5 UFC fighters who were dropped by a jab
Every fight in the UFC begins on the feet. When striking, the jab is the most effective tool. It's a shot that reads distance, tells reaction, and sets up the follow-up shots. Fighters are often told to fight behind their jab, for it's the safest and smartest approach to slinging leather. The jab is a straight punch from the lead hand. It gets to the target quickly and retracts back fast in order to return to a defensive position.
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While it's the safest and best punch to utilize, it's not as powerful as other strikes. Typically, the power shots come from the rear hand and hooks, but these are set up from the calculations made by the jab.
This doesn't mean that a jab cannot pack a punch. Jabs have dropped multiple fighters in the past and will continue to do so as the sport moves forward. It's a piercing shot that, if done correctly, has the effect of running into a brick wall.
Here are five UFC fighters who were dropped by a jab:
#5. Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
Friends turned ephemeral rivals, Gilbert Burns worked his way up the welterweight ranks, and the only person in the way of his championship conquest was teammate Kamaru Usman. There was no real bad blood, rather the mutual desire to be the best in the world, so the friendship was set aside, and the bout commenced.
Its actually terrifying how much power Usman generates with his Jab https://t.co/YH6mjktUq5
Despite some early success with his powerful shots, 'Durinho' seemed to be a solved puzzle as the champion was able to snuff out the offensive onslaught via his improved striking courtesy of coach Trevor Wittman. A textbook jab that now seems to be one of Usman's best weapons landed repeatedly.
'The Nigerian Nightmare' emphasized his growth in the striking department in this performance. Formerly criticized for his 'less-exciting' approach to fights, Usman often used his wrestling to smother opponents and win decisions. The Burns fight showed that he's not a one-trick pony.
Not once but twice was the UFC welterweight champion able to put the Brazilian down with his jab. The first was timed perfectly off his opponent throwing a low kick. The second, however, was as perfect a jab as could've landed. Usman's shot sat Burns down, and the subsequent strikes were enough for the referee's intervention.