Why Body Punching is Risky in MMA

What's up, fight fans? I recently got asked a great question that, honestly, I've been hearing for years: why don't more fighters go for body shots in MMA? I've had this conversation with at least 10 or 15 different boxing coaches over my career. Every one of them insists, "You've got to go to the body more." But does this advice hold up in the world of mixed martial arts? Let's dive into it.

The Dynamics of Striking in MMA

When it comes to striking in MMA, it's a whole different ballgame compared to boxing. While traditional boxing encourages body shots due to the large gloves that offer some protection, in MMA, you're dealing with 4-ounce gloves. These gloves provide minimal coverage, significantly raising the risk of getting countered when attempting a body punch.

Kicks vs. Punches

First off, let's talk kicks. In MMA, kicking to the body—and really, kicking everywhere—is an essential strategy. Leg kicks, body kicks, and high kicks are all fair game and often necessary tactics to keep your opponent guessing. Kicks aren't without risk, but they provide a broader range and can be harder to counter compared to punches.

However, when we talk about body punches, the dynamics change drastically. As I've seen in numerous fights, including one where a fighter was knocked out after attempting a body shot, it's incredibly risky to engage in consistent body punching.

Why Body Punching is Risky in MMA

When you wear smaller gloves, the chance of getting countered increases exponentially. Fighters are much more vulnerable to counter strikes since the gloves cover less. This is true even for jabs to the body, which are generally considered safer in boxing.

I remember a particular fight from a few weeks ago, where a competitor went for a body jab and ended up eating a knee to the face, resulting in a knockout. The risk just isn't worth it most of the time.

Here’s a quote to ponder:

No matter what boxing coaches tell you, going to the body is not smart in MMA with little gloves, it's just not. It's too risky.

The Heavyweight Factor

This danger is even more pronounced in the heavyweight division, where fighters pack more power behind their punches. Heavyweight fighters often knock each other out with a single clean shot, and a mistimed body punch could mean an early night for the one throwing it.

Fighters like Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou rarely go to the body for a reason, and when they do, it's a very small part—maybe just 5%—of their overall strike strategy.

Adapting Boxing Strategies to MMA

Coming from a background of 20 amateur boxing fights, where I frequently targeted the body with bigger gloves, I had to adapt my strategy upon transitioning to MMA. The experience taught me that, as effective as body shots can be in boxing, they don’t translate well into the octagon.

Any fighter jumping into MMA needs to discern these differences. If a coach, who’s primarily experienced in boxing, urges you to focus heavily on body shots, take it with a grain of caution unless they have substantial MMA experience.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

The key takeaway here is to adapt and balance your strikes according to MMA dynamics. While sneaking in the occasional body shot can keep opponents guessing, relying heavily on them is unwise given the higher risk factors. Safety and strategic advantages should always be considered.

Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts below. If you're new to martial arts and looking for a gym, consider checking out The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor. Thanks for stopping by!