Boxing for MMA

MongoMudd · 06-16-2008, 01:53 PM

Basically I would like to run some quotes past some boxing and MMA experts. These quotes come from my boxing instructor over the past month or so and deal mostly with defense. Please let me know if they are accurate in your opinion. The only real reason I am questioning them is because my instructor has limited experience with MMA. Thanks in advance for the help everyone.

1. "Most evasion tactics (other than moving/range) are dangerous in MMA" Here he was trying to convey that bobbing & weaving, slipping and especially ducking are too dangerous in MMA because they either get you taken down or get you kicked/kneed. He went on to say that "you are better off blocking a hook than ducking one."

2. "Slipping should be used against the jab but not much against power punches...Slipping inside a power punch gets you clinched and slipping outside a power punch gets you kneed"

3. "Despite the size of the gloves (in MMA) the block is still your best friend."

4. "Every fighter has only one angle." I have to explain this one. He was telling me that in MMA because of the use of kicks, a fighter should never step toward his opponent's power side like you may see from time to time in boxing. At least never when they are in striking range. So you always circle toward an orthodox fighter's left side and a southpaw's right side.

5. "Feinting is effective in MMA but drawing is not." He explained that unlike boxing, MMA has too many variables to be able to predict what you are going to be drawing your opponent to do. "You may think you are drawing a jab but will get a head kick" he said.

6. This next quote actually has to do with offense. "The jab to the body isn't worth it in a 3 round fight." He explained that lowering your level to use a jab to the body is too risky for the reward. In boxing you can wear an opponent down using the jab to the body round after round but when you only have 3 rounds to work with you are better off jabbing to the head or using a more powerful technique to the body.

7. "90% of the time you are standing and boxing (striking), you are outside of the striking zone." He was trying to emphasize how movement and range are the best defensive techniques for MMA. Having watched a lot of MMA fights this seems true but it still stuck out as a quote.

Stand-Up! · 06-16-2008, 02:08 PM

You can bob and weave in boxing no problem, but not in MMA. I do this, but it is modified. You can still bob and weave going verticle. It works very well and you won't get kneed.

Also, it's better to slap the punches away. Small gloves do nothing when trying to cover up. You can slip right through the holes! Only block hooks.

Also, be cautious of level changes, but don't be afraid to use them. Keep verticle. A good rule in general in MMA is not to lean into anything.

Other than that, he sounds like a good trainer.

MongoMudd · 06-16-2008, 02:21 PM

As far as #3 goes, he went on to say that since your forearm, elbow, and shoulder are all the same size as they were when you were boxing, all you are losing is the glove blocks. He also said something about smaller gloves mean he hurts his hand when you block with an elbow.

Stand-Up! · 06-16-2008, 02:35 PM

We are finally starting to see all forms of martial arts and fighting being adapted to MMA. You have to adapt everything basically. It's a whole new sport.

My philosiphy on stand up is new and not widely popular with some of the armchair fighters I have come across. I block body kicks with elbows, but that's kinda advanced. If you start lightly slapping the punches coming at you, you can counter every one of them with a jab or cross. You'll also find how well straight punches work in MMA compared to boxing. This is big. Many fighters and trainers follow "old-school rules". lots of hook. Too many, I'd say. Concentrate on going straight down the pipe when this happens.

You'll also find shoulder rolls are pretty useless. I'd also develop a "push" front kick to keep your distance. Anyone can do it! Besides, you don't wanna get clinched. You'll take a judo throw, greco slam, or get caught in a thai clinch. All bad. Push them away and it will throw thier game off the whole fight.

fightingrabbit · 06-16-2008, 02:47 PM

I'll have to disagree with #3. Being elusive is your best friend. I dont think you should ever be looking to block anything. Puts you on the defensive and you're still taking damage.

**King Kabuki** · 06-16-2008, 02:48 PM

Gah. There's no such thing as "you can't ____ in MMA"...you don't want to get taken down? Learn to be ground savvy so you don't care, a-la Miguel Torres or Manny Tapia. You don't want to get clinched? Learn to clinch better.

There's a reason they call it MIXED Martial Arts. Proper mixing solves the problem of not being able to do very basic things from other Arts.

**ambertch** · 06-16-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoMudd

6. This next quote actually has to do with offense. "The jab to the body isn't worth it in a 3 round fight." He explained that lowering your level to use a jab to the body is too risky for the reward. In boxing you can wear an opponent down using the jab to the body round after round but when you only have 3 rounds to work with you are better off jabbing to the head or using a more powerful technique to the body.

7. "90% of the time you are standing and boxing (striking), you are outside of the striking zone." He was trying to emphasize how movement and range are the best defensive techniques for MMA. Having watched a lot of MMA fights this seems true but it still stuck out as a quote.

Well #7 should be obvious right? I mean, if you are in range why the hell wouldn't you be throwing? Your coach is giving you good advice here though: Stay out of range unless you want to engage. Otherwise you're just asking for it, especially with someone taller when you might be in that gray zone where you can barely touch them but you are well within their striking range

I dunno about #6. Lots of MMA strikers who have boxing backgrounds use jabs to the body for the other purpose of body jabbing - trying to get a reaction out of their opponent.

Yanoush · 06-16-2008, 04:31 PM

Not doing something because there is the possibility of something else happening is stupid.

Dont kick in MMA because your leg can get caught

Dont try for takedowns because you can get kneed

Yanoush · 06-16-2008, 04:38 PM

Not doing something because there is the possibility of something else happening is stupid.

Dont kick in MMA because your leg can get caught

Dont try for takedowns because you can get kneed

MongoMudd · 06-16-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Kabuki

Gah. There's no such thing as "you can't ____ in MMA"...you don't want to get taken down? Learn to be ground savvy so you don't care, a-la Miguel Torres or Manny Tapia. You don't want to get clinched? Learn to clinch better.

There's a reason they call it MIXED Martial Arts. Proper mixing solves the problem of not being able to do very basic things from other Arts.

As I said, he is a boxing instructor. His expertise is boxing and he is working in a MMA gym. I understand that this is MIXED Martial Arts, but this is the STANDUP TECHNIQUE DISCUSSION BOARD. If every amateur fighter was Miguel Torres there would be no use for this discussion board.