2013: Year of the All American wrestler

It used to be that a black belt in BJJ was considered to be the benchmark for success in mixed martial arts. However, the sport has evolved, and the key determinant of success appears to be achieving All American status in folkstyle wrestling, or barring a collegiate career, becoming All State in High school.

Of the ten UFC champions or contenders for the vacant title, seven are former All State or All American wrestlers. By contrast, only two are BJJ black belts.

If Hendricks beats Lawler, all UFC champions from 170 up will be former All American Wrestlers, an unprecedented sweep.

Cain Velasquez

Two-time All-American in wrestling, a two-time Pac-10 champion, a junior college national champion for Iowa Central Community College.

Recently earned his black belt in BJJ.

Jon Jones

NJCAA All-American out of Iowa Central Community College.

White belt in BJJ

Chris Weidman

Two time NCAA Division I All-American (2006, 2007) Hofstra University.

Brown belt in BJJ

Welterweight title to be decided by Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler

Johny Hendricks

Four-time All-American at Ohio State University

Blue belt in BJJ

Robbie Lawler

All-State wrestler

Anthony Pettis

No competitive wrestling experience. 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo

Purple belt in BJJ

José Aldo

Muay Thai specialist

Black belt in BJJ

Dominick Cruz

Extensive high school wrestling experience. Did not wrestle at the collegiate level.

Blue belt in BJJ

Demetrious Johnson

Two time all State wrestler in high school. Did not wrestle at the collegiate level.

White belt in BJJ

Ronda Rousey

No competitive wrestling experience

Black belt in Judo, Olympic medalist