Muay Thai and its Influence on MMA
Anderson Silva, Thiago Alves, Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Kenny Florian, Brandon Vera and the list goes on and on. These are just a few of the elite fighters of MMA who are Muay Thai specialists. Muay Thai has become a staple in the MMA fighter’s arsenal since even before MMA became a legitimate sport. Muay Thai’s eight points of contact (two fists, elbows, knees and feet) make it a favorite for fighters because of the many options it opens to those who are willing to learn it’s secrets.
Perhaps the number one aspect taken by all MMA fighters alike, even those who don’t train specifically in MMA, is the use of Muay Thai’s powerful kicks and knees. Many other traditional martial arts that have influenced MMA do not incorporate the use of power kicks using hip torque, or the use of standing knees as a weapons. In the modern form of MMA, one is never safe and must pay attention to ever limb of the other fighter. A fighter who never uses kicks or knees is often considered to be one-dimensional and not living up to the full potential of the sport. A fighter using every weapon available to him is considered a true mixed martial artist.