Is it possible to a top fighter with a negative arm reach?

jackleeb

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Negative arm reach, or ape index, for example:

Your height is 6'3" or 75 inches
but your wingspan is udner 75 inches.

Seems like all the top fighters have at least +1 reach (1 inch or more wingspan than height)
 
I've never heard the term negative reach but Max Holloway probably fits the bill. He is 5'11 or 71 inches (?) , but his reach is 69 inches.

People think he's a long fighter, but he actually needs to fight very close to his opponent to be most effective. So yes, you can have negative reach and be a world class fighter.
 
max-holloway-ufc-231.jpg

Successful short arm punchers often put a lot of (long) torso movement into their punches to make it work. (as long as they are still quick or granite chinned).
 
New concept to me but Gaethje was the first fighter I looked up & he’s that way (barely) so I would assume yes you can unless you don’t consider him a top fighter

IMG_2502.jpeg
 
Mike Tyson wasn't negative reach, but close and done alright

Ricky Hatton was another boxer with little reach

Having a reach helps, but a short reach can also be used to an advantage in some degree

Pretty sure khabib is also equal reach to height
 
As a pure striker I say no. Max has short reach for his height but not overall compared to the division.

Short reach but has wrestling, yes.
 
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