Cael Sanderson on MMA " I find it fascinating but not for me.
 

Q Have you ever considered getting into mixed martial arts? In light of the growing popularity of the sport through the UFC, many of the fighters have strong wrestling backgrounds and given your credentials, I was just curious if you ever wanted to try your hand. --Mike (San Diego, CA)

I was wondering what you think of mixed martial arts becoming very popular in the U.S.? Do you believe that it is helping the sport of wrestling by encouraging men to learn the sport to be able to use it in MMA, or do you think it steals wrestlers and fans? Finally, would you encourage MMA as an alternative form of competition for your wrestlers after graduation? Thanks! --David P. (Macomb, IL)


Cael: "Hello,

I have gotten this question a number of times so I will answer it. I haven’t really considered getting into the mixed martial arts and/or the UFC. I find it fascinating but not for me. I have a ton of respect for the fighters and I cheer for the former wrestlers. But, if I had continued to compete after the Olympics it would have been in wrestling.

I don't think MMA steals wrestlers and fans, I think MMA actually gives wrestling more publicity. I also think it makes wrestling look more like a martial art.

Lastly, I wouldn’t recommend or not recommend it to former wrestlers because I haven’t done it myself and I don’t fully understand what it entails. I would hope each individual would make that decision for themselves—what’s good for some people may not be good for others.

Thanks,

Cael "


per http://www.caelsanderson.com/


I guess its good he stays away from MMA considering he is to amateur wrestling almost threefold what Fedor is to MMA.

Albeit he would bring credentials to mma no one can even come close too....he would have too much to lose if he were to get man handled in mma.

Good post, thanks.

This guy is a man beast an imo he is on a different level then Kos when it comes to wrestling.

If Cael was a good striker with decent bjj he would be a wild man beast

For some reason the Folkstyle and Freestyle wrestlers just aren't making the transition to MMA like the Grego wrestlers are. The Greco guys are known for being a little crazier and wreckless...I wonder if this has something to do with it.

He's the best wrestler of all time. Period. He isn't just on a different level than Kos ...He's just a super freak on another planet over any one in MMA who has strong wrestling..... Like I said earlier...Wayyyy too many variables in wrestling to go undefeated in D1 wrestling....I mean I still get goose bumps thinking about it....Then he won a gold medal in the olympics!!!

Theres nothing left for him to accomplish. Money probably won't draw him..He's got lines of wrestling equip and his family IS ISU wrestling. All of his family has went there. That was his dream job...He'll coach there till the day he dies.

In reality it has nothing to do with his style I think...I just think he has nothing else to prove and doesn't want to risk losing any status as a living legend.

On that note however...It would be so cool for him to join up with Randy's camp work on his ground and pound for a year before he ever fights...Or even AKA with Kos...I mean if he learned one more aspect well enough to be confident in it....and then got eased in like he was TUF fighter....I mean he could develop into an absolute monster.

Oh well....WIll never happen though.. Cool thought though

cael is the man....anyone seen "veritas" jon trenge documentary yet?