As a 5’7, 180lb former fighter, I was always paired up with big tall guys. What worked well for me was keeping distance and countering. Moving to the outside and really strong kicks to the meaty portion of the thigh. My go to was the overhand right. Never failed.
The Chosen One depends on what you want to do sport wise. If your a fighter, the typical bulk up program will work against you. Slow you down (unless you have genetics like Mike Tyson). If not, then do the big 4 only. Deadlift, squat, bench, row with power sets. Stay away from machines and cardio. Get your cardio from the weight sessions. Eat fatty but healthy. Hamburger, avocados, Mediterranean foods, eggs. Use MCT oil and cook foods with olive and vegetables oils. Focus on putting weight on the bar. Try to keep your calories no less than 3-4000 per day. Eat first thing in the morning and 1 hr before going to bed. There. 6 mo from now you’ll be a monster.
Why didn't you try to overwhelm them in the pocket? I'm a new fighter, same size as you so I'm just wondering. I always thought you had to neutralise their reach by getting in on the inside.
@@slash891 that’s called a fair fight. Striking at angles give you the advantage. UA-cam Mike Tyson using angles and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I don’t know what type of fighting your practicing but as an example in boxing, boxer uses the left jab and moves to the left. Now you’re set up for the right hook which leaves him completely open and his counter is much less effective. It took me a while to learn this but once I did, fighting was much easier.
Firas on top of being one of the best mma coaches in the world, you truly seem like a humble and genuine person and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
great stuff...one thing i would think or say is in a real fight the bigger dude will be more aggressive and your heart will be pounding...i would advice to breath and relax because a bigger dude will be frightening..and most ppl will be scared.and lose the fight despite there skill ..mind over everything
@@lusagamtc974 i just sparred a taller bigger dude and had some success with him being aggressive I got confused and overwhelmed at first but if you relax and breathe and keep a really tight guard you can clinch and overhand and try to use their aggression against them by wearing them out, stay relaxed and you can find ways to close the distance I still think I lost but I did better than i thought i would and hope this helps
Keep your gaze focused on the shoulders. Peripheral vision allows you to see arms, legs, and feet without raising your chin. The head is in between the shoulders. You don't have to look at the head to hit it. This gaze allows u to see most of the strikes and offers u better defensive/counter options, just my 2 cents. It takes years to develop, but if u can learn how to maintain your gaze and find the head without seeing it, it greatly improves your unpredictability and accuracy. GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL! Ooss!
Great video with some good points on the details of fighting a taller guy. When I fight a bigger and/or taller opponent I really like to use feints. I'm 5'6" on a good day and a lot of the guys I sparred with were 6'+. Using feints, good against anyone really, gets them to overextend and allows you time to get in their while they're vulnerable. Longer arms take longer to bring back. I also like to use double jabs to open up the body and legs for strikes. Another thing that I've had success with is using an inside kick when they try to bully me and rush me against the wall or cage. A well placed inside kick on an opponent who's coming straight forward will usually cause them to square up too much disrupting their balance and sometimes even causing them to trip forward allowing you to counter strong or circle out having to worry less about lunging hook chasing you.
Appreciate the vid. I'm pretty short so anytime I trained boxing and sparred against a taller guy, the first thing I learned was to be more cognizant on relaxing. You could easily get flustered and anxious from the pressure of a taller fighter, especially if they can cut off the ring. Change angles and the beat of your punches to never let them time you. Be a busy bee and deliver a death from a thousand bee stings.
Every time I fight with a taller opponent all my coaches tell me to stay in the pocket,don't give their reach,because that makes them "shorter".But I never felt comfortable in this situation.Thank you for clarifying what I really feel like to do!
Great video coach Firas Zahabi. I totally agree with the "zig-zag" movement, with the idea of avoiding clinch, and with the use of fake movements. And another important key, as you said, is the continuos movement.. Mma in Italy are very far from technical level shown in your videos. It would be a pleasure to have you there for a seminar.
Nice video! I totally agree with the move around concept when you fight a taller guy. Not only its difficult for him to clinch, but also he will not turn as fast when you hit and get out and so you can hit again when he turns. See it as a big truck vs a little car turning a corner. Again..Nice Video and ma3a Salama
Ive been reasearching this topin FOR YEARS since my trainer is 100kg and 1.90, when he spars with me he destroys me, this video gave me all the answers ive been looking for. Thank you
Thank you for the video. I just started taking muay thai and at 5'6 I am the shortest guy in the room. Just drills with everyone else is tedious. The tips and demonstration gave me a great direction to go in.
I definitely agree with not using as much head movement in muay thai, i do practice head movement, but when kickboxing , especially larger people, i stay on the outside and set my kicks up with my hands, in 160 at 5,9
couldn't agree more. there's a lot of bigger adults in my gym. most of them 25+ over 6 foot and I'm 5'9 and 14, I used this tactic of having them chase me. they wore out first, although what I did do firas is fire a body shot and circle away. it's easier as I'm southpaw. I also throw a right switch kick as it seems to surprise them and I feel really comfortable throwing it. good combos to use is a cross into lead leg kick and a spinning back kick. thanks for the video.
