In mixed martial arts, elbowing when wielded correctly, the very hard and very sharp elbow can be an effective weapon when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. In mixed martial arts competitions, elbowing is an explosive strike that fighters often use to land points. It can be used to immobilize, even knock-out opponents. It can be used to immobilize, even knock-out opponents.
Elbowing is commonly used in Thai boxing. However, it is also a popular move in other MMA sports. This technique can be done from many angles, but in MMA competitions, they can only be thrown from five main positions. The three most likely positions where opponents can most effectively land elbow strikes are when one is on top, when both fighters are in the clinch, and when both are on their feet.
Techniques on Elbowing
The most popular techniques in elbowing are the horizontal elbow, the reverse-up elbow, and the upward elbow.The first, horizontal elbow, is easy to throw, but it takes time before a fighter can be an expert at it. To do it, a fighter has to lift his elbow and ensure that his forearm faces his opponent. He then uses his elbow to make a slicing movement to hit the opponent, using force that he generates from twisting his hips quickly and thrusting his shoulder.
The upward elbow, in the meantime, is a strike that is thrown from the south direction to the north. A fighter gains momentum and force to strike from his feet up, and he strikes with his elbow coming from his middle line. The elbow then lands on the opponent’s face, hitting either his nose or chin.
Finally, there is the reverse-up elbow. It is a powerful strike with a more complicated movement. The fighter throws a straight punch or jab and then follows it with a cross. The attacking fighter crouches to position his elbow on his lead side. The target is the opponent’s chin, and usually, the force of the blow from the elbow can stun the opponent, rocking his head back.
While elbowing and landing elbow strikes are considered legal MMA, there is an exception called the “12-6” rule. Fighters cannot strike in a downward position with their elbows.