Issue 143

July 2016

Step in from the outside to land a pair of destructive elbows at point-blank range

Greg Jackson, the most in-demand coach in MMA demonstrates the best techniques for the cage, with help from UFC bantamweight John Dodson.

1 - Beginning in boxing range, Greg throws a right cross at John’s head.

2 - As Greg retracts his right hand, he steps forward with his left foot to close the distance.

3 - Once he’s in range, Greg throws his left elbow horizontally to John’s temple.

4 - Greg turns his hips as he strikes and lowers his level to set up his next strike.

5 - As Greg turns his hips back, he catches John with an upward right elbow.

TOP TIPS

AMATEUR

Short-range strikes like hooks, uppercuts, knees and elbows are best used when you’re close to your opponent.

SEMI-PRO

Greg says: “What makes this technique really effective is the illusion of range. I’m going from very far to very close, which catches a lot of people.”

PROFESSIONAL

Elbows hurt no matter where they land, but you could create a fight-stopping cut around your opponent’s eyebrows.

IN ACTION

Greg Jackson’s student, Carlos Condit, broke Thiago Alves’ nose with an elbow. The fight was stopped as a result of the strike.