The 7 Levels of MMA Striking

Summary

This script breaks down the different levels of MMA striking, ranging from level one (awful) to level seven (elite). At level one, fighters like Ben Askren display fundamentally broken striking, while level two showcases dangerous fighters with knockout power despite poor technique, like Derrick Lewis. Level three features fighters with basic but flawed skills, such as Michael Chandler. Moving to level four, fighters like Khabib display solid, well-rounded striking. Level five presents world-class strikers like Shawn Strickland, and level six highlights technically complete fighters like Alexander Volkanovski. At level seven, fighters like Ilia and Alex Pereira redefine the sport with their exceptional striking, setting new standards for MMA.

Takeaways

• 😀 Level 1 striking is fundamentally broken, with fighters lacking basic techniques, like Ben Askren, who had poor form, head movement, and no power in his punches.
• 😀 Level 2 strikers have bad fundamentals but possess a dangerous weapon, like Derrick Lewis' one-punch knockout power, which can turn fights around despite poor technique.
• 😀 Level 3 strikers have basic striking fundamentals but lack defense and a diverse arsenal. Michael Chandler, for example, relies too much on power punches and has poor defensive awareness.
• 😀 Level 4 strikers are solid, with well-rounded fundamentals and a variety of tools. Khabib, although not known for striking, demonstrated solid fundamentals and could surprise opponents, even rocking Conor McGregor.
• 😀 Level 5 strikers are world-class, with elite timing, defense, and striking ability. However, they might lack in output or aggression, as seen in Shawn Strickland's fight with Israel Adesanya.
• 😀 Level 6 strikers are complete and elite, with few holes in their striking. They excel in most areas but might lack one exceptional skill, like power or unpredictability, which separates them from the very best.
• 😀 Level 7 is the pinnacle of striking in MMA, featuring fighters who redefine what's possible in striking. Examples include Ilia Topuria, whose boxing is unparalleled in the UFC, and Alex Pereira, the best kickboxer to ever step into MMA.
• 😀 Ilia Topuria brings a new standard to boxing in MMA with surgical punch placement, perfect timing, and devastating power, setting a higher bar than any other fighter in UFC history.
• 😀 Alex Pereira is noted for his world-class kickboxing and fight-ending knockout power, solidifying him as the best striker in MMA, with a dominance that goes beyond mere technique.
• 😀 While lower-level strikers survive by relying on one weapon (e.g., knockout power), higher-level strikers are complete, adapting their game to exploit various aspects of their opponents' weaknesses.

Q & A

What characterizes a Level 1 MMA striker?

A Level 1 MMA striker has fundamentally broken striking. They often have poor stance, non-existent head movement, and no technique. Their punches lack power and are thrown with just the arms, with no hip rotation or weight transfer. Ben Askren is a perfect example, known for his awful striking despite being a decorated grappler.

Why is Derrick Lewis considered a Level 2 striker?

Derrick Lewis is a Level 2 striker because while his striking fundamentals are poor (lacking footwork, basic combinations, and defensive skills), he has one redeemable quality: exceptional knockout power. This allows him to win fights even when he's losing, as he can end a fight with a single punch.

How does Michael Chandler exemplify Level 3 striking?

Michael Chandler demonstrates Level 3 striking by having solid fundamentals, such as knockout power and decent combinations. However, his defense is poor, and his striking becomes predictable. He lacks variety in his attacks and struggles against elite strikers who can manage distance and counter his attacks.

What makes Kabib's striking fall under Level 4 despite being known for his grappling?

Kabib's striking is solid (Level 4) due to his effective jab, decent head movement, and ability to rock high-level fighters like Conor McGregor. While not a striker at heart, he effectively uses his striking to set up his grappling, and his defense is respectable.

What defines Level 5 strikers in MMA?

Level 5 strikers are world-class and can dominate fights using their striking alone. They exhibit high-level technique, timing, and defense. An example is Shawn Strickland, whose striking may seem basic but is extremely effective, as seen in his victory over Israel Adesanya.

Why is Shawn Strickland's striking categorized as Level 5 despite his limitations?

Shawn Strickland's striking is classified as Level 5 because of his elite timing, defense, and ability to outstrike top fighters like Adesanya. However, his lack of output and aggression prevents him from being a truly dominant striker, as shown in his loss to DDP.

What distinguishes a Level 6 striker from other levels?

Level 6 strikers are technically exceptional with few weaknesses. They are world-class in almost every aspect of striking but still lack one special quality, like an unstoppable power or a unique skill. Max Holloway's striking, while excellent, is an example of this, as he lacks a single defining strength like Alex Pereira's knockout power.

How does Alexander Volkanovski's striking exemplify a Level 6 fighter?

Alexander Volkanovski's striking is a prime example of Level 6 due to his all-around technical skills, such as sharp footwork and combination striking. However, his vulnerability in defense, as seen in his fights with Ilya Topuria, highlights a small gap preventing him from reaching the absolute highest level.

What makes Level 7 strikers truly exceptional?

Level 7 strikers are the absolute pinnacle, bringing something revolutionary to the sport. They excel in all areas and have an exceptional quality that sets them apart. Fighters like Ilia Topuria, with his unmatched boxing skills, and Alex Pereira, a kickboxing legend, are examples of Level 7, bringing new levels of power, technique, and precision to MMA.

How has Ilia Topuria changed the game in MMA striking?

Ilia Topuria represents the best pure boxing in MMA, with surgical punch placement, perfect timing, and devastating knockout power. He doesn't just win fights; he finishes elite strikers like Max Holloway, proving that his striking is on a level beyond what we've seen in the sport before.