Exploring The Most Effective Strikes In MMA

MMA is one of the most technical sports in the world. Fighters are unique in their own ways, and dangerous in many different areas. It's a beautiful sport, with so many techniques, styles, and game plans. From razor-sharp jabs to sneaky spinning elbows, and even calf kicks, MMA has it all. Whether you're a seasoned professional or you're just starting out, effective striking will elevate your game to the next level. Let's explore some of the most effective strikes in the sport of mixed martial arts. 

1. The Basic Jab

Everyone knows that the jab is the bread and butter of effective striking. Time after time, we've seen the experts win their fights behind the jab. Whether to keep a distance or set up a combination, the jab is the fundamental strike in everyone's toolbox. A lot of people underestimate the jab, but it's highly effective in gauging distance, disrupting rhythm, and creating openings. If you want to see an example of how a fighter used the jab to shift their game plan and win the fight, Watch the Usman v Burns fight at UFC 258. 

2. The Cross (Straight Punch)

The cross is the punch that generally follows the jab. It's a straight powerful strike, down the pipe. The cross is an effective KO tool when set up right. The cross is generally thrown with explosive power when you sit down on it and is usually through to the body (for a setup up top) or to the opponent's head. The cross is generally the second strike you learn and is thrown from your dominant hand. The cross has the potential to change the course of the fight or turn the lights out when executed well. 

3. Spinning Kick/Backfist 

The spinning attacks are generally very flashy, but when timed right and thrown when your opponent is off guard, they can be very effective. The best spinning backfists/kicks are non-telegraphed and the kicks are generally thrown to the body to take the wind out, while the spinning backfirst is generally thrown at the head. Spinning attacks can be devastating by rotating the whole body and generating large forces of momentum. They can be risky if you leave yourself open to be countered, but if executed effectively they can be a game changer. 

4. Low Leg Kicks

Although low-leg kicks don't sound like anything substantial, any person who has been kicked in the legs will tell you they are. Low-leg kicks involve kicking the opponent's lead leg (usually the calf or thigh). These kicks are best known to slow down an opponent's movement, force an unwanted stance shift and inflict pain. We're seeing more and more stoppages from leg kicks these days and is a very good tactic used by many MMA fighters. When mobility is compromised, a fighter has to change their game plan, and can be forced to slow down or even grapple to protect the legs. It also keeps your opponent guessing, which creates opportunities to go high. 

5. Muay Thai Clinch 

In close range, the Muay Thai Clinch with knee strikes can be a highly effective tool. Usually, when the fighter has their opponent in a clinch, they'll control their head and neck and can deliver some devastating knees to the body and sometimes the head with sheer force. Relentless knee strikes will massively slow down an opponent and have serious potential to finish the fight. Some of the best fighters use this as a dangerous weapon when fighters tie up. There's been a lot of pretty epic UFC finishes via this move!

6. Roundhouse 

The roundhouse is executed with the lead or real leg, using full body momentum, and can be used to target the opponent's body, head, and even legs. Whether aimed at the head or body, the sheer power of a roundhouse can be brutal. It's a relatively easy kick to learn and is a versatile weapon when in the cage. 

Mastering effective techniques in MMA is without question a necessity. These are just our picks. But we have to give some honorable mentions to spinning elbows, flying knees, and uppercuts. By honing in on these techniques as some of your foundations, you'll be more well-equipped to get busy on your feet, which helps with your stand-up confidence. 

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