MMA Glossary

MMA Glossary

Your A-Z guide to MMA terminology — 272 terms and counting

Term of the Day

Knockdown

Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knockdown in MMA is the moment a fighter is sent to the canvas by a legal strike that visibly hurts or debilitates them, with...

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272 terms found

B

23 terms
Back Control Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Back control is a grappling position where one fighter controls their opponent from behind, using... Back Take Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A back take in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the act of transitioning to and securing an... Backfist Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A backfist is a strike that lands with the back of the knuckles rather than... Bear Hug Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A bear hug is a stand-up grappling clinch where one fighter wraps both arms tightly... Berimbolo Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The berimbolo is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu back-take performed from the de la Riva guard, where... Blast Double Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A blast double leg takedown is an explosive variation of the double leg in which... Block Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A block in MMA is a defensive technique that uses a limb, usually a forearm,... Bob and Weave Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Bob and weave is a defensive head-movement technique in which a fighter bends at the... Body Fold Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The body fold takedown is a grappling technique where the attacker locks both arms around... Body Jab Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body jab is a straight lead-hand punch aimed at an opponent's midsection, usually the... Body Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body kick in MMA is a strike thrown with the leg at an opponent's... Body Lock Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body lock takedown is a grappling technique in which a fighter wraps both arms... Body Shot Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body shot is any punch, kick, knee, or elbow strike directed at an opponent’s... Body Triangle Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The body triangle is a back-control position in which a grappler wraps their legs around... Body-Head Combination Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body-head combination is a striking sequence in MMA where a fighter alternates strikes between... Bolo Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A bolo punch is an unorthodox looping uppercut thrown with a wide circular wind-up, blending... Boxing Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Boxing in MMA is the application of boxing techniques, including punches, footwork, and defensive head... Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art focused on ground fighting and submission holds... Bridge Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Bridging is a grappling movement performed face-up on the mat, where a fighter lifts their... Bridge and Roll Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The bridge and roll is a fundamental Brazilian jiu-jitsu mount escape in which the bottom... Bullfighter Pass Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The bullfighter pass is a speed-based open guard pass in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where the top... Butterfly Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The butterfly guard is a seated open guard position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA where... Buzzer Beater KO Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A buzzer beater KO in MMA is a knockout landed in the final seconds of...

C

26 terms
Cage Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An MMA cage is a fenced enclosure, usually octagonal, that holds the fighters inside the... Cage Cutting Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Cage cutting in MMA is the use of footwork and angles to trap an opponent... Cage Wrestling Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Cage wrestling in MMA is the use of the fence as a tool to control,... Calf Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A calf kick is a low round kick that targets the outside of an opponent's... Capoeira Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A capoeira kick is a strike from the Brazilian martial art of capoeira, typically a... Cartwheel Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cartwheel kick is an acrobatic MMA strike in which a fighter throws their body... Catch Wrestling Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Catch wrestling is a grappling style that combines takedowns, pins, and submission holds like joint... Catching Kicks Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Catching kicks in MMA is the act of trapping an opponent’s kick with the arms... Cauliflower Ear Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Cauliflower ear is a permanent deformity of the outer ear caused by blunt trauma or... Chain Wrestling Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Chain wrestling is the practice of linking grappling techniques into uninterrupted sequences, so that when... Check Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A check hook is a defensive counter-punch in boxing and MMA, thrown by combining a... Clinch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A clinch in MMA is a close-range standing grapple where two fighters grip each other’s... Clinch Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A clinch knee is a knee strike thrown while a fighter holds or controls an... Closed Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Closed guard is a ground-grappling position where the bottom fighter wraps both legs around their... Collar Tie Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A collar tie is a clinch hold where a grappler grips behind an opponent's neck... Conditioning Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition MMA conditioning is the physical preparation that develops the energy systems, endurance, and work capacity... Cornerman Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cornerman in MMA is a coach, trainer, or assistant who supports a fighter from... Counter Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A counter punch is a punch thrown right after an opponent attacks, landing through the... Counterstriking Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Counterstriking in MMA is a reactive striking approach in which a fighter waits for the... Crescent Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A crescent kick is a striking technique in which the leg swings in an arcing,... Cross Quick Definition A cross is a powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand in MMA. It travels in a... Cross Counter Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cross counter is a rear-hand straight thrown over the top of an opponent’s incoming... Cross Face Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cross face is a top-position grappling technique where the controlling wrestler drives their forearm... Crucifix Position Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The crucifix position is a dominant ground-control position in MMA where a fighter traps both... Curving Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A curving knee is a knee strike thrown in a lateral, arcing motion rather than... Cutman Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cutman is a corner specialist who treats facial cuts, swelling, and nosebleeds on a...

