3:02 pm | January 16, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
It’s more than a balled-up fist. Don’t get us wrong, that’s a good place to start. But fighters will use slaps, shoulder strikes and virtually everything in between.
Traditional elements of boxing will always exist in MMA. The “jab, right cross, left hook” isn’t going anywhere. But watching elite strikers throw elbows as if they’re punches is a unique experience.
— BRETT OKAMOTOIllustrations by Eric Heintz
Photo Reference by Getty
Elbows
The best way to open a cut. A fight can turn on a dime if a slicing elbow colors the canvas red. Violent on the ground, and beautiful on the feet. Curtis Blaydes throws ‘bows like they’re going out of style.
Hammer fist
Balled fists of fury, whipping at the head of a grounded opponent. They can be an accumulative force (like Andrei Arlovski, below) or a one-shot KO.
Spinning Backfist
It doesn’t always land, but boy when it does — it’s a highlight reel waiting to happen. It requires creativity, confidence and a good “flow” to land this perfectly. Check out Petr Yan’s strike against Teruto Ishihara for a good look.
Superman Punch
One of the coolest-looking strikes you’ll see. Made famous by Canadian star Georges St-Pierre, the key is the little hop-kick at the start. That’s intended to draw a reaction from the opponent, which opens the punch down the middle.
Uppercut
The ones you don’t see coming hurt the most, and a perfectly timed uppercut is one you don’t see coming. In MMA, you can land an uppercut right as an opponent drops for a takedown, essentially multiplying the force. Night, night.
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