MMA is a mixed martial art, so the combination of various techniques during fights is incredibly important. Among these, kicks play a crucial role in controlling and attacking opponents. Let’s take a look at some of the most common kicks in MMA today.
Low Kick
Low Kick targets the thigh and calf of the opponent. The main goal of this kick is to weaken the opponent’s leg, making it difficult for them to move freely. The fighter uses their shin to strike the outer or inner thigh of the opponent, focusing force on a single point to maximize damage. This technique not only causes pain but also disrupts the opponent’s balance, making it easier to take them down. Its effectiveness lies in diminishing the opponent’s mobility, reducing their attacking power, and undermining their confidence in the fight.
Roundhouse Kick
Roundhouse Kick is a powerful strike often aimed at the body or head of the opponent. This kick requires a combination of speed, technique, and strong hip movement to achieve the best effect. When executing this kick, the fighter must rotate their body and swing their leg in a circular motion, targeting the opponent’s body and creating distance to continue using other techniques. If it connects with the head or chest, it can cause serious damage.
Spinning Back Kick
Spinning Back Kick is considered extremely dangerous, targeting the midsection or head of the opponent. This kick demands high precision, as the fighter turns their back to the opponent before delivering the strike. The fighter needs to rotate their hips and leg forcefully, delivering a powerful kick aimed at the body or head. This kick generates immense force and is often used to end fights or gain an advantage when the opponent is unguarded.
Front Kick
Front Kick, while simple, is highly effective for creating distance or counterattacking. This kick targets the chest or head of the opponent by pushing the ball of the foot straight forward, potentially causing the opponent to lose balance or suffer serious injury if it connects with the head. The Front Kick does not require excessive strength but demands precision and quick reflexes; if executed poorly, the opponent can easily evade and counterattack.
Axe Kick
Axe Kick is a unique kick performed by raising the leg high and bringing it down onto the opponent’s head or shoulder. When executing this kick, the fighter uses the heel to create a strong downward force, causing significant damage. The Axe Kick can lead to severe injuries if it hits its target, but it requires flexibility and speed to avoid being countered by the opponent.
Side Kick
Side Kick is one of the most powerful kicks in MMA, aimed at the body or legs of the opponent. This kick requires the fighter to rotate their hips and deliver a strong horizontal strike, creating significant impact, especially when targeting the ribs or thigh of the opponent. The Side Kick is often used to maintain distance and prevent the opponent from advancing.
Head Kick
Head Kick is one of the kicks in MMA that can immediately end a fight if executed correctly. This kick targets the opponent’s head with great force, potentially causing knockout or disorientation. To perform a Head Kick, the fighter must have high flexibility and speed to deliver the kick quickly. MMA fighters often use this technique to finish a fight, especially when the opponent is unguarded or fatigued from previous attacks.
Calf Kick
Calf Kick is a variation of the Low Kick, targeting the calf rather than the thigh like traditional kicks. Among the kicks in MMA today, this one is used to weaken the opponent’s leg, compromising their ability to move. Fighters often employ the Calf Kick repeatedly to reduce the opponent’s strength and defensive capabilities.
Oblique Kick
Oblique Kick is a tactical kick aimed at the opponent’s knee. This kick can cause serious injury and impair the opponent’s movement. It is one of the most dangerous kicks in MMA, capable of inflicting significant damage and often used to maintain distance or prevent the opponent from advancing.
Flying Knee
Flying Knee is not only one of the kicks in MMA but also one of the most decisive techniques. This kick is typically executed when the opponent is bent over, allowing the fighter to jump and strike the opponent’s face or chest with their knee. This is a highly damaging kick, and if performed accurately, it can immediately incapacitate the opponent.