+Dylan NOBSER I'd rather not see it from that perspective. it's important to see the whole body as Firas shows. The footwork is vitally important to watch.
With the second guy, you had many opportunities to side kick him under his lead arm. What do you think about this as a solution for times when the taller opponent is stiff-arming you?
100% concur with all your statements on fighting bigger taller fighters, I set up a heavy bag with tape on it for different heights. I am roughly 5'8, I have one set for 5'10 6'1 and 6'3. as a side note trying to clinch with a guy taller than you is a pain even if you are the same weight. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier is an example, Jon and Daniel weighed the same on the night of the fight (roughly 225) and daniel C said jon felt like a bigger guy because of his height. I like to use a lot of counters and overhands. I like hooks as well, uppercuts if I am deep inside but I always circle out. Inside leg kicks scare me against a bigger fighter due to the counter straights.
My background is Olympic lifting (10 years), so I actually love clinching taller guys. Especially because they think they'll naturally be stronger and start working overtime. I'll tie up a couple of times and let them work and work, then when they start slowing down I can time good dumps or begin putting in knees.
It would be awesome if you would make a video about how a striker defends against a grappler and the other way around. Btw you're the best mma coach ever
Hey Firas! As a BJJ practitioner I was wondering, and correct me if I'm wrong (you're the black belt) - it's a fundamental concept in BJJ that the clinch is the best answer to fighting a bigger, stronger opponent, yet throughout this video you advise to avoid the clinch at all cost. Could you please elaborate on this apparent contradiction? Thank you very much! Admire your work and fighters. Best regards and a bit of lacking love between our nations from an Israeli fan.
+ILbjjIL bjj No love lacking from my side dear friend. Human rights for all - As for your questions - There are many competing school of thoughts. I like to use the one best suited for a particular situation. I don't believe that one particular method is always the way to go. I need to know my own strengths and weakness relative to that of my opponents and then formulate a game plan. In the video we are looking at MMA fighter vs MMA fighter with the main difference between the two being size and strength. If it were BJJ vs MMA I would have taken a very different approach. I will do a video like that sometime in the future so please stay tuned. PS - Arabs and Jews co-exist very comfortably here on this side of the planet. I hope the middle east is taking notes own how we govern ourselves in that regard.
This is good stuff as always firaz!! I always relied on the infighting when doing pure boxing against taller guys but in muay thai i know its dangerous just like u already explained
I appreciate your wisdom! Exactly how I was taught. I was also taught to stay in the pocket, but only to let off my combo, then fly right out. When they chase you it also makes it easier for set-ups. Thanks again.
Great stuff as always! I'm looking forward to that double leg video :) I'd love to see your view on how to set it up (active and reactive,striking, clinch and against the cage), execution and finish. Also examples of what you shouldn't do, and why.. etc etc :)
@@Team_Killer_NZ yea u have a point...thats why from what ive been taught...we gotta be more evasive/defensive when fighting bigger dudes...you should check out David Haye 100 kg vs Nikola Valuevev 144 kg....that weight difference man...forty fucking four kg...haye played smart,he knew hes weaker so he used more speed
+XxsplaSh0-o Avoiding the guillotine in 3 (not so) easy steps: 1. Do a proper shot. This means go deep below him, have your penetration step at least past his front leg and instead of concentrating on gripping some leg or whatever, concentrate on getting the other dude of balance 2. Keep proper posture at all times. You must remain in proper posture, that means: nose facing forward, ears above shoulders, shoulders above hips. If done correctly, it will be hard to reach around your head. If you dive in headfirst and have your back parallel to the ground, he will have an easy job guillotining you as he only needs to curl his arm to get your neck. 3.Complete the takedown. Try to come out at least at cross half guard or cross side control, which means: Your hips should be on the other side of him of where your head is. This way the guillotine is very hard to finish. If you're aligned with him it will be easy. 4. Bonus point: Setup your takedowns with faints or by unbalancing the other dude Coach Firas, this is what I tell the guys at my BJJ class, and it works great for me. Do you agree?
+XxsplaSh0-o yeah i need to address this on myself as well. I think I am narrowing down my issue. What I gathered but have not fully incorporated yet: -shoot with proud posture, head up and glued into their rib -turn the corner when you shoot and be able to change directions while driving (they guillotine u when you shoot straight from the front.much harder when you turn the corner.)
My wrestling coach used to tell me to keep my forehead on the side of his chest(near his shoulder just like you said) when you go for the takedown and even curve your back a little while pushing him on to the ground. P. S. - Sometimes people go for the Anaconda Choke (or Gator Roll like some people call it) if they think they can't lock the guillotine.