D

12 terms
D'Arce Choke Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The d'arce choke is a no-gi arm-triangle submission in which the attacker threads one arm... De La Riva Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The de la Riva guard is an open guard in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where the bottom... Deep Half Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Deep half guard is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard position in which the bottom grappler slides... Diagonal Elbow Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A diagonal elbow is a close-range strike in mixed martial arts thrown with the point... Diagonal Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A diagonal knee is a Muay Thai-derived strike where a fighter drives the knee upward... Dirty Boxing Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Dirty boxing is a close-range fighting style built around the clinch, where a fighter controls... Disqualification Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A disqualification (DQ) in MMA is when a fighter loses a bout because they commit... Double Jab Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A double jab is two quick jabs thrown in succession with the lead hand. MMA... Double Leg Takedown Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A double leg takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter grabs both of an... Downward Elbow Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In MMA, a downward elbow is an elbow strike that travels in a straight vertical... Drilling Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Drilling in MMA is the repetitive, cooperative practice of techniques and sequences with a training... Duck Under Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A duck under is a wrestling and grappling technique in which a fighter slips their...

F

14 terms
Far-Side Armbar Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A far side armbar is a submission that attacks the opponent's far arm, the arm... Fight Camp Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A fight camp in MMA is the focused training period a fighter goes through before... Fight Card Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A fight card in MMA is the complete lineup of fights scheduled for a single... Fight IQ Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Fight IQ is a fighter's ability to make smart, strategic decisions during a fight by... Fireman's Carry Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A fireman's carry is a grappling takedown in which a fighter controls one of the... Flash Knockout Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A flash knockout is a momentary loss of consciousness during a fight, typically lasting under... Flying Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Flying guard is when a grappler jumps from a standing position and wraps their legs... Flying Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A flying kick in MMA is a kick delivered while the fighter is airborne, with... Flying Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A flying knee is a knee strike delivered while airborne, where the attacker leaps toward... Foot Stomp Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A foot stomp is a downward heel strike onto the top of a standing opponent's... Foot Sweep Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A foot sweep is a technique that knocks an opponent off balance by sweeping their... Footwork Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Footwork in MMA is the use of foot positioning, stepping, and pivoting to control distance,... Front kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A front kick is a straight-line strike delivered by driving the foot forward into the... Full Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Full guard is a ground grappling position where the bottom fighter wraps both legs around...

G

11 terms
Gassed / Cardio Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Gassed is an MMA slang term for a fighter who has become noticeably exhausted during... German Suplex Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A German suplex is a throw in which a fighter locks both arms around an... Gi vs No-Gi Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gi and no-gi are the two main training formats. Gi practitioners wear... GOAT Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition GOAT in MMA stands for Greatest Of All Time. It refers to the fighter judged... Gogoplata Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A gogoplata is a rare submission in which the attacker, from the bottom of the... Granby Roll Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The Granby roll is a wrestling escape in which a grappler on the bottom rolls... Greco-Roman Clinch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The Greco-Roman clinch is an upright, upper-body tie-up where two fighters grip each other around... Ground and Pound Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Ground and pound is an MMA strategy where a fighter takes their opponent to the... Ground Strikes Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Ground strikes in MMA are punches, elbows, hammerfists, or knees thrown while one or both... Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The guard is a ground position in MMA where one fighter lies on their back... Guillotine Choke Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A guillotine choke is a front-facing submission hold where one fighter wraps an arm around...

