Issue 110

January 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 (left) and Fernando start in orthodox stances – left leg forward.

2. Rafael throws a left hook to the head which Fernando blocks with his right arm.

3. Immediately after he blocks Rafael’s left hook, Fernando pivots on his lead leg and hits Rafael with his left elbow.

4. Following the elbow strike, Fernando reaches behind Rafael’s head, first his right hand, then with his left which has been protecting his chin from a right hand counter, thus taking a tight Muay Thai clinch. 

5. Fernando brings his right leg forward as he moves his left leg back to create momentum for a left knee to the chest.