunity to gain experience outside the cage, with ADCC India promoter Siddharth urging MMA athletes to test their grappling skills in competition.
In an interview with LockerRoom India, Siddharth explained why he believes MMA fighters should participate in submission grappling tournaments, highlighting the experience of facing multiple opponents and competing under pressure.
“Any MMA guy should be doing this, because it really makes your brain work over time, makes your body work, makes your heart stronger,” Siddharth said.
He argued that training alone cannot replicate the experience of competing against multiple opponents in a tournament format.
“You can train as hard as you can, but that competition experience is unmatched when you do tournaments such as ADCC,” he said.
Why ADCC Can Benefit MMA Fighters
According to Siddharth, ADCC gives MMA fighters an opportunity to test their grappling skills against opponents who may approach ground exchanges differently.
He pointed to the difference between how some Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners and MMA fighters respond when they find themselves on their backs. While a jiu-jitsu competitor may choose to play guard, Siddharth said an MMA fighter is more likely to attempt to wrestle back to their feet.
“An MMA guy, off his back, will not play guard, he will wrestle back up,” Siddharth said.
He explained that competing under ADCC rules can help athletes understand how MMA fighters react during grappling exchanges.
“So you get a great understanding of MMA when you do ADCC ruleset,” he said.
Siddharth also highlighted the demands of tournament competition, including facing multiple opponents and dealing with the physical challenges of repeated matches.
He said MMA fighters should take opportunities to compete rather than wait for a break between scheduled fights.
“No matter where you get a chance to compete at the highest level, compete,” Siddharth said.
Indian MMA Fighters Have Already Competed in ADCC
Siddharth pointed to established MMA fighters who have participated in ADCC competitions as examples of the crossover between the two sports.
“If you look at ADCC events all over the world, GSP has competed in ADCC. Sean O'Malley has competed in ADCC,” he said.
Referring to the Indian scene, Siddharth also mentioned Puja Tomar and Anshul. He noted that Anshul had been scheduled to compete in ADCC but suffered an injury three days before the event.
Siddharth believes grappling competition should be considered a valuable part of an MMA fighter's development rather than an activity reserved exclusively for submission grappling specialists.
“It's a no-brainer,” he said when asked whether MMA fighters should compete in ADCC.
ADCC as a Pathway for Wrestlers Transitioning to MMA
Siddharth also discussed how ADCC could provide a competitive pathway for athletes from wrestling and judo backgrounds who are considering a transition to MMA.
He described grappling as a natural starting point for athletes who already have experience in wrestling or judo.
“If he's a wrestler, he's also a grappler. If he's a judo guy, he's also grappling. He's a grappler first,” Siddharth said.
He explained that ADCC includes elements such as leg locks and guard work, which can also be relevant to MMA.
“If you're a wrestler, judo guy, do ADCC first, because that's a mix of all grappling arts,” he said.
According to Siddharth, competing in ADCC can also help athletes understand how MMA fighters react differently from jiu-jitsu practitioners during grappling exchanges.
Siddharth's Message to MMA Fighters
Siddharth's message to MMA fighters was direct: take opportunities to compete and test your skills.
He believes tournament experience offers something that training alone cannot fully replicate, particularly when athletes must face multiple opponents and adapt to different situations.
“Any MMA guy should be doing this,” Siddharth said.
For Siddharth, ADCC is an opportunity for MMA fighters to gain more competitive experience while testing their grappling against a range of opponents.
ADCC India 2026 takes place on October 17 in Delhi, with the event set to be streamed live on the LockerRoom India YouTube channel.
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