Best MMA kicks: techniques and champions

The article in brief

The best MMA kicks are essential in a fighter's arsenal, offering power and versatility. Here are the key points:

  • Superior impact power with fists
  • Variety of targetsfrom head to toe
  • Need a excellent balance and muscle control
  • Rigorous training to develop flexibility, endurance and precision
  • Used as tactical tools to create openings and control the fight

The best MMA kicks have become an essential part of any fighter's arsenal. These techniques, borrowed from various martial arts, have revolutionised the way athletes approach their confrontations in the octagon. From the devastating power of a roundhouse kick to the surgical precision of a front kick, these movements can change the course of a fight in an instant.

The art of the MMA kick: power and precision

In the world of mixed martial arts, mastery of kicking is a major asset. Unlike English boxing, where strikes are limited to the fists, MMA offers a wider range of offensive possibilities. Fighters can exploit the strength of their legs to inflict considerable damage on their opponents.

The MMA kicks are distinguished by their versatility:

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  • They allow you to strike from a distance
  • They generate greater impact power than punches
  • They offer a variety of targets, from the legs to the head

On the other hand, with this increased power comes the challenge of maintaining precision and balance while executing these complex movements.

To excel in this art, fighters must develop several fundamental qualities. L'balance on the supporting leg is vital, requiring a precise pivot on the front of the foot. The muscle control allows you to control the movement from A to Z, while thehip opening is essential, particularly for blows to the face. Finally, the speed is essential, as the natural mass of the leg is already sufficient to cause significant damage.

Training techniques for fearsome kicks

To achieve excellence in kicking, MMA fighters follow a rigorous training regime. Here are some key exercises for developing devastating kicks:

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Improving flexibility and amplitude

Flexibility is essential for high, powerful kicks. The facial split is an essential exercise for improving hip openness. The hurdler stretch, on the other hand, specifically targets the muscles needed to perform lateral and circular kicks.

Strengthening control and endurance

Static kick hold is an excellent exercise for developing muscle control and endurance. As fighters progress, they can add strikes while maintaining position, simulating real-life combat conditions.

Perfecting technique and precision

Racket training is a tried and tested method of refining technique and kicking accuracy. This exercise allows you to work on moving targets, improving your ability to adjust your strikes in real time.

Here is a summary table of recommended exercises and their benefits:

Exercise Main benefits
Facial splits Improved hip opening
Hurdler stretch Greater flexibility for lateral and circular shots
Static maintenance of the kick Improving muscle control and endurance
Racquet training Perfecting technique and precision

Best MMA kicks: techniques and champions

Advanced strategies to maximise kicking efficiency

As well as basic drills, MMA fighters use advanced strategies to optimise their kicks. Using weights during training is a popular method of developing speed and explosiveness. By adding weight to the legs during sessions, athletes increase resistance, which translates into greater power once the weights are removed.

The intelligent combination of kicks with other techniques is also crucial. A skilled fighter can use his kicks to :

  • Creating openings for fist sequences
  • Destabilising the opponent before an attempted throw
  • Control the distance and dictate the pace of the fight

This multidimensional approach makes best MMA kicks not only offensive weapons, but also invaluable tactical tools.

The importance of recovery and nutrition

Intensive kicking training puts a lot of strain on the body. Proper recovery and nutrition are essential to prevent injury and optimise performance. Fighters need to balance their diet to support muscle development while maintaining agility. Targeted strength training, combined with appropriate cardiovascular work, helps to develop the necessary power without compromising execution speed.

The evolution of kicks in the history of MMA

The use of kicks in MMA has evolved considerably since the early days of the sport. Over the years, fighters have refined their techniques, drawing inspiration from various martial arts such as taekwondo, karate and muay Thai. This evolution has given rise to unique fighting styles and memorable moments in the octagon.

Iconic champions have left their mark on the history of MMA through their exceptional mastery of kicking. In particular, we remember the legendary phrase used by one fighter to describe his devastating kick: " I kicked it with a submachine gun" . This evocative image perfectly illustrates the speed and power required to perform the best kicks in MMA.

The incident involving Russian fighter Idris Aburashidov, who was disqualified for kicking the head during an English boxing match, highlights the fundamental difference between the rules of MMA and those of other combat sports. In MMA, kicks to the head are permitted, giving fighters a wider arsenal and greater strategic possibilities.

In the end best MMA kicks are much more than a simple striking technique. They embody the very essence of this multi-disciplinary sport, combining power, precision and strategy. Mastering this art requires rigorous training, perfect mastery of the body's biomechanics and constant adaptability to the changing face of combat. For enthusiasts and practitioners alike, studying and perfecting kicks remains an ongoing challenge, promising ever more spectacle and thrills in the MMA arena.

Sources :

Boxing Wiki

Fighters' website

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