Great video, would love to see some more takedowns from the plum. I find myself i the plum throwing knees and trying to spin my opponent to the ground with pivots, but I don't know any good foot sweeps or trips to use once I get them off balanced.
Once again great pointers, i'm a " tall" fighter myself, 186cm (6"`1) and fight at - 75 kg (165lb) most of the time my opponnets are smaller and try to come in the pocket. so this helps too knowing what the smaller guy gone try to do. merci pour partager ta connaissance firas.
I got to give it, great vid. But the tall guys weren't using their reach effectively: if they blended in more linear kicks (side, front, to the knee) and some intercepting knees, they would've created far more obstacles to overcome. And the first guy was suited to cut the cage really well, don't see fully why he didn't. Maybe ideas for a new vid: how to fight as a tall guy?
Ikr! I feel bad as a tall guy because everyone always gives instructions on how to kick my ass. lol How come nobody gives tall guys any strategies... :(
Thank you for this video. Normally i am the taller opponent when sparring (6foot 4; 193 cm) and this video gave much insight what to avoid when i fight a smaller guy. It would be nice if you would make also how to abusue ur range when u are the taller one. I am looking forward to your next video. Cheerios from Germany
Hi Firas! You've been doing a lot of wrestling related videos recently which have been great, but as a kickboxing, judo and BJJ guy, I have no idea about the fundamentals of wrestling. Anywhere pointers on where I could find such info online? :)
Ome thing I really liked was that yu ou entered the pocket in a horse stance. Since your legs act as a barrier it doesnt appear that you can be put into a thai clinch easily. Also you can frame and turn easier from that position. Very analytical fighting skills!
Hey Firas! Would it be possible if you could do a breakdown of the awesome rolls that Ryan Hall preformed against Artem Lobov? I haven't seen this move anywhere on UA-cam and I find Ryan and Ferguson's rolls as potentially a new breed of takedowns.
@@isaiasroman5631 I was thinking more in a street fight scenario lol but yeah your right, and if I cut down to 135 I'd be strong as fuck compared to the other 135'ers
If you talking street fights maybe bulk up some cuz weights might often be mismatch. I’m 5,7 so I had the same problem but I’m 175 now so my strength helps
Could you do a video on how to fight a counter puncher or someone who likes to stand back and wait for you to attack? Lots of feints I'd imagine!! That was a great video
Hi Coach. I always see heaps of videos about beating taller opponents. Can you do one on using your height to your advantage against a smaller opponent?
Firas, your videos are the ones i look forward to every week. I noticed when you were fighting the southpaw guy you had really good lead foot outside position. Is this something you didn't explain because it's not relevant to the fact that your opponent is bigger than you, just relevant to the fact that he is a southpaw? i want to chuck in my vote to a video on how to use strikes to set up a takedown and then how to avoid the guillotine. i'd really like to see a striking combo to set up judo throws if you can. Thanks, these videos are EXCELLENT!
great vid, coach. I also want to see a vid on how to fight smaller, more agile opponents. I used to spar with various types of fighters (tall, out boxers, in-fighters, counterpunchers, etc.) since kyokushin is very open with its styles. the most I had a hard time was against very agile, small opponents. I am a decently sized guy (5'9") so I think I could hang with them, but I just get peppered with leg kicks and eventually i gas out first since I can't move my legs. I tried to use length, but I end up missing a lot of my shots. I go in, and those low/mid kicks comes in bunches. just wanna know what could be a good counter strategy for more agile fighters.
Good day sir. I've been seeing allot of tutorials in how to fight taller opponents. How about the other way around on how to fight smaller stocky opponents like Mike tyson
This is one of my favorite topics I hope you always revisit. I've noticed that the Tristar fighters are particularly good at hand fighting, which is why I've always been curious if you'd do videos about it. Some of the Tristar boys seem to use a two layer defense. Just like Rory and that tall fellow, if the opponent breaks through the framing, they tend to shoulder roll as a secondary defense. I have a sparring partner who used farming so often that it forced me to learn how to counter it with either boxing or muay thai. one of my favorites is this one. Buakaw pushes the arm aside, uses the other arm to trap their posture and block possible punches, throws in the leg kick. media.giphy.com/media/26FPtz1fwvWVHfW00/giphy.gif For the last sparring partner, you make the partner retract the arm because the threat of kicks. Not only that, there’s an opening down the centerline of his face 10:30 . You actually created a nice opportunity to break his rhythm and invite punches. I can see it being done by feinting the kick and transitioning into a punch to find that opening. similar to this. media.giphy.com/media/l4KhLeTRo3kkk9xmM/giphy.gif Just like that fighter in the example, he's forced to use both arms to protect the kick, letting Yod enter with punching range.
