Issue 048
April 2009
The differing shapes of ring and cage make it necessary to learn different tactics and footwork for controlling the space. Dealing with ropes, as opposed to a fence, likewise requires different skills to master whether you wish to stand and strike or secure a takedown.
Starting The Fight
Many fighters look to stamp their authority on a fight early by rushing their opponent with a fast takedown, a heavy punch, or even a flying knee. Whatever their opening gambit, you can neatly avoid it by simply circling off as you approach the centre of the ring.
Step 1 Pete (black) and Knox (white) start in their corners.
Step 2 As the bell rings they both race to capture the centre.
Step 3 Pete anticipates Knox's opening attack and circles off immediately to find an angle to counter.
Controlling the Centre
Taking the centre is an effective way to force your opponent to spend energy while you conserve your own.
Step 1 Pete has successfully captured the centre of the ring.
Step 2 As Knox circles around, Pete readjusts his angle without giving up the middle.
Step 3 Knox is forced to continue circling around, trying to find an angle to attack. Note that Knox has had to spend energy moving a great distance, yet Pete has used only minimal footwork to maintain his angle.
Cutting off the Ring
Coming from a successful background in K-1 kickboxing, Mirko Cro Cop was a master of ring control. Upon arriving in Pride he effectively bullied his opposition around the square, using his understanding of angles in the ring and how to back opponents to the ropes. Unlike the Octagon, the ring provides a wedge shape that offers a great advantage to the fighter who faces the corner.
Step 1 Pete has taken the centre and has begun encroaching on Knox.
Step 2 He backs Knox up with a faked right cross.
Step 3 Now he waits for Knox to make a decision, readying his next attack.
Step 4 As Knox attempts to escape to his left, Pete cuts the ring off with a right kick.
Step 5 As Knox attempts to escape to the right, Pete has his left-sided weapons ready. He could kick with the left leg or slide out a little and deliver a left hook, as seen here.
Using the Ropes (Beating the Cheats)
Like the cage, the ring offers its own unique opportunities to break the rules. It's hard for officials to see or punish every infraction, so it's important to know how to counter and take advantage when opponents employ foul tactics.
Step 1 Again Pete commands the centre.
Step 2 Because Knox is against the ropes and not the corner, he has more space to circle away than if he were cornered. This time Pete will rush him to initiate the clinch instead of leaving space to throw strikes.
Step 3 Bringing Knox's guard up by throwing punches, Pete level changes underneath and grabs a double leg. Knox is employing a common foul tactic, hooking one arm around the ropes to foil the double. Experienced cheats will take care to grab the ropes on the far side of the referee.
Step 4 Realising that Knox has committed an arm to defending the takedown, Pete steps back off the double, keeping him in place with his left hand.
Step 5 With his arm wrapped around the rope, Knox is left unable to defend the elbow strike. Should he free his entangled arm in time to cover the elbow, Pete can re-initiate the double leg uninhibited.
Step 6
Here Knox is employing another cheat that referees often miss. As Pete tries for the single leg, Knox hooks his other leg on the outside of the ring.
Step 7
Sensing that Knox isn’t budging, Pete lets go of the single leg and steps back.
Step 8
Pete takes advantage of Knox's posture and immobility to deliver a knee strike.
Dealing With The Ropes
Step 1 Here Pete has made a mistake and grabbed a rope while attacking for a single leg, effectively preventing his own takedown attempt.
Step 2 If Pete tries to untangle the arm and go back to the single, Knox will escape before he can replace his grip, so he simply slides up to a body lock.
Step 3 With his leg behind Knox's near leg, Pete twists and tilts Knox to the mat, using his head to drive Knox off balance. If Knox grabs the rope at this point the referee will easily see and deduct a point accordingly.
