Best Striking Techniques for MMA

With the recent dominance of wrestling in MMA, learning good, balanced striking has become nothing more than an afterthought in the minds of many fighters. However, if one watches an Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, or Cung Le fight, we see how striking can become an art form.

In this Hub, I'm going to teach you the very best striking techniques for MMA and how to incorporate into your striking game and execute them quickly and effectively.

The jab is one of the most effective strikes that a mixed martial arts fighter can have in his or her arsenal. The jab can be damaging, but is best for setting up either a takedown or another punch or kick. When a jab is not thrown, it is a common result for the thrown move to be telegraphed because the fighter has nothing to focus on.

To throw the jab, bend your knees slightly, tuck your chin, and punch straightforward with your forward hand. Do not fully extend your elbow to avoid injury. When throwing the jab, simultaneously step forward with your lead foot. This will add power to the jab. Retract your fist immediately to a fighting stance.

Utilize the jab often to set up different combinations or to create space between you and your opponent.

The cross is considered a power punch, and is usually set up by a jab, and followed with a hook, uppercut, or leg kick. The cross is a key component of any striking arsenal, and must be used by fighters going for the knockout, especially those that use "punches in bunches."

To throw a cross, punch straightforward with your rear hand. Bend your knees slightly, tuck your chin, and swivel your hips and move your body with the punch for maximum power. Your left shoulder should move back as your right moves forward. After the cross is thrown, remember to quickly bring your hand back to your chin to avoid counter-striking.

The uppercut is a mixed martial arts strike that is most effectively utilized in close quarters. It is often used in MMA because of the heavy use of the clinch game. Use when grappling for position to damage or distract your opponent The uppercut can also be used to stop an opponent going for the takedown in his tracks. While difficult to land on a charging opponent, the meeting of the opposing forces is sure to knockout or at least daze the receiver.

When throwing an uppercut, initiate the move from your belly to generate the most power. The uppercut can be thrown with either hand. Swing the fist in an upward arc with the intent to land the punch on the opponents chin or midsection. When in a clinch situation, the uppercut may need to be thrown straight up instead of in an arc.

The leg kick is a damaging mixed martial arts striking technique, and one of my personal favorites. When thrown properly, it can hobble a fighter and slow their movement. The leg kick can be used to begin or end a combination. When fighting a wrestler, make extensive use of leg kicks because weakening a wrestler's legs will slow their takedown attempts. Leg kicks alone have made a huge difference in several high profile UFC fights, most notably Machida vs. Shogun I and Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

There are two main types of leg kicks: Inside leg kicks and outside leg kicks. The inside leg kick is best used to throw an opponent off balance and to attack from an unexpected angle, while outside leg kicks are best used as a damaging weapon.

When throwing an inside leg kick, strike with your forward leg at the opponents forward leg, aiming for about one inch above the knee. To throw it, simply quickly swing your leg towards the opponent's front leg and slightly rotate your rear foot. The objective is to hit one inch above the knee with the shin.Thrown properly, an inside leg kick will lift an opponent's leg off the ground, making it easier to move in with punches and knees.

An outside leg kick is thrown with the rear leg, and is also aimed at the opponent's front leg. To throw it, begin by stepping slightly to the side with the forward leg and bring your rear leg down into your opponent's leg in a chopping motion. Again, the objective is to aim approximately one inch above the knee with the shin. Be sure to kick all the way through the leg, and not to pull back. This will allow maximum power.

The teep, or push kick, is one of the most underused MMA strikes there is. The teep is essentially a jab with the foot. It is especially useful against a charging opponent and can easily knock the wind out of anybody that is unprepared for it.

To perform a teep, lean back slightly for balance and lift the leg up to meet the opponent's midsection. The objective is to hit with the entire foot to either create distance or surprise a charging fighter.

Knees from a Thai clinch to the head is probably the most devastating MMA strikes in existence. Very few fighters can withstand more than a few knees to the head, and they are often used to end a fight. Anderson Silva has showcased this move several times in his UFC career.

To execute this strike, begin by clinching the back of the head with your hands by putting both hands on top of each other behind the neck. This can be accomplished any number of ways. Once you have the clinch, tighten your elbows so that the opponent cannot escape. Once the clinch is secure, you can begin to knee the legs or body. To effectively knee the head, either wait until the opponent raises his hand to attempt to push off (creating an unblocked path to the head), or whip the head to either side or directly down into your knee. You may also find it effective to step back, allowing for greater space for your leg, and then knee to the head.

CAUTION: Because of the extremely dangerous nature of this move, do not use this particular MMA strike in sparring practice. Save it for the competitions.