Today, mixed martial arts or MMA is one of the most popular fighting sports and while it hasn’t overshadowed boxing just yet, it has every chance to do so in the future. No wonder – it has quite a few show elements surrounding the fight itself, making it flashy enough for the masses, and it has all the skill and technique involved to never come off as “fixed” like pro wrestling, making it not only a great form of entertainment but one of the best fighting sports for betting.
Speaking of skill, there are many fans who, seeing how popular MMA (especially UFC) is today, consider training in mixed martial arts. Below, we have the three basic elements without which an MMA fighter stands no-chance in the ring or cage, no matter what shape it may have.
Striking
Every single fight begins with the two opponents standing face to face in the combat arena, with much of the fight initially involving punching and kicking. Fighting styles that involve the use of hands and feet at a distance are vital – after all, you have to get past a flurry of punches and kicks before you can grab your opponent, subdue them, and bring them to the ground.
Many successful MMA fighters have a background in striking martial arts. Conor McGregor is a boxer (even if his only professional boxing match was the one he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr), UFC Featherweight champion Max Holloway routinely uses Muay Thai techniques during his fights, and Stephen Thompson was a full-contact kickboxer and karate practitioner before transitioning to MMA.
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