Brazilian Jujitsu, which is often simply referred to as BJJ, is one of the most common grappling arts for mixed martial artists to train in. It is a fantastic system of submission fighting that has evolved along side the sport of MMA since its inception. While you do see many MMA fighters who have a background in other forms of submission fighting, such as Judo or Sambo, Brazilian Jujitsu is arguably the most often used base for the submission techniques used by fighters.
Although BJJ as it was originally taught had all aspects of martial arts incorporated into it, both striking and grappling, the style was and still remains mainly a grappling art that focuses on the ground game with submission of the opponent as the ultimate goal in mind. A master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is adept at maneuvering himself into a dominant position where he can have control of the opponent’s body. It is from there that he is able to effectively apply one of the many submission holds in his arsenal.
The Brazilian Jujitsu tactics that are used in a MMA fight are going to be a little different than the ones used in BJJ competition. This especially holds true if you are talking about the BJJ used in a competition with the uniform (Gi) on. This is because in Gi competition the uniform is often used to grab hold of your opponents body and maneuver it into the proper position for a submission. You also see some submissions that are completely dependant on the Gi, such as the lapel choke. So it is obvious that without the Gi you will not be able to manipulate the body in the same way. In no-gi grappling and MMA your opponents actual body will provide the handles to grab onto so you can manipulate him into position.
Other things you will need to take into account is the fact that when you are fighting in mixed martial arts, your opponent can strike you. The different scenarios where this could effect the way you apply your Jujitsu are numerous. Take for instance escaping the mount by going underneath the leg of your opponent, rather than just trying to regain half guard. If you get stuck half way in this position then you will be in serious trouble. Because now your opponent is on top of you raining down punches with two hands and you only have one to defend with.
How do you prepare for these differences and learn how to apply your BJJ in a MMA fight in the right way? What you want to do is train how you are going to fight. What I mean by that is that you need to get in a lot of sparring sessions without wearing a Gi and with MMA gloves on. Also you should allow strikes both on the feet and on the ground. So by mimicking the conditions of a MMA fight you will quickly learn exactly what BJJ moves you can apply under those conditions.