Cage fighting is one of the most physically demanding sports, combining diverse martial arts techniques with intense competition. While it’s thrilling to watch, it involves moves that can cause significant harm if not executed or defended against correctly. Below, we highlight some of the most dangerous moves in cage fighting and offer strategies for avoiding them.
1. Spinning Back Elbow
Why It’s Dangerous
- The spinning back elbow combines speed and force to deliver a sharp, devastating blow, often to the head.
- A well-placed elbow can lead to cuts, knockouts, or even concussions.
How to Avoid It
- Maintain Distance: Keep enough space to make it difficult for your opponent to execute the spin.
- Read Their Movement: Look for the telltale signs of a spin, such as a pivoting rear foot.
- Circle Away: Move laterally to disrupt their angle of attack.
2. Guillotine Choke
Why It’s Dangerous
- This choke targets the neck, cutting off air and blood flow. If applied correctly, it can force a quick submission.
- It’s often executed during takedown attempts.
How to Avoid It
- Takedown Awareness: Keep your head up and chin tucked when shooting for a takedown.
- Posture Up: Straighten your back to relieve pressure if you feel the choke setting in.
- Hand Fighting: Use your hands to break your opponent’s grip.

3. Head Kicks
Why It’s Dangerous
- A powerful head kick can lead to knockouts or serious injuries.
- The high velocity and impact make it difficult to recover if you’re caught off guard.
How to Avoid It
- Keep Hands Up: Maintain a strong guard to block incoming kicks.
- Read the Opponent: Watch their hips and legs for clues about an impending kick.
- Angle Out: Step to the side to avoid being directly in the line of attack.
4. Rear-Naked Choke (RNC)
Why It’s Dangerous
- The rear-naked choke is a highly effective submission that can render an opponent unconscious if not addressed quickly.
- It’s commonly applied when an opponent takes your back.
How to Avoid It
- Hand Control: Immediately grab and control the choking arm.
- Protect Your Neck: Tuck your chin to block the choke from being fully applied.
- Escape Early: Turn into your opponent before they secure both hooks.
5. Armbar
Why It’s Dangerous
- The armbar hyperextends the elbow joint, potentially causing severe ligament damage or a broken arm.
- It can be executed quickly, especially from guard or mount positions.
How to Avoid It
- Posture Control: Keep your arms close to your body when in your opponent’s guard.
- Counter Immediately: Stack your opponent before they can fully extend your arm.
- Stay Active: Constant movement makes it harder for your opponent to isolate your arm.
6. Flying Knee
Why It’s Dangerous
- A flying knee delivers explosive force, targeting the head or torso.
- It can cause knockouts, broken noses, or severe body damage.
How to Avoid It
- Watch for Setups: Look for movements like a lowered stance or sudden forward momentum.
- Stay Upright: Avoid leaning forward, which makes you more susceptible.
- Use Footwork: Step backward or to the side to create distance.
7. Leg Locks (Heel Hook)
Why It’s Dangerous
- Leg locks, especially heel hooks, can cause severe ligament damage in the knee or ankle.
- The twisting motion can lead to injuries that require long recovery times.
How to Avoid It
- Leg Awareness: Be cautious of leaving your legs exposed during scrambles.
- Counter Quickly: Turn in the direction of the pressure to relieve tension.
- Stay Calm: Panicking can lead to sudden, severe injuries.
8. Spinning Heel Kick
Why It’s Dangerous
- This move targets the head or body with tremendous rotational force, often leading to knockouts.
- It’s challenging to see coming due to its speed and unpredictability.
How to Avoid It
- Maintain Distance: Stay out of range of spinning techniques.
- Anticipate the Spin: Watch for a pivoting lead foot.
- Stay Mobile: Don’t stand stationary, as it makes you an easy target.
General Tips for Avoiding Dangerous Moves
- Study Opponents: Analyze their previous fights to understand their favorite techniques.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Panicking can lead to mistakes and make you more vulnerable.
- Work on Defense: Spend equal time training defensive techniques as you do offense.
- Conditioning and Reflexes: Good fitness and sharp reflexes can help you evade or withstand dangerous attacks.
Conclusion
Cage fighting is an intense sport where preparation and awareness are key to staying safe. Understanding the most dangerous moves and knowing how to defend against them can help you protect yourself while showcasing your skills. Whether you’re stepping into the cage as a professional or an amateur, a strong defense is as important as a powerful offense.