4 Unique Techniques that You Can Learn from the Best MMA Fighters

If you’ve ever watched an MMA fight, you’ll know that there is a seemingly unlimited vault of different fighting techniques and moves that various fighters use throughout their matches. The technological and digital developments that have occurred in today’s sporting world have seen a rise in commentators and fans alike running a fine-tooth comb through each fighter’s moves and tactics.

Anybody can now watch a finely detailed video of the top 5 UFC fighters and their various strategies, as well as the lower-ranked fighters. The sport has become as much about technique and tactics as strength and power. Let’s take a look at some of the more unique techniques that fighters have incorporated into their strategy. 

The standing elbow

Occasionally, standing elbows are thrown to cut someone. They are capable of creating damage in a manner that is insurmountable by simple blows. Since the point of impact is stiff and composed of bone, elbows thrown with velocity at the head can inflict considerable blunt force injuries. 

When delivered properly at the edge of the elbow and tip of the forearm, these types of strikes can be as painful as, if not more than, a traditional punch, and at close range or in the clinch, elbows can be absolutely devastating because they can come across the body and do not need to be loaded like a traditional punch. 

Boxing guards typically cover the side of the head and the cheeks when blocking; however, standing elbows can pierce the guard if they strike the forehead. The elbow may hit between the opponent’s arms, and when combined with punches, it’s a wonderful method to deliver a strong series of blows that leaves your opponent guessing. 

All strikers would benefit from adding standing elbows to their arsenal; they are not exclusive to Muay Thai practitioners. Brock Lesnar demonstrated the harm an elbow strike could inflict on arguably a top five all-time UFC fighter, Randy Couture, even though the latter is a tremendously powerful individual and even a light hit from him could cause a great deal of agony. 

Body strikes

Body blows are a cornerstone of the boxer’s repertoire, yet this approach is underutilized in mixed martial arts. 

Frequently, fighters are overly eager to stand and trade blows with each other, throwing hooks and haymakers to the chin in an attempt to achieve a crowd-pleasing knockout and maybe collect a money bonus for the fight of the night. 

While this is a commendable effort, considering it is simpler to knock out an opponent with a blow to the jaw or temple, fighters typically overlook body punches in stand-up bouts to maximize their earnings. 

Though not as spectacular as a wild hook or flying haymaker, body punches and kicks have their place in mixed martial arts and can be just as effective at ending a fight. Quinton Jackson utilized these attacks to compel Chuck Liddell’s corner to throw in the towel in their first match, which was against the eventual UFC light-heavyweight champion.

Pulling guard

At first glance, one may chuckle at the inclusion of this method, but submission fighters must have a means of bringing their opponent to the ground, as the majority of submissions are performed there. 

Numerous MMA fighters are proficient in freestyle wrestling and utilize it as a main or supplementary art. This background provides them with a variety of takedown techniques, including single and double leg shots. 

Greco-Roman wrestlers are skilled in clinch-based sweeps, trips, and throws that bring the battle to the mat. The pulling guard is a technique performed mostly by Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners who are unable to take their opponent to the ground via traditional means or who desire to be in the bottom guard position.

Uchi-mata

The Uchi-mata is one of the most well-known judo throws, and can be utilized without difficulty in no-gi grappling. It resembles the hip toss or head-and-arm throw used in other grappling styles. It was popularized in mixed martial arts by judoka Karo Parisyan, and the unfortunate opponent who endured it has frequently been included in highlight reels. 

Fighters frequently fail to knock down their opponent for a variety of reasons, including a solid sprawl, balance in the clinch, or tremendous hip strength. 

If a double-leg shot is not executed quickly, the opponent will have enough time to react and block it. Likewise, it can be difficult to sweep or trip an opponent from the clinch if they anticipate such an effort.

Conclusion

As mentioned before, there’s a virtually unlimited supply of techniques that are out there, but the ones mentioned in this article are probably some of the most underused, underappreciated, and definitely unique ones.

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.