[slept thru it]

NO all you sherDOGS, this isn't about drinking from a woman's body. I'm seeking opinions on the use of body blows in Pride v. UFC. This isn't a Pride > UFC thread. I just want to discuss a difference in the ground game I noticed. Many fighters in Pride attempt more serious body strikes when they have their opponent on the ground. In the UFC the fighters don't seem to put any effort into their body shots, just weak arm strikes. Anyone else notice this? Am I crazy?

I suspect the reason is the difference in styles of the fighters and, more importantly, the rules. Because Pride allows knees to the head but not elbows and uses ropes insetad of a cage, there's more incentive to try to pass guard. Hard body shots help you pass guard. And from half guard, body shots are available as the down fighter tries to protect his head. In the UFC, the fighters can sit and try to rain elbows to the head from the opponents guard while driving them into the fence. So there's less incentive to expend energy passing guard and working the body.

[Chabum Armor]

I thought the thread was about someone whose sherdog user name was Body_shots

[seanpaul81]

There great some guys could stand better condtioning.

[muaythaiguy3]

body shots, watch kharitonov v ninja.

[genuspriest]

I notice this also, totally not a Pride Vs. UFC, it's damned true that the use of the bodyshot is severly over looked...look at the last Melvin Guillard fight, brutal bodyshot=awesome victory...I know that was standing up, I do wish UFC fighters would utilize the body shot destruction on the ground more though. They tend to go body/head, the usual, but what if they worked the body and then stood up? Bas always talked about his Bodyshot love! haha, what a phrase.

[Boondock]

Originally Posted by muaythaiguy3

body shots, watch kharitonov v ninja.

That was a great example of body shots changing the fight.

UFC's elbows probably make body shots a lesser option in the minds of fighters.

Often times on the ground; elbow to the face > Fist to the body

[chapel113x]

In the UFC you are allowed to throw elbows. That's the biggest reason you see fighters in PRIDE punch in the body alot more.

[chapel113x]

Originally Posted by muaythaiguy3

body shots, watch kharitonov v ninja.

Or what about Shogun vs. Lil Nog? Whenever Shogun was in the guard he kept throwing his elbows and forearms into his liver. You know that must've taken its toll.

[beatin'stick]

You could be right. I also see lots of standing opportunities going by. Esp with short fighters trying to get a TD on a lanky guy and having to chase him to aim at hit head. Joe Stevensons latest fight is a good example. his oppnt was very open for a left to the midsection, but joe kept chasing his head, and paying for it.

Fake the one-two, duck the counter, hard left to the body as he switches levels to avoid the TD.

Armchair QB, I know, but it was so obvious. Also lots of neglected chances to hit the body in the half guard.

[Cymen]

Body shots are one reason why Aleks gassed when fighting Barnett.