Thanks for the info bro this is gold i have a different approach for framers and hand fighting fencing has excellent wrist battles with knives and is counter intuitive to the usual approach so it throws people off alot i also try and box the hand i stead of the head or body and it forces them to drop their hand and makes the jab harder for them to pull off so closing distance is easier
The key variables here are that bigger taller guys have: 1. greater mass, 2. (usually) more strength, 3. longer reach and 4. higher centre of gravity. 1. Means that direction/level changes are much slower/more tiring for a big dude, but otherwise is an advantage. 2. and 3. are unequivocal advantages in a fight, and 4. is an unequivocal disadvantage. The best strategies in any fight plan revolve around blunting your opponent's advantages whilst magnifying his disadvantages.
Hey Firas, Another great video. I really appreciate all of your work. I have a question about your stance. It seemed like in the video you used more of a side on/boxing stance. Is this the stance you always use while striking? Or do you modify your stance based on your opponent/situation? Also, would you recommend others to experience with different stances (boxing vs. muay thati)?
Thank u and that's a great topic that merits its own episode. I definitely used different stances and also vary my fighting style. Be like water my friend ; )
Hey Firas great video! I have a question though: if your bigger, taller, stronger opponent exposes their back, would a rear clinch takedown a la Nick Diaz vs Carlos Condit still be inadvisable? And if so, what would you recommend? Thanks again for the video and looking forward toA response.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge , your videos are always really interesting , but i was wondering , if clinching is not a good strategy against bigger and stronger opponents , why does fedor emelianenko always clinches his opponents ( and fights them in the pocket ) and manages to win ? ( ps : i don't know much about mma )
Hey Firas i have 2 questions. My first question is, if a guy is taller and heavier than you woudnt it be more dangerous to stay on the feet and take the chance of getting hit and knocked out? My second question is what if you know youre a better wrestler and you can get them down to utilize your jiu jitsu would you advise to use the clinch against a bigger opponent in that circumstance?
That all depends on the situation. For instance I may not want to go to the ground if they are multiple attackers. Being smaller doesn't mean you well lose the stand up war, size is a factor both in the ground and standing. All factors need are important and every situation is different. Be ready for anything.
That all depends on the situation. For instance I may not want to go to the ground if they are multiple attackers. Being smaller doesn't mean you well lose the stand up war, size is a factor both in the ground and standing. All factors need are important and every situation is different. Be ready for anything.
I know you might not necessarily lose in stand up but mass x acceleration= force and him being a bigger guy means he will have more mass meaning he will have more force which can lead to you being knocked out just from one hit, so wouldnt it be a safer option to try to bring it to the ground (if it is a singular attacker) and try to stay on top where you can land strikes without getting hit?
I could never quite unlock the secret to fighting taller people. I am 5 7" on a good day but I have also always been very broad and muscular. The lowest I could ever get was 145# but I only ever fought at 150. This led to almost everyone I sparred with or fought (boxing) being at least 2+ inches taller, hell the fights I had I only fought one guy under 5 11". I did ok for myself, but fighting taller dudes was always a struggle, and I almost always took some damage trying to counter and/or get past the reach. I finally started doing a bit better before I stopped when I decided to make them come to me more. All these guys weighed the same as me too though so most of them we close to as fast as I was, I was built like a little mike tyson lol. Good advice here
Mike Tyson did well against taller opponents, did you try what he did? I think he had to use a higher-energy style getting in close and punching in bunches using speed and power up close. Don't stand with them and trade. Sounds like you were trying too much to fight on their terms, the terms of the taller fighters. I don't know boxing that well so just throwing it out there, but looks like Tyson never tried matching jabs and that kind of thing, he changed the rules and didn't stand up trade, if you know what I mean. He was either beating the shit out of them up close in bunches, or he was out of their range. No middle range like how most boxers fight. But this style requires high energy and possibly wore him out after a few years.
Just a tall guy here, trying to reverse engineer the video... Great stuff as always...
Same lol
Jokes on them, I like to move!! but I dont weigh very much loll
I’m short. What’s up? Lol
@@JosePereira-ly5fb im 5 foot 3 hahahaha
Get outta here ya big bastard! We trying to defeat you! Lol
Q: *"How to fight a Bigger and Stronger Opponent?"*
A: Beat the shit out of them.
It's simple, we kill Batman.
r/toughguy
@@karlhans6678 😂😂😂
As a 5’7, 180lb former fighter, I was always paired up with big tall guys. What worked well for me was keeping distance and countering. Moving to the outside and really strong kicks to the meaty portion of the thigh. My go to was the overhand right. Never failed.
The Chosen One depends on what you want to do sport wise. If your a fighter, the typical bulk up program will work against you. Slow you down (unless you have genetics like Mike Tyson). If not, then do the big 4 only. Deadlift, squat, bench, row with power sets. Stay away from machines and cardio. Get your cardio from the weight sessions. Eat fatty but healthy. Hamburger, avocados, Mediterranean foods, eggs. Use MCT oil and cook foods with olive and vegetables oils. Focus on putting weight on the bar. Try to keep your calories no less than 3-4000 per day. Eat first thing in the morning and 1 hr before going to bed. There. 6 mo from now you’ll be a monster.
