In a street fight would it be smarter to throw elbows vs fists?

[sentax]

When the hand is un-gloved and un-wrapped it's actually a pretty fragile thing, with many little bones that are easy to break.

The elbow however is composed of less parts and is arguably sturdier in a strike.

If you find yourself 1 on 1 in a street or bar fight would it actually be smarter to throw elbows instead of your fists?

[ThunderFists]

Throwing a elbow is difficult but a surefire end to a fight. Even me who did 2 years muay thai and had 3 fights i find it hard to land a elbow unless the guys is coming in to me with his head in a straight line. I think its better to set up a elbow in the street with a jab or off your 1-2

[Gamer30168]

If you can land the elbow I think it is absolutely better as a weapon. You are correct; hands are quite fragile. The elbow is far less likely to suffer damage and it will inflict considerable damage...as long as you can land it

[ShoulderRoll]

Elbows are better.

Muay Thai and silat are good arts for the street because of this.

[Grocery Stick]

Elbows can be better as mentioned, but much harder to land, usually at an uncomfortably close distance to any boxing fan. As far as the hand being fragile, it can be, but I find it hard to believe that anyone posting on this website doesn't spend hours upon hours conditioning their hands for combat by beating the crap out of some sort of punching bag (or person). Don't forget headbutts, trips, and the big Muay Thai clinch knee to the face. Happy brawling!��

[OctoberRed]

You have to get in real close to let those elbows go.

A well-time superman punch would be great to see, not sure it would land though.

[Rockin']

My fists have been pounded into little hammers from the years of fighting/training. I'll throw the fists..........Rockin'

[TonyGe]

If the guy is a lot bigger throwing elbows which puts you in his reach could be a bad move. He's liable to grab you and get you down then it's over.

[WonderMonkey]

You use whatever you need at the moment. Fist, elbow, knee, whatever.

[4truth]

I think I'm better at punching than 95% of the guys I'm likely to be fighting with in the street. If possible I'm going to keep that guy at a my maximum punching range till I can land something significantly discombobulating. I don't want to get bitten, scratched, have an eye poked or even have a handful of hair torn loose from my scalp. If we're close enough for me to land an elbow, a lot of very bad things might happen to me.