Greg Jackon’s records is certainly out of character in the MMA world. Eighteen years old, fresh out of high school, started his own martial art. Gaidojutsu combines basic kickboxing techniques and fights with judo locks. Since 2000, Gaidojutsu has evolved to include other martial arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Innovation didn’t stop there. Outside of his gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the 42-year-old pioneered the application of game theory in mixed martial arts.In a niche somewhere between saber-symmetry and theory, Jackson tries to find patterns in the chaos of the octagon.

On a notepad that he carries in his back pocket, he draws wild trees from every fight and battle session. Each point in the tree is a point in battle and a fighter’s decision. One way leads to the result, be it a draw or a win. Jackson’s philosophy is that every point (decision made) should be made with the aim of placing a fighter in an advantageous position. Jackson then uses the information from his game trees to train his fighters. For every situation in the game. Play trees reveal the most rational movement. the style draws parallels to other sports. Paul DePodesta, played by Jonah Hill in the 2011 film Moneyball, is credited with changing the way GMs viewed baseball.

With limited baseball experience from soccer, DePodesta was able to critically analyze the game’s recruitment and strategy. Before DePodesta, baseball statistics and training methods were relics of the 19th century. The revolution he started clashed with the conventional wisdom of baseball and was despised by traditionalists. Jackson reflects DePodesta in many ways. He has no allegiance to any style or creed. If a hit or move doesn’t consistently and efficiently deal damage to an enemy, stop teaching you. The constant analysis and improvement of his playing trees shows Greg Jackon’s records the best move and the best time for each of his 60 fighters.