MMA Glossary

MMA Glossary

Your A-Z guide to MMA terminology — 124 terms and counting

Term of the Day

Axe kick

Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition An axe kick is a striking technique in which a fighter raises one leg overhead with the knee close to straight, then drives the heel...

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124 terms found

B

13 terms
Back Control Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Back control is a grappling position where one fighter controls their opponent from behind, using... Backfist Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A backfist is a strike that lands with the back of the knuckles rather than... 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 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 Shot Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A body shot is any punch, kick, knee, or elbow strike directed at an opponent’s... 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... 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

15 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... 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... 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... 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... Counterstriking Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Counterstriking in MMA is a reactive striking approach in which a fighter waits for the... Cross Quick Definition A cross is a powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand in MMA. It travels in a... Cutman Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A cutman is a corner specialist who treats facial cuts, swelling, and nosebleeds on a...

S

14 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... Side Control Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition Side control is a dominant ground position in MMA and grappling where the top fighter... Single Leg Takedown Last updated: [Date] Quick Definition A single leg takedown is a grappling technique where a fighter grabs one of their... 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... 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... 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...