Combos beginning with the lead uppercut

[SublimeSun]

Hey guys. What do you think of combos that begin with the lead uppercut? I would actually appreciate to hear input on pros and cons of starting combos with the lead uppercut. I recall seeing some fighters successfully use combos that begin with this punch (e.g. Shogun, Couture).

I've only used it occasionally in sparring, but I find that the lead uppercut followed by a straight or overhand right works well. I think this is because the initial punch influences the opponent to focus downwards. On the downside, I don't feel as safe starting a combo with this punch.

Some examples

Lead uppercut followed by overhand right


Lead uppercut followed by right hook


Lead uppercut followed by clinch and knee


Cheers

 

[PivotPunch]

As you posted Tyson used it in some fights especially in the rematch against Ruddock. Juan Muanuel Marquez uses the slip - lead uppercut- straight right all the time I think i remember him landing uppercuts especially in the 3rd fight with Pacquiao.

Obviously the slip to the left (orthodox) seems like the most common enabler to throw it safely and it's pretty simple.
As for the safety thing yeah uppercuts are the most dangerous punches to throw but I mean if it works against ATG offensive fighters with alltiem great speed like Pacquiao then it works against anyone with the right timing.

I imagine following up with and overhand (and landing it) is hard. The uppercut isn't that fast so it's possible and likely that your opponent has moved a bit away after the uppercut (and you knock the head a bit backwards) and while overhand can be long they probably shouldn't be. The straight right seems much safer. Maybe against the ropes or if your opponent for whatever reason is stationary then it works.

Or if you can shift or are good at punching while moving like Tyson could and did but the uppercut - straight seems more reliable

 

[Cap10Kirk]

The title of this post is somewhat misleading. What you are illustrating is counter punching. Not leading. When you say lead uppercut followed by the right, to me you are initiating an attack with that combo. I wouldn't normally recommend that combo UNLESS you have the requisite tools of timing, footwork, head-movement, distance control and feinting ability. Speed really helps as well.

Now as a counter punch? Slip left + left uppercut + right hook = hell freaking yeah

 

[SublimeSun]

Thanks for the input fellas. You both bring up the important distinction between initiating a combo with the lead uppercut and using it off a slip. It sounds like the safer and more efficient route would be to use the punch off a slip.

It actually looks a lot safer to use it as a counter as well. The video below is Ben Henderson throwing a lead uppercut. While he lands, you can see the opening that he leaves.

 

[Marvin Covar]

Try using a lead upper and follow with a lead hook either to the body or head. if you're into Muay thai, you should be in range for a spearing knee afterwards.

 

[sourdiesel209]

Like others pointed out, most of your example are counters not lead punches. And for that, Im amazed nobody has mentioned the lead uppercut GOAT yet:

 

[ssullivan80]

Personally, being a longer limbed guy I do like LEADING with my lead UC in certain situations. As noted, conventional wisdom would be to slip, or counter with the lead uc as it's definitely not a punch you want to reach with in front of your opponent. Far better off using an upward jab to initiate a combo in most instances. However, I do like using a lead UC behind a feint jab or feint cross when I'm trying to close distance or pressure a backpedalling opponent. When an opponents backing up or retreating, firing in and leading with the UC, being it's a shorter punch (distance wise) let's me set/anchor my feet and throw longer reaching power shot's as opponents pulling back. In short, leading with the UC you can work your opponent "out to the end of your reach" 4,3,2 vs. "using your reach to work into the opponent" 2,3,4

Watch any JMM fight (vs Katsidis be a good one), he does this exceptionally well.