WHY SWITCHING STANCES IS THE FUTURE OF MMA!

What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a topic that seems to stir up a lot of debate: switching stances in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Specifically, I want to address some outdated beliefs from old school boxing and kickboxing coaches. Despite the vast amount of available fight footage, many still believe that switching stances is a bad idea. Let's put an end to that delusional thinking and explore why switching stances is the way to go in today's combat sports.

The Evolution of Stance Switching in MMA

In the early days of MMA, stance switching wasn't as prevalent as it is today. Fighters typically adhered to one stance and mastered it. However, recent developments, particularly the incorporation of the calf kick, have drastically changed the game.

The Calf Kick Revolution

The calf kick has become a crucial weapon in MMA, and its introduction has fundamentally altered fighters' strategies.

Calf kicks have changed the sport. You need to be ability to switch stances.

The impact of the calf kick is glaringly evident in recent high-profile fights. For instance, Dustin Poirier's use of calf kicks against Conor McGregor was a game-changer.

Training Frequency Matters

One crucial factor to consider is the frequency of your training sessions. If you're only able to practice two or three days a week, switching stances might not be the best idea. Sticking to one stance would likely yield better results. However, for those who are in the gym five or more days a week, learning to switch stances can be a significant advantage.

Amateur to Pro: The Stance Evolution

If you're aiming to go pro, whether in the UFC or local circuits, or even if you want to have a few amateur fights, being versatile with your stances is almost essential. The ability to switch stances can provide you with a strategic edge, making you a more unpredictable and versatile fighter.

The Resistance from Old School Coaches

Many old school boxing coaches have traditionally been against stance switching. I've personally experienced this resistance, where my coaches wouldn't allow me to switch stances. It's frustrating, particularly when you know it could be beneficial.

Historical Examples

Take Mark Hunt, for example—a K-1 Kickboxing champion who got hurt with calf kicks in his fight against Bigfoot Silva. If a high-level fighter like Hunt can be impacted by calf kicks, it stands to reason that stance switching should be taken seriously.

Open vs. Closed Stance

Another aspect to consider is the difference between open and closed stances. When fighting in an open stance (orthodox vs. southpaw), calf kicks aren't as significant. However, in a closed stance (both fighters in the same stance), calf kicks become a deadly weapon.

The McGregor vs. Poirier Example

In the McGregor vs. Poirier fights, the calf kicks played a major role. McGregor's unfamiliarity with sparring against southpaws likely contributed to his downfall. Despite his efforts to check the kicks, the initial damage was already done.

The damage has already been done. So if you take four or five calf kicks, you can start checking all you want. If you've already taken four or five, almost too late.

The Advantage of Calf Kicks

One of the biggest advantages of calf kicks is that they don't need to be thrown with full power to be effective. Unlike thigh kicks, a calf kick at 50% power can still cause significant damage. This makes them a particularly useful tool in a fighter's arsenal.

Boxing and Stance Switching

Even in boxing, stance switching has gained recognition. Terrence Crawford, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, frequently switches stances. This should serve as a testament to the effectiveness of stance switching, even in a sport traditionally resistant to it.

It's crazy to see boxing coaches claim it's not good to switch stances when like, Terrence Crawford is pretty much pound for pound the best fighter in the world right now and he switches stances.

Practical Tips for Stance Switching

If you're considering integrating stance switching into your training, here are some practical tips:

1. Gradual Transition: Don't switch for the whole round. Start by switching for  20-30 seconds to land an attack and then return to your comfortable stance.
2. Work on Defense: Ensure you're practicing both offense and defense in your new stance.
3. Dedicated Practice: If you're serious about fighting, commit to practicing at least five days a week.

Final Thoughts

Switching stances is no longer a niche tactic; it's becoming a staple in high-level MMA. While old school coaches might resist this change, the evidence is clear—fighters benefit from being versatile.

So, don't knock it till you try it. Experiment with switching stances in your training, and see how it works for you.

Got any questions or topics you'd like me to cover? Drop them in the comments below. If you're looking for a martial arts school, check out my book, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor. 

Thank you guys.