The UFC is home to some of the baddest men on planet Earth from all corners of the globe. One UFC fighter who has made waves since his arrival is Francis Ngannou a Cameroonian-French powerhouse.

Ngannou has made mince meat of all but two of his opponents. The knockout specialist fell short at the wrestling aspect of mixed martial arts.

Senegalese Wrestlers

Built in a similar way to Ngannou, are the wrestlers of Senegal. Senegalese wrestlers practice an art called Laamb. Laamb involves wrestling components from all over the globe including Russian and we’ve all seen how dominant Khabib has been. Which makes you think; with such imposing frames and natural raw strength like Ngannou, but added to a high level wrestling background could Senegalese wrestlers realistically become UFC world champions?

One person who had the same thought, is former UFC world champion and high level wrestler Cain Velasquez. Cain flew to Senegal to see what all of the hype was about; (Video credit – Olympic)

Watch here as Olympic do not allow embeds; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPULVY2qp4Y

Could Senegalese wrestlers compete in the UFC or MMA in general?

First things first, the ability to pick a guy up and dump him on his neck is the most important skill you can have, it’s almost undefendable when someone has greatly superior strength.

However, UFC’s growth has been built on striking and Senegalese wrestlers adopt a “slap boxing” style when in comes to Laamb. That’s not to say it wouldn’t knock your ass out, even a slap would put most men to sleep, but there are some very elite strikers in the UFC and Bellator. I’m sure Senegalese wrestlers would be popular, but would crowds be onboard with slap boxing and wrestling after paying $60 for PPV?

That’s also not to say that they can’t learn to strike with legs, elbows and fists, it’s certainly easier to learn to strike quickly than it is to become an elite wrestler which they already have.

Take a look at these African bodybuilders putting the entire world to shame, getting in great shape with self-made weights!

The Wrestling Dominance

We’ve seen many styles over the years in the UFC and MMA in general, but in recent years it’s become evident that the wrestler tends to beat the striker. That effect is amplified by 10 if the wrestler is of an elite level.

Just take a look at Khabib, he’s mauled his way through the lightweight division and has only failed to take down one opponent in 18 fights.

The wrestlers of Senegal have a similar setup to that of Dagestan. Where wrestling has been taught at a young age for generations, creating some real assasins.

The big difference is, the Senegalese wrestlers look far superior physically, which may be hollow when it comes to actual competition, but what if it’s not?

Will Senegalese Wrestlers takeover in the next 10 years?

Superstars such as “The General” and Baboye Bombardier (below) have inspired the next generation of Senegalese wrestlers.

With more exposure, greater prize money and big money sponsors, many of the superstars of tomorrow will have the opportunity to go and earn millions competing for the world’s most prestigious belts.

I predict a world heavyweight Senegalese wrestler within the next 8 years in Bellator or the UFC drug test permitting.