H

18 terms
Half Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Half guard is a ground grappling position in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the bottom... Hammer Fist Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hammer fist is a striking technique in mixed martial arts where a fighter swings... Hand Fighting Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Hand fighting is the constant battle for grip and control of an opponent's hands and... Hand Wraps Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Hand wraps in MMA are long strips of cloth, gauze, or elasticised fabric that fighters... Harai Goshi Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Harai goshi is a judo throw in which the thrower loads an opponent onto the... Head Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A head kick in MMA is a strike that targets the opponent's head, face, or... Head Stomp Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A head stomp is a downward strike with the bottom of the foot or heel... Headquarters Position Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The headquarters position is a top guard-passing position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the passer traps... Heel Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A heel hook is a twisting leg-lock submission used in MMA and grappling that traps... High Crotch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A high crotch takedown is a wrestling leg attack where the attacker drives in on... High Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A high kick in MMA is any kick aimed above an opponent’s waist, most often... High Mount Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A high mount is a mounted ground position where the top fighter sits high on... Hip Escape Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hip escape is a basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu movement where a grappler on their back... Hip Toss Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hip toss is a throw in which a fighter loads an opponent across their... Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hook is a short-range punch that arcs horizontally toward the side of an opponent’s... Hook Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A hook kick is a striking technique in which the leg extends past the target... Hooks In Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Hooks in back control are the attacker's feet and lower legs hooked inside the opponent's... Horizontal Elbow Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A horizontal elbow is a close-range strike thrown with the forearm parallel to the ground,...

K

21 terms
Karate Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Karate in MMA refers to the use of karate-derived striking and footwork inside the cage,... Kata Guruma Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Kata guruma is a judo throw in which the thrower drops low, lifts the opponent... Kesa Gatame Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Kesa gatame is a judo pin, applied from side control, in which the top grappler... Kick Check Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A kick check is a defensive technique in MMA where a fighter raises their leg... Kickboxing Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Kickboxing is a stand-up striking style that combines punches and kicks. In MMA, it refers... Kimura Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A kimura lock is a figure-four shoulder submission that bends an opponent’s arm behind their... Knee Cut Pass Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The knee cut pass is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard pass where the top grappler drives... Knee on Belly Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Knee on belly is a top control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where one grappler drives... Knee on Belly Strikes Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Knee on belly is a dominant ground position in MMA where the top fighter places... Knee Pick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee pick takedown is a wrestling move where a grappler controls an opponent’s upper... Knee Ride Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The knee ride is a top control position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where the top grappler... Knee Shield Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The knee shield half guard is a half guard variation in which the bottom grappler... Knee Slide Pass Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The knee slide pass is a guard pass in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where the top grappler... Knee Strike Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee strike in MMA is a close-range blow delivered with the knee, usually the... Knee Tap Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee tap takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter controls an opponent’s upper... Knee to Body Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee to the body in MMA is a knee strike that targets the opponent’s... Knee to Head Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee to the head in MMA is a strike that uses the kneecap or... Knee to Thigh Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knee to the thigh in MMA is a short-range knee strike that targets an... Kneebar Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A kneebar is a leg-lock submission that hyperextends the knee joint by trapping an opponent’s... Knockdown Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A knockdown in MMA is the moment a fighter is sent to the canvas by... KO Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A KO (knockout) in MMA is a legal strike or combination of strikes that leaves...

L

14 terms
Lapel Guard Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A lapel guard is any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard that uses the gi’s lapel, the strip... Lateral Drop Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A lateral drop is an upper-body wrestling throw in which a fighter, locked chest-to-chest with... Lead Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A lead hook is a curved power punch thrown with the front hand, the hand... Lead Straight Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A lead straight is a straight punch thrown with the lead (front) hand in MMA.... Lead Uppercut Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A lead uppercut is an uppercut thrown with the front hand, meaning the left hand... Leg Drag Pass Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The leg drag is a guard pass in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where the top grappler drags... Leg Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A leg kick is a strike delivered with the shin to an opponent's thigh or... Level Change Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A level change is the act of raising or lowering the hips to move the... Liver Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A liver hook is a hook punch, usually thrown with the lead hand, that lands... Liver Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A liver kick is a strike, usually a roundhouse, knee, or front kick, that lands... Liver Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A liver punch is a fist strike to the right side of an opponent’s torso,... Liver Shot Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A liver shot is a punch, kick, or knee strike to the right side of... Lockdown Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The lockdown is a half guard variation in which the bottom grappler weaves both legs... Low Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A low kick is a strike that targets the opponent’s calf, thigh, or knee with...