Keeping the distance and moving to the outside????? Isn’t that what you do with shorter opponents .
@@pocoloco877 tall fighter = longer reach and longer legs so yea, I kept distance. Worked for me.
Why didn't you try to overwhelm them in the pocket?
I'm a new fighter, same size as you so I'm just wondering. I always thought you had to neutralise their reach by getting in on the inside.
@@slash891 that’s called a fair fight. Striking at angles give you the advantage. UA-cam Mike Tyson using angles and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I don’t know what type of fighting your practicing but as an example in boxing, boxer uses the left jab and moves to the left. Now you’re set up for the right hook which leaves him completely open and his counter is much less effective. It took me a while to learn this but once I did, fighting was much easier.
Firas on top of being one of the best mma coaches in the world, you truly seem like a humble and genuine person and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
+Miguel Madrigal thank you friend
great stuff...one thing i would think or say is in a real fight the bigger dude will be more aggressive and your heart will be pounding...i would advice to breath and relax because a bigger dude will be frightening..and most ppl will be scared.and lose the fight despite there skill ..mind over everything
+GREENMIND Train your skills until they become instinctual..
+Tristar Gym ok thks
Thats the problem....when i sparr against bigger guys....they are always aggresive and wanna beat the shit out them, what should i do?
@@lusagamtc974 i just sparred a taller bigger dude and had some success with him being aggressive I got confused and overwhelmed at first but if you relax and breathe and keep a really tight guard you can clinch and overhand and try to use their aggression against them by wearing them out, stay relaxed and you can find ways to close the distance I still think I lost but I did better than i thought i would and hope this helps
@@roflswamp6 1) how much kg is he heavier than you
2) is it an mma match or a striking match?
Keep your gaze focused on the shoulders. Peripheral vision allows you to see arms, legs, and feet without raising your chin. The head is in between the shoulders. You don't have to look at the head to hit it. This gaze allows u to see most of the strikes and offers u better defensive/counter options, just my 2 cents. It takes years to develop, but if u can learn how to maintain your gaze and find the head without seeing it, it greatly improves your unpredictability and accuracy. GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL! Ooss!
@Knee Beats shin fr I thought everyone knew lol
Most of this stuff isn’t true just go watch mike tyson videos all u need to do is move ur head and not let up it’s simple
@@calebdebenedictis7133 That simple huh? Just watch a few Tyson videos and move your head...Really? And how often do you apply this theory?
Almost everyday and that is the basis to fighting not detailed r u dumb or stupid
@@calebdebenedictis7133 let’s hear your pro fight record?
Man! I'm in fighter's heaven after finding your channel!
Huge nuggets of gold all over the place!
Thank you very much, coach Zahabi!
Great video with some good points on the details of fighting a taller guy. When I fight a bigger and/or taller opponent I really like to use feints. I'm 5'6" on a good day and a lot of the guys I sparred with were 6'+. Using feints, good against anyone really, gets them to overextend and allows you time to get in their while they're vulnerable. Longer arms take longer to bring back. I also like to use double jabs to open up the body and legs for strikes.
Another thing that I've had success with is using an inside kick when they try to bully me and rush me against the wall or cage. A well placed inside kick on an opponent who's coming straight forward will usually cause them to square up too much disrupting their balance and sometimes even causing them to trip forward allowing you to counter strong or circle out having to worry less about lunging hook chasing you.
Appreciate the vid. I'm pretty short so anytime I trained boxing and sparred against a taller guy, the first thing I learned was to be more cognizant on relaxing. You could easily get flustered and anxious from the pressure of a taller fighter, especially if they can cut off the ring. Change angles and the beat of your punches to never let them time you. Be a busy bee and deliver a death from a thousand bee stings.
Keep making these types of videos, they're very clear and informative and it's cool to see you demonstrating the concepts in a spar.
next video : how to defeat brock lesnar
J Lizaso Frog splash from the ladder.
Consult Cain Velasquez
Hide his roids
Call Alistair, Velasquez, and Frank Mir
Hhhhh simple. Run
Every time I fight with a taller opponent all my coaches tell me to stay in the pocket,don't give their reach,because that makes them "shorter".But I never felt comfortable in this situation.Thank you for clarifying what I really feel like to do!
You should stay in pocket if you are explosive
Always a pleasure Firas. In the future I would love a video on overcoming a faster opponent as well.
Timing overcomes speed. Let them walk into your well timed shots.
