WHY BODY SHOTS ARE TO RISKY IN MMA PART 2

The Risks of Body Punching in MMA: A Deep Dive into Strategy and Execution

What's up, guys? Today, we dive deep into a subject that has sparked much debate among MMA enthusiasts: the effectiveness and risks of body punching in mixed martial arts. With the use of smaller gloves in MMA, body punching carries unique challenges compared to traditional boxing. Let's explore why body shots are a strategic rarity and examine the success stories like the Diaz brothers and Ilia Topuria who defy the odds.

Understanding Body Punching in MMA

First off, when discussing body punches in MMA, it’s essential to consider the smaller glove size. In traditional boxing, fighters wear 8 to 10-ounce gloves, which offer more protection. Conversely, MMA fighters use 4-ounce gloves, meaning counters are significantly more punishing. This factor plays a crucial role in the limited use of body shots in MMA.

Gloves and Their Impact

Body punching seems counterproductive when you risk exposing yourself to powerful counterattacks with the lighter MMA gloves. If body shots were a universally foolproof strategy, they'd be more prevalent. The sport has been evolving for over 30 years now, which is ample time for techniques to establish their efficacy.

The Exception to the Rule

The Diaz brothers and Ilia Topuria are standout examples of fighters who leverage body shots successfully in MMA action.

The Pressure Fighter's Advantage

These athletes thrive as pressure fighters — or to be more precise, extreme pressure fighters. Their relentless forward motion disrupts opponents' rhythm, creating openings for body shots.

When you're an extreme pressure fighter, you're going to mix it in.

This technique is not without nuance, however. The Diaz brothers, known for their high-volume, in-your-face style, still achieve success with body shots because they overwhelm opponents, making it difficult to counter.

Athleticism and Experience

Another critical aspect of Topuria's and the Diaz brothers' success is their athleticism and experience. Ilia Topuria, for example, is noted to be exceptionally more athletic than many of his opponents. This gives him the edge to execute strategies that might not be advisable for every fighter.

"Just because that style works for him, doesn't mean you should implement that."

MMA is a diverse field with varying strategies, and what's applicable for one may not suit others. Fighters coming up in their careers need to be mindful of their limits in athleticism and experience when choosing their techniques.

Body Shots in Strategy: Numbers to Consider

When integrating body shots into your strategy, consider the proportion:

• The Diaz brothers might throw body shots in less than 20% of their total striking.
  
• For most fighters, it's suggested to incorporate body shots less frequently, potentially as low as 5% of the total punches in an MMA bout.

The rationale behind this is risk management. Fighters are susceptible to counters, as seen in historical matches like Rampage Jackson versus Chuck Liddell, where a body shot counter led to a decisive finish.

Takeaways for Aspiring Fighters

For those new to MMA or coming up the ranks, it’s vital to keep these points in mind:

• Maintain caution: Limit body punches to around 5% of your striking arsenal.
• Factor in your style: If you're not a natural pressure fighter, adapt your strategy.
• Build experience: Accumulate years of training to mimic the dexterity and strategic diversity of top fighters if you wish to implement body strikes effectively.

Engage with the Community

If you're new to martial arts and are on the lookout for a gym, check out "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor". For any subjects you'd like further detail on, leave a comment.

In MMA, one size does not fit all. Approaches must be carefully curated to fit the individual's strengths and fighting style. While the body punch can be a valuable tool under the right circumstances, remember that the "exception does not make the rule." Keep innovating, training, and strategically evolving to maximize your potential in the octagon.

Thank you for engaging and feel free to share your thoughts!