Double Jab

Last updated: May 25, 2026

What is a double jab?

The double jab is a striking technique in which a fighter throws two consecutive jabs from the same lead hand before transitioning to another strike or resetting their stance. It appears across boxing and the major striking arts that feed into MMA, including kickboxing and Muay Thai, and is sometimes called the “Postman’s Knock” in older boxing coaching.

A double jab is not simply two single jabs thrown back-to-back. It is one compound technique with two distinct roles: the first jab measures range or draws a reaction, and the second carries the real intent and feeds directly into whatever strike follows.

Anyone watching an MMA bout will see double jabs regularly. The term comes up often in fight commentary and gym instruction, and recognising it makes the lead-hand patterns of jab-heavy strikers much easier to follow.

How the double jab works

Both punches come from the lead hand. According to Daniel Woirin, a striking coach at Black House Gym who has worked with fighters including Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, and Dan Henderson, the first jab in a double jab is usually retracted only halfway before the second jab fires, rather than coming all the way back to the chin as a standard jab would. This is what allows the second punch to land before the opponent has time to reset.

The footwork pairs with the punches. Many fighters take a small step forward with each jab, which lets them close ground on an opponent who is backing away. The result is a fighter advancing at the same rate the opponent is retreating, keeping the range constant.

A double jab looks like two snapping straight punches from the lead hand, often with a slight forward drift of the whole body. Measurement and pressure define the technique.

Why MMA fighters use the double jab

The double jab solves a problem unique to MMA: opponents tend to step backward after a single jab, which pulls them out of range for follow-up strikes like leg kicks or crosses. Daniel Woirin notes that after a single jab, fighters often overreach with their next strike and end up landing the foot instead of the shin on a leg kick, or missing the cross entirely. The second jab keeps the opponent in range by closing the gap they just opened.

A double jab also obstructs the opponent’s vision. With two consecutive punches occupying their eyes and guard, the third strike, whether it is a cross, an overhand, a kick, or a takedown attempt, arrives behind the jabs rather than alongside them. The opponent sees the punches and reacts to them, then meets a heavier strike they didn’t track.

The third use is pressure. Repeated double jabs force the opponent to defend continuously, which limits their ability to set their feet or throw counters.

Double jab vs. single jab and triple jab

The three lead-hand variants serve different purposes. The table below shows how they compare.

Variant	Number of jabs	Primary purpose	Common follow-up
Single jab	One	Measure range, score, disrupt rhythm	Cross, kick, takedown, reset
Double jab	Two	Close distance, occupy guard, set up power strike	Cross, leg kick, overhand, takedown
Triple jab	Three	Apply heavy pressure, overwhelm guard	Power punch or kick at the end of the sequence

The single jab is the foundation. The double jab is a pressure and setup tool, used most often when an opponent retreats out of range after a single jab or keeps a tight high guard. The triple jab pushes the same idea further but carries more risk of being countered between punches, which is why double jabs appear more often in MMA than triples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the double jab considered one technique or two punches?

It is treated as one compound technique with two parts. Coaches teach the first and second jab together because their rhythm and purpose are linked.

Do you fully retract the first jab in a double jab?

Usually not. Most coaches teach a half-retraction on the first jab so the second can fire before the opponent recovers. A full retraction slows the combination and gives the opponent time to reset.

Is the double jab the same in MMA as in boxing?

The mechanics are similar, but the role differs. In MMA, the double jab often sets up kicks and takedowns in addition to punches, and fighters use it against opponents who back away to escape strikes from multiple ranges, not just punching range.

What strikes typically follow a double jab in MMA?

The cross, leg kick, overhand, body kick, and takedown attempt are the most common follow-ups. The double jab covers the opponent’s vision and closes range, which makes those heavier strikes easier to land.

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Sources

1. Daniel Woirin. “The Importance of the Double Jab in Striking by Daniel Woirin.” Dynamic Striking. Accessed May 2026.
2. Daniel Woirin. “Use This Double Jab Technique To Manage Distance And Land More Effective Strikes.” Dynamic Striking. Accessed May 2026.
3. Pat Barry. “Purpose of the Double Jab and How to Throw It.” Boxing News and Views. Accessed May 2026.
4. Evolve Daily. “5 Types Of Jabs All Boxers Need To Know.” Accessed May 2026.
5. Evolve University. “5 Ways To Use The Jab In MMA.” Accessed May 2026.
6. Fran Sands. “Boxing Combinations: The Double Jab.” MyBoxingCoach. Accessed May 2026.

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