Boxers in the Octagon

[Anthony342]

One of the primary problems when boxers fight MMA, along with a lead leg stance, is how the body becomes vulnerable to a takedown when a jab is thrown. Boxers are accustomed to avoiding a jab but one way to defend against a jab in MMA is to step in when the jab is retracted. This means that as the person brings the jab back, the ribs and body are not protected by the elbow if the fighter throwing the jab is in lead hand position.

One solution to this problem has been for MMA guys to throw hooking blows, because of the angle the person is not exposed to being grabbed under the elbow. Another solution I used to work out when I was working with guys was to throw the jab at a downward angle with a corkscrew type movement, so the opponent could not come under the elbow...and if they tried one could use an elbow to strike upwards.

Another thing to keep in mind: If one is throwing aggressive punches, and keeping the opponent on the back leg,or on the heels, then the puncher has some insurance against getting taken down. It is dangerous for a grappler to have to transfer weight and then go for the take down, when the grappler is in the boxer's strike zone.

A big thing for a boxer to learn is how to use the sprawl and his/her weight when a grappler is trying to get position, including against the side of the cage if need be.

Yeah and also why wrestling is also a big help in knowing in MMA, as it often negates BJJ and takedown defense. Sure, someone can sprawl, but can't really do much if they get picked up and thrown to the ground ala Khabib Nurmagomedov in the lightweight division or Matt Hughes in his prime at welter.