Countering The Most Common MMA Attacks

In this article, you will discover effective techniques to counter the most common MMA attacks. Whether you are a seasoned fighter or just starting out, it is essential to have a solid defense against your opponent’s strikes. By learning the right moves and honing your reflexes, you will be able to neutralize their attacks and gain the upper hand in the ring. So, let’s get ready to enhance your defensive skills and become a formidable force in the MMA world.

Defending Against Strikes

In mixed martial arts (MMA), strikes are a crucial aspect of any fighter’s arsenal. Knowing how to defend against strikes effectively can make all the difference in a fight. Here are some essential techniques to help you defend against strikes and stay in control.

Slips and Rolls

Slipping and rolling are fundamental defensive techniques used to evade strikes and counter effectively. By slipping, you move your head to the side, just enough to avoid the intended target. It requires precise timing and a good sense of distance to execute a slip successfully.

Rolling, on the other hand, involves moving your head and upper body to avoid a strike while simultaneously countering. This technique is commonly used against hooks and uppercuts, as it allows you to minimize the impact of the strike while retaliating.

Blocking and Parrying

Blocking and parrying are defensive strategies used to intercept and redirect strikes. Blocking involves using your limbs as shields to absorb the impact of the opponent’s strikes. Different types of blocks, such as the high block, low block, and cross block, can be employed depending on the attacking technique.

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Parrying, on the other hand, involves redirecting an incoming strike away from its intended target. It requires quick reflexes and precise timing to effectively counter the opponent’s attack. Parrying is commonly used against jabs and straight punches, allowing you to deflect the strike while creating an opening for a counterattack.

Clinching and Takedowns

Clinching and takedowns are essential techniques to neutralize striking attacks and gain control over your opponent. Clinching involves grabbing onto your opponent, typically around their neck or body, to restrict their movement and nullify their striking ability. From the clinch, various takedown techniques can be employed to bring the fight to the ground where strikes are less effective.

Takedowns, such as the double leg and single leg takedowns, are effective ways to bring your opponent to the ground while minimizing the risk of being struck. By effectively executing takedowns, you can quickly shift the dynamic of the fight and gain an advantage over your opponent.

Countering Grappling Techniques

In MMA, grappling techniques play a significant role in gaining control over your opponent and seeking submission opportunities. However, knowing how to counter these techniques is equally crucial to maintaining dominance in the fight. Here are some strategies to counter common grappling techniques.

Escaping from Mount Position

The mount position is a dominant ground position where your opponent sits on top of you with their knees pinning your arms to the ground. Escaping from the mount position is crucial to avoid being on the receiving end of strikes or submission attempts. One effective escape is the bridge and roll technique.

To execute the bridge and roll, you bridge your hips upward while simultaneously turning in the opposite direction of your opponent’s position, rolling them off of you and reversing the mount. This technique allows you to regain control and potentially seek advantageous positions.

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Defending against Rear Naked Choke

The rear naked choke is a highly effective submission technique that targets the neck, cutting off blood flow and causing the opponent to submit or lose consciousness. To defend against the rear naked choke, you must first prevent your opponent from securing the necessary hand positioning.

One common defense technique is to tuck your chin to your chest, creating a barrier between your opponent’s arm and your neck. Simultaneously, you can use your hands to grip your opponent’s arms, preventing them from securing a deep choke. Using leverage and technique, you can then work to escape the submission attempt.

Countering the Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is another popular submission technique that targets the neck. This choke is executed by trapping your opponent’s head between your arms and applying pressure on their windpipe. To counter the guillotine choke, you must act swiftly and strategically.

One effective counter is to control your opponent’s arms and create distance. By doing so, you minimize their ability to apply the choke effectively. Another method is to shift your weight to the side and rotate your body, escaping from the chokehold and potentially transitioning into a more advantageous position.

Defending Takedowns

Takedowns can be a powerful way for opponents to gain control over you and potentially launch ground and pound attacks. Knowing how to defend against takedowns is crucial to maintain your standing position and prevent a potential shift in momentum. Here are some defensive techniques to thwart takedown attempts.

Sprawling

Sprawling is a defensive technique used to counter takedown attempts, particularly double and single leg takedowns. When your opponent shoots for a takedown, you sprawl by pushing your hips backward and driving your weight onto your opponent, making it difficult for them to secure a successful takedown.

Sprawling requires quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s movements. By effectively sprawling, you not only defend the takedown but also create an opportunity for a counter-attack.

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Whizzer Techniques

Whizzer techniques involve countering your opponent’s takedown attempts by using the whizzer, also known as an overhook. By controlling your opponent’s arm and applying pressure, you can disrupt their balance and prevent them from completing the takedown.

Whizzer techniques are particularly effective against single leg takedowns, as they allow you to maintain leverage and control over your opponent. With proper execution, you can thwart their takedown attempt and potentially create an opportunity for a counter-attack.

Defending Single and Double Leg Takedowns

Defending single and double leg takedowns requires a combination of sprawling, balance, and technique. By utilizing techniques such as the limp leg defense and whizzer techniques mentioned earlier, you can effectively defend against these takedowns.

The limp leg defense involves lifting your leg and pulling it back when your opponent attempts a single leg takedown, making it challenging for them to secure a hold on your leg. On the other hand, defending against double leg takedowns may involve sprawling and utilizing underhooks to disrupt your opponent’s balance.

By understanding and implementing these defensive techniques, you can thwart takedown attempts and maintain your standing position, keeping the fight where you are most comfortable.