Most Effective Striking Combos For MMA
Striking is a key component of MMA fighting where each match and round begin in the standup. Out of all three elements involved, standup is the only place where you can finish the fight in the blink of an eye with a single blow to the head or body.
So in this article, we will focus on the most effective striking combinations used in cage fighting. The following list of basic and advanced combinations is essential whether you are an amateur practitioner or a professional fighter.
Let’s dive right into it.
1. Jab-Cross (1–2)
The Jab-Cross combo is one of the most fundamental and versatile striking combinations in MMA.
The jab is a quick, straight punch thrown with your lead hand. It’s used to gauge distance, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and set up other strikes. The jab can also be used defensively to keep your opponent at bay or to feint and create openings in their defense.
Following the jab, the cross is a powerful straight punch delivered with your rear hand. It’s typically thrown with more force than the jab and aims to penetrate your opponent’s guard.
In MMA or boxing, most fighters use it as a knockout punch as it delivers significant impact and can catch your opponent off guard, especially if they’re focused on defending against the jab.
So in essence, the Jab-Cross combo is about using the jab to set up the cross.
2. Jab-Cross-Leg Kick
This combo is kickboxing 101. One of the most basic combos yet very effective when executed well.
The jab serves as the initial probe in the combination, allowing the fighter to gauge distance, disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, and establish control of the engagement. In this combo, a well-placed jab not only keeps the opponent at bay but also sets the stage for additional strikes and creates openings.
Following up the jab with a hard cross down the middle. The cross, delivered with the rear hand, penetrates the opponent’s guard and capitalizes on the openings created by the jab. It aims to exploit any defensive lapses and create a breach in the opponent’s defense.
The leg kick is the final part of the combo and serves to capitalize on the breach created by the jab and cross. By targeting the opponent’s lower body, the thigh or calf, the leg kick aims to disrupt their stance, compromise their mobility, and inflict damage.
3. Lead Hook-Cross-Head Kick
Also known as a 3–2-kick, this combo can be a devastating one. It usually leaves the opponent wide open for a head kick and ends in a knockout.
The lead hook serves as the opening strike in the combination, delivered with the lead hand. It’s designed to be deceptive, drawing the opponent’s attention. It aims to create a distraction, forcing the opponent to react.
Follow the lead hook with a hard cross down the middle to either break their guard or force them into a defensive position. The moment the cross lands, unleash the head kick with full power without hesitation.
Targeting the head, this kick has the potential to deliver a fight-ending blow.
4. Double Jab-Overhand Right
This is one of the most used combos in modern MMA. Fighters use it to initially close the range, and distract the opponent before blasting them with a powerful overhand punch.
The double jab serves as the initial attack in this combo. The key is to throw it fast to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm and force them to react defensively.
Following the double jab, throw the overhand right or left with full power but keep your eyes on the target. Overhand right carries a lot of force and missing the target will put you off balance and open for counterattacks. You should aim for the side of the head and target the equilibrium.
The double jab will either force the opponent to raise their guard or will snap their head back. In either scenario, they won’t see the overhand coming.
5. Feint Roundhouse Kick-Straight Right-Left Hook
Deception is key in MMA, and a well-executed feint can sow confusion in your opponent’s mind.
Start by pretending to throw a roundhouse kick to trick your opponent. It’s about making them think you’re going for a kick, which can prompt them to move or defend in a certain way.
It usually forces them to slightly lower their hands to either block a head/body kick or check the kick. As your opponent reacts to the feint, immediately follow up with a straight right punch. This punch should be quick and powerful, aiming to exploit any openings created by their reaction to the feint.
The goal is to catch them off guard while they’re still in the movement of defending a kick.
With your opponent off balance or distracted by the straight right, unleash a left hook. You can either target the side of the head or go lower and expose the liver/rib cage.
6. Body Jab-Overhand Right-Hook to the Body
Begin the combination by jabbing towards your opponent’s body. This punch isn’t just about landing a hit; it’s about disrupting their breathing and posture.
Since landing a body jab involves you lowering your stance and gaining forward momentum, use this position to follow up with an overhand right aimed at the head. Now, you can either close the combo here or finish it with a hook to the body depending on the situation.
With your opponent focused on defending against strikes to the head, conclude the combination with a hook to their body.
Aim to land this punch on their exposed midsection, targeting areas such as the ribs or liver. This hook aims to further wear down your opponent’s core strength and sap their energy.
7. Low Kick into a 1–2 combination
This combination is all about timing and surprising your opponent.
Begin by simulating a low kick towards your opponent’s legs. This feint aims to deceive your opponent, prompting them to react defensively. As they anticipate the incoming strike, they may raise their leg or move to block, creating an opening for your next move.
Make a small step forward to close the range and swiftly unleash a straight left punch. This punch should be quick and precise to catch the opponent off guard.
With your opponent momentarily distracted by the straight left, capitalize on their vulnerability with a powerful cross behind the left jab.
8. 2–3 into a head kick
The conventional doctrine says you should use alternate sides to use rotational power to land hard punches and kicks. However, using the same side to strike with the left jab and then with a left head kick is not considered a bad technique. In fact, it can be very effective.
One of the most effective combos is 2–3 into a head kick. Start by throwing a rear hand punch (fake), follow with the lead jab and immediately launch a hard head kick as soon as your lead hand hits the target.
This way, the lead hand acts as a distraction and it blocks the opponent’s vision so that they can’t see the head kick coming behind. The best example of how effective this technique is the knockout of Leon Edwards against Kamaru Usman.
