Question for cats who train MMA

[BgMc31]

I have a quick question. I'm a huge fan of MMA. But in no way would I consider myself an expert. I know boxing very well. And in boxing, body punching is essential. It breaks the guy down and enables the guy to go upstairs later on. Why isn't body punching empasized in MMA. I've noticed that even in ground and pound situations, very few athletes punch to the body. Why is that?

[FRANk THe TANk]

Good question, especially that body punches in MMA can be far more devastating with 4 oz gloves... My school teaches working the body, but mostly with knees... Leg kicks are often overlooked, but they can really wear a fighter down as well...

[Vader79]

It's true that bodypunching is less common in MMA. Probably because you have knees and kicks which are more powerfull (although less accurate) tools for the job.

Body punching is on the up though. Check Serra v GSP, Serra landed several hard body shots, also Pete Sell v Scott Smith, great body shot from Sell. Cant remeber who the boxing coach who works with Serra and Sell is, but he's definately emphasised the importance of working the body. I think we'll see alot more used as the sport develops.

[BgMc31]

Well I did see that Melvin Guillard knocked someone out with a body punch. I would love to see more body punching in MMA. I think it could turn the tide of many fights and make fighters more complete. I didn't think about knees and kicks being use to attack the body. Most knees I've seen are knees to the head.

[Mighty Joe]

Lots of knees to body in MMA. Plus lots of guys trying to work a submission hold and the others are headhunters!!

[Hunter]

Well I did see that Melvin Guillard knocked someone out with a body punch. I would love to see more body punching in MMA. I think it could turn the tide of many fights and make fighters more complete. I didn't think about knees and kicks being use to attack the body. Most knees I've seen are knees to the head.

well one thing is a boxing match is what 3 minute rounds and 12 of them that is like 36 minutes fighting a contender match in the ufc is only 15 minutes. That is a huge difference in length allowing body punches to be more effective. However some fighters use them very well and the one who instantly comes to mind for me is gomi. I agree with you and mma is still young and I think as it grows more and more people will use them. This is just my opinion however.

[jbarkley]

well one thing is a boxing match is what 3 minute rounds and 12 of them that is like 36 minutes fighting a contender match in the ufc is only 15 minutes. That is a huge difference in length allowing body punches to be more effective. However some fighters use them very well and the one who instantly comes to mind for me is gomi. I agree with you and mma is still young and I think as it grows more and more people will use them. This is just my opinion however.

Solid...

[zimmy]

can't do much to the body in 3 rounds unless the guy is just suckin ...also... alot of GOOD mma athletes (not chumps who only know standup)... use the punch to the face as a distraction... pump a few and go for the shoot. Punching to the body isn't going to take the opponents eyes away from the rest of you as well.

oh and also... low punch leaves you open a lil for take down / lock up. And if you get timed right...a kick over the top of the hands...

but i think mostly... 3 rounds not enough time to beat a guy with punches to the body... people use knees usually cus you can break a person's body down in 3 rounds relatively safely.

[Vinlander]

Most MMA competitions, unless your opponent is a pure stand-up fighter, will be taken to the ground. If punching to the face in the guard is difficult, punching to the body is nigh-impossible. Short of breaking a rib, I've never seen anyone submitted from body punches and probably never will. There is not enough space in a ground situation to create an adequate distance for power to be put into a body blow.

Now people DO use axe kicks and foot stomps to the abdomen from a standing position while the opponent is down. This creates the effective atmosphere for a good body blow. Otherwise, the chances of success are just minimal.

[Vader79]

Body punches on the ground can be very effective. See Bang Ludwig v Genki Sudo for good examples of damaging punches to a downed opponent from the standing position.

Even from the half guard they can be effective. Surely you've seen Rampage banging to the body on the ground? He's quite predictable with his ground and pound, he loves to throw body, body, head. Watch the Liddell fight to see how this body attack on the ground just saps the remaining fight right out of chuck.

there's my 2p

[gotjuice?]

i train MMA and my instructor barely teaches body punches not to say we dont do it its just less emphasized. id say 1 big reason u dont see it much in pro MMA fights is that it is less dramatic than a face knockout. nothing is better than punching a guy straight in the face and putting him to sleep. maybe its a bragging thing. besides punching low can leave you open to headkicks. JMO

[BgMc31]

Thanks for the responses fellas!!!