Issue 122

December 2014

STRIKING

Kings MMA head trainer, and former Fighters Only World MMA Awards ‘Coach of the Year’, Rafael Cordeiro teaches his adaptation of Muay Thai for MMA, with help from student and Strikeforce veteran Fernando Bettega

1. Rafael and Fernando start off in orthodox stances – left leg forward.

2. Fernando throws a left hook but Rafael is able to get his right arm up towards his face to block his attack.

3. Rafael counters Fernando’s left hook by moving inside the pocket and launching a left elbow towards Fernando’s head.

4. After landing the left elbow on Fernando, Rafael steps his left foot outside Fernando’s lead leg, pivots and smashes his right elbow into Fernando’s face. NOTE: When attempting this attack, remember to always keep your eyes on your opponent. A spinning back elbow is a high risk, high reward move and not knowing where your opponent is could lead to you missing the target, or even worse, being knocked unconscious.