How to throw an uppercut in Boxing & MMA

An uppercut is a type of punch used in boxing and other combat sports that involves an upward motion from the waist to the target’s chin. In short, everyone knows about the uppercut and roughly what it involves. It’s fair to say that you can’t make it as a fighter if you don’t use the uppercut, as it’s one of the fundamental punches taught in boxing. If you learn how to combine this with other boxing punches and combos then you will be winning fights in no time! In this article, we shall analyze the uppercut, alongside it’s strengths and weaknesses.

How to throw an uppercut punch

1. Start in a boxing stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly behind the other. Keep your hands up to protect your face.
2. Shift your weight: Shift your weight to your front foot, and pivot on your back foot. This will generate power for your punch.
3. Bend your knees: Bend your knees, and dip your torso slightly to generate even more power.
4. Punch upwards: Bring your fist up and forward, keeping your elbow close to your body. Aim for the chin or the solar plexus of your opponent. Your palm should be facing towards you as you make contact.
5. Rotate your hips: Rotate your hips and shoulders into the punch, so that your entire body is involved in the motion.
6. Follow through: Once you’ve made contact with your target, follow through with your punch. Bring your fist back down to your starting position.

Remember to practice your uppercut with a partner or on a punching bag to develop your technique and power. It’s also important to maintain good form and technique to avoid injuring your hand or wrist.

How to combine the uppercut with other punches

Although the uppercut is a pretty solid punch, it is almost useless on its own. Imagine being in a fighting video game and spamming the same move. You would get countered quickly due to being too predictable. With this in mind, here are a few decent combos to add to a good uppercut.

1. Jab – Uppercut: The jab is a quick and light punch that can be used to set up an uppercut. Throw a jab with your lead hand to keep your opponent at bay, then follow up with an uppercut from your rear hand. This combination can be very effective, especially if you can catch your opponent off guard.
2. Hook – Uppercut: The hook is a powerful punch that is thrown to the side of your opponent’s head. After throwing a hook with your lead hand, pivot your body and follow up with an uppercut from your rear hand. This combination is great for getting around your opponent’s guard and landing a powerful punch.
3. Uppercut – Hook: This combination is the reverse of the previous one. Throw an uppercut with your rear hand, then pivot your body and follow up with a hook from your lead hand. This combination is especially effective if you can land the uppercut cleanly, as it will set up the hook perfectly.
4. Double Uppercut: A double uppercut is a combination in which you throw two consecutive uppercuts with the same hand. This can be an effective way to land a powerful punch, especially if your opponent is open in the middle.

Remember, the key to effective combinations is to vary your punches and keep your opponent guessing. Be sure to practice your combinations with a partner or on a heavy bag so that you can develop your timing and technique.

The difference between using the uppercut in boxing and MMA

The uppercut is a punch that can be used in both boxing and MMA, but there are some differences in how it is executed and how it can be used in each sport. Always remember, even though there are similarities between the two, there are some differences to look out for as well. They include the glove shape, grappling, kicks, and other variables which change things. Here are some key differences between the uppercut in boxing and MMA:

1. Use of elbows: In MMA, fighters are allowed to use their elbows, which means that they can throw uppercuts with their elbows as well as their fists. This can make the uppercut a more versatile and dangerous technique, as the sharp edge of the elbow can cause serious damage to an opponent’s face.
2. Distance: In boxing, fighters tend to fight at a longer range than in MMA, which means that the uppercut is often used to bridge the distance between fighters. In MMA, fighters are often in closer proximity to each other, which means that the uppercut can be used as a counter-punch to an opponent’s attack.
3. Takedowns: In MMA, fighters can use the uppercut as a setup for a takedown. By throwing an uppercut and then shooting in for a takedown, a fighter can catch their opponent off guard and take them down to the ground.
4. Gloves: In boxing, fighters wear gloves that are designed to protect their hands and cushion the impact of their punches. In MMA, fighters wear gloves that are less padded and allow them to grapple and take down their opponents. This means that an uppercut in MMA can be more damaging than in boxing, as there is less padding to absorb the impact of the punch.

In both boxing and MMA, the uppercut is a powerful punch that can be used to devastating effect when executed properly. However, the specific techniques and strategies associated with the uppercut may vary depending on the sport.

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