Ono Northey
Look up Gene kim
Thank you coach. This is really useful for me. I'm 5'3"
I’m 4’11 this will help me fuck you up
I'm 4'10 bring it
im 4’9 fuck u
I'm 4'8 yall dont want it
kings
Great video coach Firas Zahabi. I totally agree with the "zig-zag" movement, with the idea of avoiding clinch, and with the use of fake movements. And another important key, as you said, is the continuos movement.. Mma in Italy are very far from technical level shown in your videos. It would be a pleasure to have you there for a seminar.
Nice video! I totally agree with the move around concept when you fight a taller guy. Not only its difficult for him to clinch, but also he will not turn as fast when you hit and get out and so you can hit again when he turns. See it as a big truck vs a little car turning a corner. Again..Nice Video and ma3a Salama
this channel is great deserves way more attention.
Brilliant. This will help me out a ton in sparring. Thank you Sensei!
Loved it, can't wait for the next one. Now do one for the tall guy defeating the small guy. It allows you to know what he is going to try.
Coach Zahabi, I am a huge fan of your analytical breakdowns and I am grateful for your Tristar Gym channel. Keep doing what you do best.
thanks for making this vid Firas. it's good for self defense vs. bigger guys. Good to see tips from someone who has the experience and skills.
Very easy to follow your breakdown. Extremely easy to follow and understand what and why you’re doing what you’re doing.
I did not know you are such a good speaker too. Can watch your videos the whole day. Keep up the great work brother.
Awesome video Firas. This will be very helpful advice for my next sparring session.
Thanks for sharing, I enjoy the breakdowns and logical explanations on why you do things in a certain way.
Ive been reasearching this topin FOR YEARS since my trainer is 100kg and 1.90, when he spars with me he destroys me, this video gave me all the answers ive been looking for. Thank you
topic*
Thank you for the video. I just started taking muay thai and at 5'6 I am the shortest guy in the room. Just drills with everyone else is tedious. The tips and demonstration gave me a great direction to go in.
I definitely agree with not using as much head movement in muay thai, i do practice head movement, but when kickboxing , especially larger people, i stay on the outside and set my kicks up with my hands, in 160 at 5,9
As a 5'2 female, I really appreciate this. I TKD spar more often than muay thai, but many of the concepts can apply towards either so I appreciate it.
great video man. more pointers like this would be awesome. any tips for pure boxing would help too. thanks again
Great videos I think your one of the true thinkers in the game I do appreciate your commentary & knowledge!
couldn't agree more. there's a lot of bigger adults in my gym. most of them 25+ over 6 foot and I'm 5'9 and 14, I used this tactic of having them chase me. they wore out first, although what I did do firas is fire a body shot and circle away. it's easier as I'm southpaw. I also throw a right switch kick as it seems to surprise them and I feel really comfortable throwing it. good combos to use is a cross into lead leg kick and a spinning back kick. thanks for the video.
Great advice, thank you! In one of your future videos can you wear a GoPro on your head so we can get a first person view of what this looks like?
+Dylan NOBSER I'd rather not see it from that perspective. it's important to see the whole body as Firas shows. The footwork is vitally important to watch.
Why not both perspectives?
Dylan NOBSER agreed
Dylan NOBSER
Look up Gene kim
This is the best advice on UA-cam on how to get knocked the fuck out. Striking against a taller opponent is the quickest way to get put to sleep.
With the second guy, you had many opportunities to side kick him under his lead arm.
What do you think about this as a solution for times when the taller opponent is stiff-arming you?
I like the side kick for sure. And your right it was there but I didn't think of it. Wish you were in my corner ; )
100% concur with all your statements on fighting bigger taller fighters, I set up a heavy bag with tape on it for different heights. I am roughly 5'8, I have one set for 5'10 6'1 and 6'3. as a side note trying to clinch with a guy taller than you is a pain even if you are the same weight. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier is an example, Jon and Daniel weighed the same on the night of the fight (roughly 225) and daniel C said jon felt like a bigger guy because of his height. I like to use a lot of counters and overhands. I like hooks as well, uppercuts if I am deep inside but I always circle out. Inside leg kicks scare me against a bigger fighter due to the counter straights.
BIG thumbs up!
More of this please! It is such an unique opportunity to learn, thank you!
Glad I finally checked out your channel, instant subscribe.
My background is Olympic lifting (10 years), so I actually love clinching taller guys. Especially because they think they'll naturally be stronger and start working overtime. I'll tie up a couple of times and let them work and work, then when they start slowing down I can time good dumps or begin putting in knees.
this was an awesome video, so insightful. Firas you are legend
great vid bro. i like the concepts you use. keep it up
Great video! Clear, concise and informative, doesn't waffle on like most people do and take five minutes to even start. Would watch more.
It would be awesome if you would make a video about how a striker defends against a grappler and the other way around.
Btw you're the best mma coach ever
Can you do a video on head movement and foot work ? (Dominick cruz style)
+percya999 That would be awesome
+Ekim Would Same with Jack Slack.
