First Time as one of "The Big Guys"

**ArtOfDefense** · Posted On: 6/18/2010 5:21pm

Hello Folks,

Please move this if this is the wrong place.

I’ve fought my entire 5 or so fights at 165lbs. My grappling is going to be a rather large advantage in my favor for my next fight, but I’m moving up to 185lbs and am looking for any tips for my first shot as a big guy. I am a bit concerned about the strength difference, though I’ve been rolling with some guys who’ve fought at 185 and I seem to be on the average range there.

But to the point for my post:
I’m an above average jabber, have a good over hand, and can kick well with both shins. I’m also a big fan of elbow strikes. I’m also a sucker for a lead hook, and guys who throw pressure at you non stop. (I’m a counter fighter, but I can’t counter everything!)

Any ideas for combos starting with the jab that I can work to negate any strength advantage this guy may have? I know my combos, not a noob, but looking for some new ideas.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 6/18/2010 5:30pm

How is your push kick and your single leg?

**ArtOfDefense** · Posted On: 6/18/2010 5:45pm

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

How is your push kick and your single leg?

MY shoot take downs are garbage as far as being explosive, I can pull them off against the cage though. My lead push kick is my favorite tool next to my jab.

(Did I mention I'm a very stick and move kinda guy?)

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 6/18/2010 5:55pm

If you are fighting a stronger guy a push kick can be a good equalizer. Really strength shouldn't be an issue in straight striking exchanges I'd be more concerned about reach. If you're giving up power practice your defense. Not getting hit is usually the best way to open your opponent. There is no magic combo, just the normal stuff like make them miss and hit from the blind side.

**BadUglyMagic** · Posted On: 6/19/2010 12:48pm

How much do you weigh now and how much time do you have to get to 185?

Is the other fighter coming down in weight or is that his normal weight?

Also, how much experience/how many fights does he have?

**ArtOfDefense** · Posted On: 6/21/2010 9:47am

Originally Posted by BadUglyMagic

How much do you weigh now and how much time do you have to get to 185?

Is the other fighter coming down in weight or is that his normal weight?

Also, how much experience/how many fights does he have?

190 now, I fight on 7/30

I believe he is going up, but is naturally larger than me (cua a lot of weight b4, I never really have.)

He's 0-3. Like I said, I'm not too concerned skill wise, just wanna avoid strength issues.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 6/21/2010 3:56pm

You walk around at 190 and usually fight 165? Yet you haven't cut a lot before? I'm confused. Are you a teenage that is just growing or did you pack on 25 pounds of muscle?

**ArtOfDefense** · Posted On: 6/21/2010 4:16pm

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

You walk around at 190 and usually fight 165? Yet you haven't cut a lot before? I'm confused. Are you a teenage that is just growing or did you pack on 25 pounds of muscle?

I've always walked around at 175 or less, been hitting the weights hard since a year ago...