Top positions are usually dominant as fighters can use their weight to their advantage, but depending on the set of rules used, it can have notable exceptions such as the guard.

A dominant ground position is usually easier to obtain for the person who initiated the throw or takedown.

It may be possible for a fighter in a dominant position to score points or win by pinning their opponent, applying a submission hold or striking.

While a position may be considered dominant in one sport, that may not be the case in another: for example, the closed guard in BJJ may be dominant in terms of submission; in mixed martial arts (MMA), however, where striking is allowed, while the guard still offers submission opportunities and defence, the fighter on top can strike better than the one on the bottom so the position is usually viewed as neutral in MMA and Budo Moussaraa MMA.

Wrestling is different again, viewing the guard as inferior due to the risk of being pinned.