Superman Punch

Last updated: April 12, 2026

What is a Superman punch?

The Superman punch is an unorthodox striking technique built around deception. A fighter lifts the rear knee as if loading a kick, which pulls the opponent’s attention and guard low. Instead of kicking, the fighter whips that leg backward and propels the body forward, throwing a straight rear-hand punch (a cross) while both feet leave the ground for a split second. The result looks like the flying pose from the Superman films, which is where the name comes from.

In Muay Thai, the technique is called “Kradot Chok.” Other names include the cobra punch, the jumping punch, and the diving punch. Its roots trace back to Muay Thai’s reaching punch, a forward-lunging straight punch that keeps one foot planted. The airborne version appeared in competition by at least the 1960s and 1970s, and the technique also has historical ties to Sanda, Lethwei, and kickboxing.

The first recorded use of the Superman punch in MMA belongs to Bas Rutten. He threw one during his UFC heavyweight title fight against Kevin Randleman at UFC 20 on May 7, 1999. That punch missed, and Randleman ducked under and drove Rutten to the cage, but the technique was now part of MMA’s vocabulary. Georges St-Pierre later became the fighter most associated with it. At UFC 65 in November 2006, GSP hurt Matt Hughes badly with a superman punch in the final seconds of round one, setting up the finish in round two and claiming the welterweight title.

How the Superman punch works

The technique relies on misdirection rather than raw athletic ability. A fighter first throws a few legitimate low kicks or body kicks to condition the opponent to expect more. Once the opponent starts adjusting their stance to check kicks or drops their hands to block low, the fighter lifts the rear knee again, selling another kick.

At that moment, instead of following through with the kick, the fighter snaps the raised leg backward. This backward kick motion shifts body weight forward and generates horizontal momentum. The fighter then extends the rear hand in a straight punch (a cross), connecting while the body is still traveling through the air.

Power comes from the transfer of body weight into the punch, not from a planted foot and hip rotation like a standard cross. This is an important distinction. A conventional cross draws its force from the rear foot pivoting into the ground and the hips turning over. The superman punch trades that rotational power for forward momentum and the element of surprise.

One common variation involves pushing off the octagon cage with the opposite foot before throwing the punch. Anthony Pettis used this cage-assisted version to knock out Stephen Thompson in Nashville on March 23, 2019. Thompson is one of the best pure strikers in UFC history, and the finish showed the technique can still produce results at the highest level.

Superman punch vs. overhand right

Fighters and fans sometimes confuse the Superman punch with the overhand right because both are rear-hand power shots that cover distance. They work differently.

	Superman punch	Overhand right
Trajectory	Straight (cross path)	Looping arc over the opponent’s guard
Setup	Requires a kick feint to be effective	Can be thrown from neutral or off a jab
Momentum	Forward leap; body weight transfers horizontally	Rotation: power comes from the hips and torso turning
Foot position	Both feet off the ground at contact	Rotation: power comes from the hips and torso, turning
Primary risk	Landing off-balance, vulnerable to takedowns	The rear foot usually stays planted

The superman punch follows a straight line to the target, while the overhand punch arcs over the top. This means the Superman punch relies on the opponent’s guard being pulled low by the kick feint, while the overhand aims to go around a high guard entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Superman punch legal in boxing?

Yes. A superman punch is legal in boxing as long as the punch lands above the belt with a closed fist. However, the technique is almost never used in professional boxing because the kick feint that makes it work does not exist in a boxing ruleset. Without that feint, the leap forward is too telegraphed and easy to counter.

Who first used the Superman punch in MMA?

Bas Rutten threw the first documented Superman punch in MMA competition at UFC 20 in May 1999, during his heavyweight title fight against Kevin Randleman. GSP later popularized the technique and became the fighter most closely associated with it.

Why is the Superman punch less common in modern MMA?

Fighters today are far more familiar with the technique and its setups. Any counter that works against a standard cross can also stop a Superman punch, and the forward commitment of the leap makes the attacker vulnerable to takedowns. AKA head coach Javier Mendes has also pointed to how MMA trends cycle: the superman punch had its peak popularity in the mid-2000s, and other techniques like calf kicks have since taken the spotlight.

Is the Superman punch the same as the Cobra Punch?

They are similar but not identical. The cobra punch keeps one foot on the ground throughout the strike, while the superman punch involves both feet leaving the ground. The Superman punch covers more distance and carries more forward momentum, but the Cobra punch allows the fighter to stay more balanced.

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Sources

1. Wikipedia. “Superman punch.” Accessed April 2026.
2. Evolve University. “Is the Superman Punch Still Effective In MMA?” November 2023.
3. GroundedMMA. “What Is a Superman Punch In MMA/Boxing? (Simply Explained).” January 2023.
4. Grokipedia. “Superman punch.” January 2026.
5. Muay Thai. “The Superman Punch: Kradot Chok Explained.” April 2024.
6. Sportskeeda. “What Is a Superman Punch and is it legal in boxing?” October 2023.

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