Most Effective Kicks Used in MMA

Kicking techniques play a key role in modern MMA. From roundhouse kicks to front kicks and spinning techniques, cage fighters use different techniques to maintain their distance, disrupt the opponent’s movement, or do big damage.

The majority of kicks used in MMA originate from different traditional martial arts. This primarily includes Taekwondo, Karate, and Muay Thai. Still, it is crucial to remember that MMA resembles freestyle combat and that each of these kicks is adapted to the concept of cage fighting.

This means that the overall execution of the following kicks might be different.

Roundhouse Kick

This is one of the most fundamental kicks in martial arts. It involves swinging the leg in a circular motion, striking with the top of the foot or the shin.

When executed properly, the roundhouse kick can generate significant power. Fighters pivot on their supporting foot and rotate their hips, torso, and shoulders to generate momentum, transferring this force into the kick. The result is a strike capable of causing substantial damage to an opponent.

Next, roundhouse kick can target various areas of the opponent’s body, including the legs, body, and head. Fighters can adjust the trajectory and height of the kick depending on their opponent’s stance, openings, and defensive posture.

This versatility makes it a valuable weapon in a fighter’s arsenal, allowing them to adapt to different situations during a bout. Additionally, the length of the fighter’s legs and the angle of the kick can influence the range at which the kick can be delivered.

A powerful kick to the legs can weaken an opponent’s mobility and ability to move effectively, while strikes to the body or head can cause pain and create openings for follow-up attacks.

Front Kick (Teep)

This is a straight kick using the ball of the foot or the heel, aimed at pushing the opponent away or causing damage to the midsection. One of the primary purposes of the front kick is to create space and maintain distance between the fighter and their opponent.

By extending the leg straight out, the fighter can push their opponent away, preventing them from closing the distance or initiating grappling exchanges. Fighters also use it to control the opponent’s movements and disrupt their rhythm.

Fighters often use the front kick as a setup for other combos. For example, a fighter may throw a front kick to the body to draw their opponent’s hands down, then follow up with a head kick or punch combination.

However, front kick can be a powerful weapon. A well-placed teep to the midsection or chest can knock the wind out of the opponent, break the rib, disrupt their balance, and create openings for follow-up strikes or takedowns.

Overall, front kick is relatively low risk in terms of leaving the fighter vulnerable to counters. When executed with proper technique, the fighter can quickly retract the leg after delivering the kick, minimizing the chances of being countered by their opponent.

Side Kick

Side kick allows fighters to effectively engage opponents from a distance, utilizing the full extension of their leg to strike targets that may be out of range for other techniques. Its long reach makes it useful for keeping opponents at bay, controlling distance, and setting up other strikes or combinations.

When executed with proper technique, the side kick can deliver significant power and impact to the target. By thrusting the foot straight out from the body’s side, fighters can generate force from the hip and leg muscles, resulting in a powerful strike capable of causing damage to the opponent’s legs, body, or even the face.

You can target the legs to disrupt the opponent’s mobility, the body to inflict pain and damage, or directed towards the head to stun or knock out the opponent.

The other key advantage is the surprise effect. Side kicks can often catch opponents off guard due to their less common usage compared to more traditional strikes like punches or roundhouse kicks. Its unexpected nature and mobility can make it difficult for opponents to anticipate and defend.

Spinning Back Kick

This kick involves spinning the body and delivering a powerful strike with the heel. It’s often used as a surprise attack and can generate significant force.

The spinning backkick can generate significant force due to the rotation of the body and the speed at which the kick is delivered. When executed correctly, the heel or ball of the foot makes contact with the target, resulting in a powerful strike capable of causing considerable damage.

It is also a versatile technique. The kick can be adapted to target various areas of the opponent’s body, including the midsection, chest, or head.

The spinning backkick allows fighters to effectively engage opponents from a distance, utilizing the full extension of their leg to strike targets that may be out of reach for other techniques. It can also be used as a defensive weapon to counter opponents forward pressure. 

On top of that, spinning kick is visually impressive and often results in unforgettable knockouts. Its flashy nature adds an element of excitement to fights and showcases the skill and athleticism of the fighters who employ it.

Wheel Kick (Hook Kick)

The wheel kick, also known as the hook kick, is a spectacular and highly effective striking technique. Like other spinning techniques, the wheel kick can catch opponents off guard due to its unpredictable nature. Fighters often use it as a surprise attack, especially when their opponent is expecting strikes from more conventional angles.

When executed with proper technique, the wheel kick can deliver significant force to the target. By whipping the leg around in a circular motion, fighters generate momentum that goes into the kick, often resulting in a devastating knockout. Just remember how Edson Barboza knocked out Terry Etim with a perfectly placed wheel kick.

Although effective, wheel kicks require great timing, skills, athleticism and perfect timing. This is the main reason why only certain MMA fighters, usually the ones with a background in Taekwondo and Karate used them inside the cage.

Low leg kicks

Low kicks targeting the opponent’s legs, particularly thighs and calves is the most common kicking technique used in MMA. 

Targeting the legs with low kicks can significantly disrupt an opponent’s movement and footwork. By landing repeated strikes to the thighs or calves, fighters can impair their opponent’s ability to move effectively, making it more challenging for them to close the distance, retreat, or pivot and change angles.

Low leg kicks can also sap the energy of opponents over the course of a fight. Each successful strike inflicts pain and discomfort. As the fight progresses, the cumulative effect of these strikes can lead to decreased mobility, slower reaction times, and diminished overall performance. 

In modern MMA, it is not uncommon to see fighters finishing their opponents using low kicks only. 

The nerves targeted by low kicks are primarily located along the outside and inside of the thigh, as well as around the knee joint. These nerves, such as the common peroneal nerve and the saphenous nerve, are responsible for transmitting sensory information and controlling motor function in the lower extremities.

When a low kick lands on the thigh or calf, the force of the impact can compress or strike these nerve clusters directly. This compression can result in a sharp, shooting pain that radiates through the leg. It usually results in fighters having a hard time standing or even using the leg at all.