The importance of elbow strikes in MMA

Elbow strikes in MMA allow a fighter to deliver a contest-winning move while maintaining defense at the same time. Elbow strikes can be delivered standing up or on the ground. The elbow is probably the most difficult part of the body to hit and for this reason its importance cannot be ignored.

Standing elbow strikes

These can be applied in a number of ways, but the most effective is probably with your elbow and forearm forward.

• Contact is made by a circular motion of the arm and elbow along with a twist of the torso.
• This allows for a hit that also involves a guard.
• It is extremely difficult to block this type of elbow strike.
• If contact is made, it can result in a knockout or TKO due to cuts.
• The other hand should be in front of the face shield.
• Be careful if you miss as it can open up the right side of your face (if you hit with your right elbow)
• Always return your striking arm quickly to a defensive position in the event of a counterattack.

Upward elbow strikes

• This is similar in execution to an uppercut, but can only be effective in very close quarters.
• Instead of a circular movement, it is linear.
• It is mainly the body weight that is transferred upwards, not the speed of the arm, that makes it effective.

Elbows and punches on the ground

• Also known as Ground and Pound, this technique crushes your opponent.
• It can only work if your opponent is not in control of your head.
• It is best thrown from a height and drop move, often going straight through your opponent’s guard or forcing their own hands into their face.