Yes plzz
+percya999 watch bjjscout cruz v dillashaw videos
+display name hey look it's Mr know it all.
Hey Firas! As a BJJ practitioner I was wondering, and correct me if I'm wrong (you're the black belt) - it's a fundamental concept in BJJ that the clinch is the best answer to fighting a bigger, stronger opponent, yet throughout this video you advise to avoid the clinch at all cost. Could you please elaborate on this apparent contradiction?
Thank you very much!
Admire your work and fighters. Best regards and a bit of lacking love between our nations from an Israeli fan.
+ILbjjIL bjj No love lacking from my side dear friend. Human rights for all - As for your questions - There are many competing school of thoughts. I like to use the one best suited for a particular situation. I don't believe that one particular method is always the way to go. I need to know my own strengths and weakness relative to that of my opponents and then formulate a game plan. In the video we are looking at MMA fighter vs MMA fighter with the main difference between the two being size and strength. If it were BJJ vs MMA I would have taken a very different approach. I will do a video like that sometime in the future so please stay tuned.
PS - Arabs and Jews co-exist very comfortably here on this side of the planet. I hope the middle east is taking notes own how we govern ourselves in that regard.
This is good stuff as always firaz!! I always relied on the infighting when doing pure boxing against taller guys but in muay thai i know its dangerous just like u already explained
I appreciate your wisdom! Exactly how I was taught. I was also taught to stay in the pocket, but only to let off my combo, then fly right out. When they chase you it also makes it easier for set-ups. Thanks again.
Love these informational videos firas. Keep em coming and we'll keep on watching.
Amazing video as always. Thank you, Firas.
Magnificent teacher!
Danny B. I want one teaha me MMA
Really good stuff, Firas
Great stuff as always! I'm looking forward to that double leg video :) I'd love to see your view on how to set it up (active and reactive,striking, clinch and against the cage), execution and finish. Also examples of what you shouldn't do, and why.. etc etc :)
love this vid! ima boxer that weighs 123 and spar heavyweights at my gym.. so this is great!!!!!
Wow
O my gosh...isnt that too much??...23 kg is fine...but heavyweights?
@@dondawati4345 23 kg is absolutely not fine if it's serious, despite the skill gap so I'm assuming this guy is talking controlled sparring
@@Team_Killer_NZ yea u have a point...thats why from what ive been taught...we gotta be more evasive/defensive when fighting bigger dudes...you should check out David Haye 100 kg vs Nikola Valuevev 144 kg....that weight difference man...forty fucking four kg...haye played smart,he knew hes weaker so he used more speed
Please do video about wrestling,takedown and how to avoid guillotine
yea i agree that would be a great video... spinning out or picking opponent up and slamming them usually makes them let go if done right. Peace.
+XxsplaSh0-o
Avoiding the guillotine in 3 (not so) easy steps:
1. Do a proper shot. This means go deep below him, have your penetration step at least past his front leg and instead of concentrating on gripping some leg or whatever, concentrate on getting the other dude of balance
2. Keep proper posture at all times. You must remain in proper posture, that means: nose facing forward, ears above shoulders, shoulders above hips. If done correctly, it will be hard to reach around your head. If you dive in headfirst and have your back parallel to the ground, he will have an easy job guillotining you as he only needs to curl his arm to get your neck.
3.Complete the takedown. Try to come out at least at cross half guard or cross side control, which means: Your hips should be on the other side of him of where your head is. This way the guillotine is very hard to finish. If you're aligned with him it will be easy.
4. Bonus point: Setup your takedowns with faints or by unbalancing the other dude
Coach Firas, this is what I tell the guys at my BJJ class, and it works great for me. Do you agree?
+XxsplaSh0-o the gracies have a couple with some intresting counters that are beautiful gracie breakdown channel
+XxsplaSh0-o
yeah i need to address this on myself as well. I think I am narrowing down my issue. What I gathered but have not fully incorporated yet:
-shoot with proud posture, head up and glued into their rib
-turn the corner when you shoot and be able to change directions while driving (they guillotine u when you shoot straight from the front.much harder when you turn the corner.)
My wrestling coach used to tell me to keep my forehead on the side of his chest(near his shoulder just like you said) when you go for the takedown and even curve your back a little while pushing him on to the ground.
P. S. - Sometimes people go for the Anaconda Choke (or Gator Roll like some people call it) if they think they can't lock the guillotine.
Great video, would love to see some more takedowns from the plum. I find myself i the plum throwing knees and trying to spin my opponent to the ground with pivots, but I don't know any good foot sweeps or trips to use once I get them off balanced.
Once again great pointers, i'm a " tall" fighter myself, 186cm (6"`1) and fight at - 75 kg (165lb) most of the time my opponnets are smaller and try to come in the pocket. so this helps too knowing what the smaller guy gone try to do. merci pour partager ta connaissance firas.
Great Video. I learned a lot in 12 minutes and 32 seconds.
