How to Fight a Southpaw: Strategy Guide

[a guy]

Didn't read

Me neither.

 

[a guy]

Good breakdown. One thing I always think about with Southpaws is that they inherently have a small advantage over their orthodox opponents due to the location of the liver in the human body. The power kicks from the south paw fighter easily reach the liver while the orthodox opponent has to resort to spinning shit to hit the same target with power.

That's true, but it also means the liver is a closer target. Body jabs, lead leg side kicks and teeps, and even lead uppercuts are all closer to the liver for the orthodox fighter.

 

[platypus44]

Solid post, but I don't know if Rousey will ever have the composure and skill to make Holm come to her as long as Holm commits to a disciplined out fighting game plan. She's just too emotional, and would have to fight her natural instincts too much. The first time she gets punched in the face she's marching straight forward IMO.

I agree. But - even though the first fight was a one-sided beating - it does suggest some possible strategies for the second fight. For example, if RR grabs Holly's right jabs and hooks from the very beginning of the fight, Holly could be forced to stop throwing right punches entirely (as she did in the second round) and to - essentially - punch with only one hand. Also - by not following Holly around predictably, RR could complicate Holly's game and force Holly to step in more which could lead to clinches or throws. Finally, Ronda is actually a lefty so switching from time to time to a southpaw stance could disrupt Holly.
It all depends on RR's ability to fight a much smarter and subtler fight , to not be predictable, to focus less on trying to land a big punch and more on trying to clinch off Holly's punches and to be patient in clinches and on the ground. With the right camp and with a trainer willing to confront her and be critical of her, it could happen. With her existing camp, it is very unlikely.

 

[Toxxus]

That's true, but it also means the liver is a closer target. Body jabs, lead leg side kicks and teeps, and even lead uppercuts are all closer to the liver for the orthodox fighter.

The hook/uppercut to the liver requires you to get very close. Lead leg sidekicks are virtually unseen in MMA due to the risks involved with throwing them and the skill required to throw them effectively. Body jabs are very risky as they are rarely done well and leave your head exposed which is rarely a good trade.

There are options, sure, but they are not as good as the options available to the southpaw.

 

[a guy]

The hook/uppercut to the liver requires you to get very close. Lead leg sidekicks are virtually unseen in MMA due to the risks involved with throwing them and the skill required to throw them effectively. Body jabs are very risky as they are rarely done well and leave your head exposed which is rarely a good trade.

There are options, sure, but they are not as good as the options available to the southpaw.

I agree that overall the southpaw has the advantage, I just don't think it's that big. Lead uppercuts and hooks to the body can be landed at about the same range a right straight to the head can be. Lead leg teeps to the body work great, and lead leg side kicks carry more risk than teeps but are less risky to throw against southpaws than against orthodox fighters because it's more difficult for them to get behind your back, and they work extremely well against someone who's taking their elbow away from their body to hand fight. Switch kicks work the same way. Body jabs are one of the least risky punches to throw when done correctly. None of those has the stopping power of a rear leg kick, but they're more available.