P

12 terms
Pad Work / Mitt Work Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Pad work is a striking drill in which a coach or training partner holds protective... Palm Strike Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A palm strike is an open-hand blow that lands with the heel of the palm... Parry Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A parry is a defensive technique in which a fighter deflects an incoming strike with... Pawing Jab Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A pawing jab is a slow, deliberate lead-hand jab used to measure distance and set... Pay-Per-View (PPV) Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In UFC, PPV (pay-per-view) is the model where fans paid a one-time fee, around $79.99... Phantom Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The phantom punch is the short right hand Muhammad Ali landed on Sonny Liston in... Pivot Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The pivot punch is a banned boxing strike thrown with a full body spin, landing... Power Hand Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In MMA, the power hand is a fighter’s dominant hand, kept in the rear stance... Power Jab Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A power jab is a jab thrown with the back foot driving forward, shifting the... Pressure Fighting Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A pressure fighter in MMA is a fighter who walks the opponent down with constant... Pull Counter Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A pull counter is a striking technique where a fighter leans the upper body backward... Punch in Bunches Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Punches in bunches is a phrase used in MMA and boxing to describe a fighter...

S

31 terms
Sambo Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Sambo is a Russian hybrid martial art that blends wrestling, judo, and submission grappling, developed... Shadowboxing Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Shadowboxing is a solo training drill where a fighter throws strikes, moves, and defends against... Shin Guards Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition In MMA, shin guards are padded protective gear worn over the shin and instep to... Shovel Hook Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A shovel hook is a hybrid punch that blends the horizontal rotation of a hook... Side Control Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Side control is a dominant ground position in MMA and grappling where the top fighter... Side Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A side kick is a linear striking technique in MMA where a fighter pivots on... Single Leg Takedown Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A single leg takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter grabs one of their... Skip Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A skip knee is a knee strike thrown after a small forward hop with the... Slap Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A slap is an open-handed strike delivered with the palm of the hand, usually to... Slashing Elbow Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A slashing elbow is a diagonal downward elbow strike, thrown at roughly a 45-degree angle,... Slip Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A slip is a defensive head movement used in MMA to avoid a straight punch... Slip Counter Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A slip counter is a defensive technique where a fighter moves their head slightly to... Soccer Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A soccer kick in MMA is a kick delivered to a grounded, kneeling, or rising... Southpaw vs Orthodox Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition The southpaw advantage in MMA is the tactical edge a left-handed fighter gains from competing... Sparring Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Sparring in MMA is controlled practice fighting between two training partners, where the goal is... Spinning Back Fist Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning back fist is a strike in MMA where a fighter pivots on the... Spinning Back Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning back kick is a rotational strike where a fighter pivots roughly 180 degrees... Spinning Elbow Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning elbow is a striking technique in MMA where a fighter rotates the body... Spinning Heel Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning heel kick is a rotational strike in which the kicker pivots away from... Spinning Wheel Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A spinning wheel kick is a rotational martial arts strike in which a fighter spins... Split Decision Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A split decision in MMA is a judging outcome where two of the three cage-side... Sprawl Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A sprawl is a defensive technique in MMA and wrestling used to stop single-leg and... Stance (Orthodox vs Southpaw) Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Orthodox is the MMA stance with the left foot and left hand forward and the... Step-In Knee Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A step-in knee is a knee strike thrown immediately after a short forward step, where... Step-In Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A step-in punch is a strike thrown with a simultaneous forward step, used to close... Stiff Jab Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A stiff jab is a jab thrown with body weight and structural alignment behind it,... Stomp Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A stomp in MMA is a downward strike delivered with the bottom of the foot... Submission Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A submission in MMA is a method of victory where one fighter forces their opponent... Superman Punch Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A superman punch is a striking technique where a fighter fakes a rear-leg kick, snaps... Sweep Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A sweep in MMA refers to a technique that either reverses a ground position, moving... Switch Kick Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A switch kick is a lead-leg kick thrown immediately after a quick stance switch. The...