Thank you for your videos sir. They are gold dust.
I got to give it, great vid. But the tall guys weren't using their reach effectively: if they blended in more linear kicks (side, front, to the knee) and some intercepting knees, they would've created far more obstacles to overcome. And the first guy was suited to cut the cage really well, don't see fully why he didn't. Maybe ideas for a new vid: how to fight as a tall guy?
Glad you enjoyed it. Will make many more.
Ikr! I feel bad as a tall guy because everyone always gives instructions on how to kick my ass. lol How come nobody gives tall guys any strategies... :(
double that
Thank you for this video. Normally i am the taller opponent when sparring (6foot 4; 193 cm) and this video gave much insight what to avoid when i fight a smaller guy. It would be nice if you would make also how to abusue ur range when u are the taller one. I am looking forward to your next video.
Cheerios from Germany
firas you are the man...one day i hope i get to train with you at tristar!
Hi Firas! You've been doing a lot of wrestling related videos recently which have been great, but as a kickboxing, judo and BJJ guy, I have no idea about the fundamentals of wrestling. Anywhere pointers on where I could find such info online? :)
Love this video very detail oriented and not hard to follow at all
yeah man videos like this are great. keep them coming please.
Very helpful and informative. More technical how to instructional videos would be great
I love this channel! Great insight and strategy! Thank you sir.
love your stuff my mang! thank you for these videos OSS!
Ome thing I really liked was that yu ou entered the pocket in a horse stance. Since your legs act as a barrier it doesnt appear that you can be put into a thai clinch easily. Also you can frame and turn easier from that position. Very analytical fighting skills!
Nice video! Can You explain the gogo choke Ben Rothwell is doing lately? Bye
+Laptibidibubam GracieBreakdown have a breakdown of it man
Hey Firas! Would it be possible if you could do a breakdown of the awesome rolls that Ryan Hall preformed against Artem Lobov? I haven't seen this move anywhere on UA-cam and I find Ryan and Ferguson's rolls as potentially a new breed of takedowns.
grata videos Firas, thanks alot for sharing your knowledge! much respect
love these kinds of videos with demonstrations!
Very good video very little talked about. Please do more if this tall vs short videos
very good video please tell what u think about brock lesnar and how his career ened in humaltion and scrutiny
As a 5'8 150 pound man this is gonna be my strat pretty much every fight lol
But you could fight at 135 bro the average height for that weight class is probably 5'8 there's so fighters that are over 6'0 but nothing crazy
@@isaiasroman5631 I was thinking more in a street fight scenario lol but yeah your right, and if I cut down to 135 I'd be strong as fuck compared to the other 135'ers
If you talking street fights maybe bulk up some cuz weights might often be mismatch. I’m 5,7 so I had the same problem but I’m 175 now so my strength helps
@@CT-yr8ph yeah street fight is different I'm 5'8 usually walk around 180 ish
Could you do a video on how to fight a counter puncher or someone who likes to stand back and wait for you to attack? Lots of feints I'd imagine!! That was a great video
+ Tristar Gym
Great video, super insightful!
Hi Coach. I always see heaps of videos about beating taller opponents. Can you do one on using your height to your advantage against a smaller opponent?
Firas, your videos are the ones i look forward to every week. I noticed when you were fighting the southpaw guy you had really good lead foot outside position. Is this something you didn't explain because it's not relevant to the fact that your opponent is bigger than you, just relevant to the fact that he is a southpaw?
i want to chuck in my vote to a video on how to use strikes to set up a takedown and then how to avoid the guillotine.
i'd really like to see a striking combo to set up judo throws if you can.
Thanks, these videos are EXCELLENT!
good video realy much better Than fightips i.hope you do more video on how to know what fighter you are. anyhow THX for posting the video
Awesome and informative video thabk you so much, happy to watch more like this.
great vid, coach. I also want to see a vid on how to fight smaller, more agile opponents. I used to spar with various types of fighters (tall, out boxers, in-fighters, counterpunchers, etc.) since kyokushin is very open with its styles. the most I had a hard time was against very agile, small opponents. I am a decently sized guy (5'9") so I think I could hang with them, but I just get peppered with leg kicks and eventually i gas out first since I can't move my legs. I tried to use length, but I end up missing a lot of my shots. I go in, and those low/mid kicks comes in bunches. just wanna know what could be a good counter strategy for more agile fighters.
I guess low leg kicks would be very useful against a taller opponent.
Good day sir. I've been seeing allot of tutorials in how to fight taller opponents. How about the other way around on how to fight smaller stocky opponents like Mike tyson
Great 👍🏼 guidance...!
Hey Firas,
are you a fan of using side kicks to the body to keep taller opponents on the outside?
This is one of my favorite topics I hope you always revisit.
I've noticed that the Tristar fighters are particularly good at hand fighting, which is why I've always been curious if you'd do videos about it. