Cage Fighters’ Favorite Techniques For Winning Fights

Cage Fighters’ Favorite Techniques For Winning Fights.

In the world of MMA, fighters rely on a mix of techniques to dominate their opponents and secure victories. Each fighter has their favorite moves and strategies, often based on their unique skill set, background, and fighting style. Some fighters excel at striking, others are masters of grappling, and some combine both to create a well-rounded approach. In this article, we’ll explore the favorite techniques of cage fighters that help them win fights inside the octagon.

Cage Fighters’ Favorite Techniques For Winning Fights
Cage Fighters’ Favorite Techniques For Winning Fights

1. The Knockout Punch (Striking)

One of the most favored techniques among cage fighters is the knockout punch. Fighters train tirelessly to land powerful strikes that can end the fight in an instant. The knockout punch is often the result of perfect timing, accuracy, and power.

Famous fighters like Conor McGregor are known for their knockout ability, often relying on their left hand to secure a victory. McGregor’s left hand is renowned for its precision and ability to put opponents to sleep with just one punch. His ability to read his opponents and set up clean strikes makes him a dangerous force in the cage.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Can end a fight in seconds.
  • Highly effective when executed correctly.
  • Demoralizing for the opponent.

Common Knockout Techniques:

  • Straight Punches: Clean and direct strikes aimed at the opponent’s head or body.
  • Hooks: Powerful punches that come from the side, often used to land in the opponent’s jaw or temple.
  • Uppercuts: A punch delivered from below, targeting the chin or the body, and effective in close-range fights.

2. The Armbar (Submission)

For fighters who specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the armbar is a go-to submission. It’s a versatile technique that can be applied from many positions, including guard, mount, or top control. The goal is to hyperextend the opponent’s arm, forcing them to submit or risk injury.

Ronda Rousey became famous for her armbar submissions in the early days of her UFC career, submitting nearly every opponent she faced with this technique. Her mastery of the armbar allowed her to dominate the women’s bantamweight division for several years.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Highly effective in both stand-up and ground fighting.
  • Can be applied quickly, catching the opponent off guard.
  • Minimal risk for the fighter attempting the move.

Key Armbar Positions:

  • Guard Position: The fighter on the bottom isolates the opponent’s arm to set up the armbar.
  • Mount Position: The fighter on top locks the opponent’s arm while controlling their body.

3. The Rear-Naked Choke (Submission)

The rear-naked choke (RNC) is one of the most feared submission techniques in MMA. It involves choking the opponent from behind by wrapping the arm around their neck and applying pressure until they either tap out or lose consciousness. The RNC is most effective when executed from back control, where the fighter has complete control over their opponent’s movements.

Khabib Nurmagomedov used this technique to finish several of his fights, showcasing his dominance in grappling and control. The rear-naked choke is particularly popular among fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds, as it allows them to control their opponent and transition to the choke effortlessly.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Difficult to escape once properly applied.
  • Effective in controlling and finishing the opponent.

How It’s Executed:

  • The fighter takes the opponent’s back, wraps their arm around the neck, and applies pressure to choke them.

4. The Takedown (Grappling)

The takedown is one of the fundamental techniques in MMA, used to bring the fight to the ground where a fighter can control their opponent. Takedowns are commonly used by wrestlers, but many MMA fighters from different backgrounds incorporate them into their game.

Daniel Cormier is a prime example of a fighter who excels in takedowns. His Olympic wrestling background allowed him to dominate his opponents with smooth and powerful takedowns, often setting up ground control and dominant positions. Takedowns not only score points but can also tire out opponents and neutralize their striking.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Allows the fighter to control the pace of the fight.
  • Effective against powerful strikers who excel in stand-up fighting.
  • Provides opportunities for submissions and ground-and-pound.

Common Takedowns:

  • Single Leg Takedown: The fighter grabs one of the opponent’s legs and drives them to the ground.
  • Double Leg Takedown: Both legs are attacked, with the fighter driving their opponent’s body to the mat.
  • Trips: A technique where the fighter uses their legs or feet to trip their opponent while maintaining control.

5. Ground-and-Pound (Striking)

Once the fight hits the ground, some fighters prefer to impose their will by utilizing ground-and-pound techniques. This style involves striking an opponent while they’re on the ground, often from top control positions like side control or full mount. Ground-and-pound is effective at wearing down the opponent, breaking their spirit, and landing significant strikes that can end the fight.

Stipe Miocic and Cain Velasquez are prime examples of fighters who have mastered the art of ground and pound. They use their wrestling skills to get their opponents to the ground, then unleash a barrage of strikes, making it hard for their opponents to escape or recover.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Puts significant pressure on the opponent.
  • Forces them to defend and can lead to submissions or knockouts.
  • Controls the fight and scores points.

Common Ground-and-Pound Positions:

  • Full Mount: The fighter is on top, raining down punches and elbows.
  • Side Control: The fighter is on top, maintaining control while delivering strikes.
  • Half Guard: The fighter can strike while maintaining the top position.

6. The Head Kick (Striking)

The head kick is a powerful and dangerous technique that can instantly change the course of a fight. A cleanly landed head kick can knock out an opponent, especially when they don’t see it coming. It’s a move often used by strikers with excellent flexibility and timing.

Anderson Silva is famous for his ability to land spectacular head kicks, with his knockout of Vitor Belfort being one of the most iconic in UFC history.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • It can lead to an immediate knockout.
  • Hard to defend when set up properly.
  • Adds variety to a fighter’s striking game.

How It’s Executed:

  • The fighter uses their lead or rear leg to kick the opponent’s head, usually with a high, swift motion.

7. The Spinning Backfist (Striking)

The spinning back fist is a flashy and unpredictable technique that can catch an opponent off guard. By spinning and delivering a punch with the back of the fist, the fighter can land a strike with surprising speed and power. This technique is popular among fighters with a striking background, such as those with a karate or taekwondo base.

Why Fighters Love This Technique:

  • Unpredictable and difficult to defend.
  • Can lead to spectacular knockouts.
  • Adds flair and excitement to a fighter’s striking game.

How It’s Executed:

  • The fighter spins their body while keeping their fist extended, aiming for the opponent’s head.

Conclusion

Cage fighters use a wide variety of techniques to win fights, and each fighter has their preferences based on their strengths and training. Whether it’s the knockout punch, a powerful takedown, or a slick submission, these techniques are what make MMA such an exciting and unpredictable sport.