Technique Talk: Brandon Gibson explains why MMA striking's future is now

Esther Lin, MMA FightingWith even a casual look around the UFC today, something is immediately apparent as it relates to striking: changes are afoot. Whether it's the movement training of Conor McGregor, the novelty of the footwork of Dominick Cruz or the ability of T.J. Dillashaw to be unpredictable as he shifts in the pocket, there is a new wave of striker taking over the elite ranks. Just as MMA itself was proof more than one style of unarmed combat was necessary to succeed, the game's elite strikers adopt that mentality both to their overall game as well as specific domains like their striking arsenal. They take what's useful, drop what isn't, learn from many different styles and create something new on their own.

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