Issue 112

March 2014

Fighters Only World MMA Awards 2012 ‘Coach of the Year’ and Kings MMA head trainer Rafael Cordeiro teaches his adaptation of Muay Thai for MMA, with help from student and Strikeforce veteran Fernando Bettega

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

2. Rafael throws a jab knowing Fernando will slip it by moving his head to Rafael’s left.

3. After Fernando slips as expected, Rafael launches a right cross that isn’t intended to hit Fernando. Instead he allows it to sail across Fernando’s head as it provides momentum for him to step his right leg behind Fernando’s stance.

4. Rafael quickly bends his elbow and fires it hard into Fernando’s chest.

5. Rafael combines the force of the blow with a thrust from his hips to tip Fernando over his right leg and onto the mat.