Why Feints Are Crucial in MMA

Mar 21, 2025By James Vick
James Vick

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a topic that can really elevate your fighting game: feints. If you're into mixed martial arts, or even if you're just starting out, understanding and implementing feints can give you a significant edge. I recently stumbled upon a short clip of Tom Aspinall discussing the importance of feints in his routine, and it struck a chord with me. I regret not focusing more on this aspect earlier in my career. So let's break down why feints are so essential in MMA.

The Art of Feinting

Feinting is an art in itself. It's all about setting up your shots, disturbing your opponent's rhythm, and creating openings. Dominick Cruz, my coach during my time on The Ultimate Fighter, was a master of this. Watching him was like a masterclass in how to effectively use feints in combat.

Why Feints Matter

Feints are crucial for several reasons:

Setup for Strikes:

  • Feints help to create openings for your punches and kicks.
  • They trick your opponent into reacting, giving you a chance to land clean shots.

Defensive Strategy:

  • By constantly feinting, you keep your opponent guessing and reactive.
  • This disrupts their offensive strategy and allows you to dictate the pace of the fight.

Versatility:

  • Feints can be executed with various body parts: shoulders, hips, feet, and even hands.
  • Experimenting with different types of feints can confuse your opponent, making it difficult for them to predict your next move.

Types of Feints

Here's a breakdown of some common feints used in MMA:

  • Shoulder Feints: Give the illusion of an incoming punch.
  • Foot Feints: Mimic the start of a kick to disturb your opponent's balance.
  • Hip Feints: Often used to deceive your opponent into anticipating a body kick.
  • Hand Feints: Quick movements of your hands to mislead the opponent.

Feint to Offense and Defense

A good feint is not just about offense. It’s equally important for defense. When you feint effectively, you can keep your opponents on their toes, always questioning your next move. This constant guessing game tires and frustrates them, making your actual attacks even more effective.

Defensive Feints

A defensive feint is a proactive approach to fighting. You're not just sitting back, waiting to block or dodge strikes. Instead, you’re putting the opponent on the back foot, forcing them to react to your feints.

Offense Through Defense

A famous example of a defensive feint leading to offense is Kevin Randleman's fight against Mirko Cro Cop. Randleman used a level change feint to set up a devastating hook, securing a knockout victory. If you're curious, go back and watch that iconic fight.

Integrating Feints into Your Routine

If you're serious about improving your skills, then you need to incorporate feints into your daily practice. Here’s how you can start:

Practical Tips

Start Simple:

  • Focus on mastering five or six basic feints first.
  • Practice them daily until they become second nature.

Combine Feints with Strikes:

  • For example, feint a jab to set up a right hand.
  • Fake a low kick before executing a flying knee.

Study Fighters:

  • Watch videos of fighters known for their feints, like Dominick Cruz and Israel Adesanya.
  • Analyze how they use feints to create opportunities.

Ask for Guidance:

  • Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your coach.
  • Bring videos and ask them to guide you in implementing these techniques.

Evolving with the Sport

MMA is constantly evolving. Techniques that seemed rare or unconventional a few years ago, like calf kicks, are now mainstream. Similarly, feints are becoming an indispensable part of modern martial arts. If you're not fluent in feinting, you're likely missing out on a critical component of fighting strategy.

Conclusion

Feints are a crucial aspect of both offense and defense in MMA. By mastering the art of feinting, you can control the pace of the match, deceive your opponent, and create significant openings for your attacks. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or a newbie, integrating feints into your repertoire is essential.

Remember, the best time to start mastering feints is now. So get practicing, keep evolving, and take your MMA skills to the next level. If you have any questions or other topics you'd like to explore, feel free to leave a comment below!

Thanks, and happy training!

Further Resources

If you're new to martial arts or looking for guidance, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guidance: Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor."