The MMA Blitz Paradox

**eyebeams** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 12:11pm

Expanding from discussion here:

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/show...&page=20&pp=15

As I mentioned, one thing that gets me about MMA is the way fighters sometimes gst smoked by comparatively primitive blitzing a la Mike Swick. It's not common at all for boxers to get taken by this sort of thing. But JohnnyS rightly responded that boxers don't have to worry about eating a knee, elbow, or takedowns from the clinch.

Still, it seems strange that a boxer practically never gets taken by this kind of blitzing, while a guy Swick can use it to ride several fights in a row. So I'd like to talk about how boxers and MMAers respond to blitzing and why exactly there are different outcomes.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 12:15pm

Does Blitzing mean a flurry of blows?

**Odacon** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 1:20pm

Boxers also have giant pads they can stick in front of their face called "boxing gloves" to sheild them. Seriously though, obiviously a boxer is trained to dish out said "blitz" (never heard that as a term before now) while at the same time avoid them. But in MMA this Mike Swick won't be blitzing anyone after a takedown....

**PEtrainer** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 1:20pm

I'm guessing thats what he ment... Like when Wanderli got jacked up by Belfort in UFC Brazil. I actually like that tactic, but am too slow to pull it off. Plus, Id be gassed if it didnt work.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 1:24pm

The answer is different clinch rules and smaller gloves.

**eyebeams** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 2:01pm

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

The answer is different clinch rules and smaller gloves.

Yeah, but I want to break it down more than that. For one thing, even though you can get in more trouble clinching, isn't it better than getting hit 8 times, falling down and attacking the ref because somebody punched the crap out of you and you're too boggled to even know who you're fighting?

Smaller gloves might be part of it. When somebody's moving you down with MMA gloves it must hurt a touch more. Covering using gloves doesn't seem to be an issue, since people still use boxing covers anyway -- or has the peekaboo cover fallen ot of favour with coaches?

**eyebeams** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 2:03pm

Originally Posted by odacon

Boxers also have giant pads they can stick in front of their face called "boxing gloves" to sheild them. Seriously though, obiviously a boxer is trained to dish out said "blitz" (never heard that as a term before now) while at the same time avoid them. But in MMA this Mike Swick won't be blitzing anyone after a takedown....

The trouble is that Swick went through at least three fights without anything of the sort happening to him. He just mowed folks down with his fists. You do see this sort of thing in boxing when the other guy is a tomato can, but are Swick's hands really that much better?

**Ronin** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 2:08pm

Boxers side step, those sneeky cocks !

**PirateJon** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 2:13pm

Simple.

Standing 8 count vs. ref stoppage

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 12/13/2005 2:16pm

Originally Posted by eyebeams

Yeah, but I want to break it down more than that. For one thing, even though you can get in more trouble clinching, isn't it better than getting hit 8 times, falling down and attacking the ref because somebody punched the crap out of you and you're too boggled to even know who you're fighting?

Smaller gloves might be part of it. When somebody's moving you down with MMA gloves it must hurt a touch more. Covering using gloves doesn't seem to be an issue, since people still use boxing covers anyway -- or has the peekaboo cover fallen ot of favour with coaches?

What is there to break down?
The clinch game is VASTLY different its not just a safe haven where you can hug each othe until the ref resets you in MMA.
They have smaller gloves on. Pain is not the issue the issue is a flurry is more likely to penetrate your defense when the attacker has smaller gloves to snake his shots in and you have smaller gloves to block with.

Its not complicated. If you think its just because MMA guys have crappy hands, jump in the ring and own them all.