Last updated: May 25, 2026
Quick Definition
A jumping kick is any kick thrown while both feet leave the ground, with the strike landing while the fighter is mid-air. In MMA, fighters use jumping kicks to add elevation and power to standard kicks such as the front kick or roundhouse.
What is a jumping kick?
A jumping kick is a kicking strike delivered in the air, with the attacker pushing off the ground before the foot connects with the target. The defining feature is simple: at the moment of impact, neither foot is on the floor. Some sources use “jumping kick” and “flying kick” interchangeably, but in stricter usage, the jumping kick takes off from a near-stationary position, while the flying kick adds a running start to gain forward momentum (Wikipedia, “Flying kick”).
In MMA, the technique pulls from several traditions. Karate practitioners like Lyoto Machida bring the jumping front kick (called mae tobi geri in Japanese) from Shotokan. Taekwondo fighters contribute jumping, spinning variations. Muay Thai stylists use the jumping switch kick and jumping roundhouse, which trace back to ring tactics in Thailand.
Fighters jump for two main reasons. The added elevation helps reach a taller opponent’s head, and the airborne body mass loads more force into the strike. A secondary benefit is deception: the unfamiliar trajectory can slip past a fighter watching for grounded kicks.
Jumping kick vs flying kick
The two terms get used loosely, but martial arts technical sources draw a clear line.
| Feature | Jumping kick | Flying kick |
|---|---|---|
| Takeoff | Stationary or near-stationary | Running start |
| Direction | Mostly vertical | Forward momentum |
| Distance covered | Short | Longer |
| Common in MMA | Yes | Rare (more common in demos and film) |
The Taekwondo Wiki notes that “flying” denotes significant forward momentum from a running start, while “jumping” is a more vertical takeoff from a stationary stance. Wikipedia treats a jumping kick as a kind of flying kick that “lacks the running start.” Either label can apply to the same airborne strike depending on the source. In MMA broadcasts, the term used is usually “jumping” because cage distances rarely allow a true running start.
Common types of jumping kicks in MMA
Several jumping variants show up across the UFC, ONE Championship, and other promotions. Each one is just a standard kick with elevation added.
| Type | What it looks like | MMA context |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping front kick | Linear snap kick to the face or body, mid-air | Used by Lyoto Machida to knock out Randy Couture at UFC 129 (Bleacher Report) |
| Jumping switch kick | A quick stance switch followed by a roundhouse, taking off the ground | Adapted from Muay Thai, where it adds power to a lead-leg kick (Evolve Daily) |
| Jumping roundhouse kick | Standard roundhouse delivered while airborne | Often aimed at the head; high knockout potential, high risk |
| Jumping side kick | Linear sideways kick with both feet off the ground | Borrowed from taekwondo and karate; rare but seen occasionally |
| Jumping back kick | A back kick with elevation, sometimes combined with rotation | One of the rarest variants in MMA due to its difficulty |
The jumping front kick is the most documented variant in modern MMA. The jumping switch kick and jumping roundhouse appear more often in fights with heavy Muay Thai or kickboxing influence.
Why jumping kicks are uncommon in MMA
Jumping kicks carry an obvious problem in a sport with takedowns. A fighter in the air has no base. If the kick is caught or blocked, the grappler can drive forward and put the kicker on the mat with minimal effort. Wikipedia notes that flying and jump kicks are debated in combat sports partly because of this vulnerability, and they tend to favour styles with no takedowns.
The kicks are also energy-heavy. Launching the body off the ground uses more fuel than a grounded kick, and a missed attempt leaves the fighter winded and exposed. The takeoff is also easier to spot than a quick grounded kick, which gives the opponent time to counter.
Despite all of that, jumping kicks still appear in MMA. A clean connection can produce an instant knockout, as Machida’s UFC 129 finish showed. They also work as a one-off surprise weapon. Opponents almost never prepare for a flying foot in camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a jumping kick the same as a flying kick?
Not exactly. Both describe kicks delivered in mid-air, but a flying kick traditionally involves a running start and forward momentum, while a jumping kick is launched from a stationary or near-stationary stance.
Are jumping kicks legal in MMA?
Yes. Any standing strike with the foot or shin is legal as long as it does not target an illegal area, such as the groin or the back of the head.
Has a jumping kick ever won a UFC fight?
Yes. The most famous example is Lyoto Machida’s jumping front kick knockout of Randy Couture in the second round at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011 (Sherdog). The strike was widely compared to the “crane kick” from The Karate Kid.
Why do MMA fighters rarely use jumping kicks?
Mid-air kicks leave the fighter without a base, which makes them vulnerable to takedowns if the kick is caught or blocked. Energy cost and a visible takeoff make them lower-percentage than grounded kicks, so most fighters keep them as a surprise tool rather than a core technique.
Sources
- Wikipedia. “Flying kick.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Wikipedia. “Kick.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Taekwondo Wiki Fandom. “Flying Back Kick.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Bleacher Report. “UFC 129 Results: Lyoto Machida KOs Randy Couture With A Leaping Front Kick.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Sherdog. “Top 5: Head Kick Knockouts in UFC History.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Evolve Daily. “5 Flying And Jumping Muay Thai Strikes Every Fighter Should Master.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
- Black Belt Magazine. “Most Difficult Kicks to Master in Martial Arts.” Accessed May 17, 2026.
Related MMA Terms
MMA Glossary
Explore 200+ MMA terms, techniques, and definitions.
POPULAR TERMS