Flying Knee

Last updated: April 12, 2026

What is a flying knee?

The flying knee is a striking technique in which a fighter jumps off the ground and drives their knee into an opponent, typically targeting the head or torso. In Muay Thai, the technique is called Khao Loi (also sometimes written as Khao Lai). Some sources refer to it as hanuman thayarn, named after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, reflecting its leaping motion.

Knee strikes have deep roots in traditional Southeast Asian martial arts, and the flying knee grew out of that broader lineage. It is considered an advanced Muay Thai technique. In MMA, it carries over from Muay Thai and has become one of the most recognizable single strikes in the sport.

What separates the flying knee from standard knee strikes is the airborne element. A regular clinch knee or straight knee (Khao Trong) is thrown while at least one foot stays on the ground. The flying knee sacrifices that stability for increased momentum and height, allowing the striker to reach an opponent’s head from outside clinch range.

The trade-off is risk. A missed flying knee leaves the attacker airborne with no base, opening them up to counters, takedowns, or a rough landing. Because of that, fighters tend to use it sparingly and pick their moments carefully.

How the flying knee works

At a conceptual level, the flying knee combines forward momentum with upward drive. The attacker pushes off the ground, typically from the rear leg, and propels their body toward the opponent while raising the striking knee into a chambered position. The kneecap or the area just above it makes contact with the target.

The power comes from two sources: the fighter’s body weight traveling forward through the air, and the upward thrust of the knee itself. When both forces converge on a target like the chin or temple, the result can be an instant knockout.

Timing matters more than raw athleticism for this strike. Fighters look for moments when their opponent is off-balance, pressing in, or recovering from a previous exchange. Many of the most effective flying knees in MMA competition have landed when the opponent ducked their head or shot in for a takedown, walking directly into the path of the incoming knee.

A missed attempt often puts the attacker at a disadvantage. Landing without a stable base while an opponent is still upright can lead to getting caught with a punch or being dragged to the mat.

Flying knee vs jumping knee

The terms flying knee and jumping knee are often used interchangeably, and in casual conversation, they refer to the same general idea: a knee strike thrown while airborne. Some coaches and systems draw a distinction between the two, though the line gets blurry depending on who you ask.

In Muay Thai, Khao Loi (flying knee) traditionally involves a rushing leap toward the opponent, closing distance through the air. Khao Dode (jumping knee) is different. It is more of a vertical spring from a shorter distance without the same forward travel, relying on upward power from a closer range rather than the momentum of covering ground.

	Flying knee	Jumping knee
Movement	Forward rush plus jump	Stationary or short-step jump
Distance	Thrown from outside range, closing distance	Thrown from closer range
Momentum	Thrown from a closer range	Vertical jump upward
Thai name	Khao Loi	Khao Dode
Risk level	Higher (more distance, more air time)	Moderate (less committed)

In MMA commentary and among most fans, both variations are simply called a flying knee. The distinction matters more inside a Muay Thai gym than it does in broadcast commentary.

Flying knee rules in MMA

A flying knee to a standing opponent is legal in the UFC and virtually all major MMA promotions, including Bellator and ONE Championship, as well as the PFL. Under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, fighters can strike with knees to any legal target area while both competitors are standing.

The restriction is about the opponent’s positioning, not the technique itself. Under the Unified Rules, a knee to the head of a grounded opponent is illegal. A fighter is considered grounded when any body part other than the soles of their feet touches the floor. So if a fighter throws a flying knee at an opponent who has a hand or knee on the canvas, it could be ruled an illegal strike.

This rule has caused controversy in several fights, particularly when fighters drop a hand to the mat to become grounded and avoid incoming knees. Some state athletic commissions have proposed changes to the grounded fighter definition, and the rule has been revised multiple times over the years.

In ONE Championship, the rules differ. Knees to the head of a grounded opponent are permitted under certain conditions, which affects how fighters approach the technique in that promotion compared to UFC bouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a flying knee the most powerful strike in MMA?

It is one of the most powerful single strikes available because it combines full body weight with forward and upward momentum. Head kicks and spinning back kicks can generate comparable force, but the flying knee’s effectiveness often comes from the difficulty of seeing it coming at close range.

Can a flying knee be used as a counter?

Yes. Some of the most effective flying knees in competition have been thrown as counters, meeting an opponent who ducked for a takedown or moved their head forward. The opponent’s own forward motion adds to the impact.

Is the flying knee only used in Muay Thai and MMA?

No. It appears in kickboxing (including K-1 and Glory), Lethwei, and Sanda, among other combat sports where knee strikes and jumping attacks are permitted under the rules.

---

Sources

1. Wikipedia. “Knee (strike).” Accessed April 2026.
2. ESPN. “MMA and UFC Glossary.” Accessed April 2026.
3. Evolve University. “The Ultimate Guide to Muay Thai Knees.” Accessed April 2026.
4. Muay Thai. “Muay Thai Knees: Explained.” Accessed April 2026.
5. Guinness World Records. “Fastest UFC KO.” Accessed April 2026.
6. UFC. “Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.” Accessed April 2026.
7. Evolve University. “How to Land a Flying Knee in Muay Thai.” Accessed April 2026.

Related MMA Terms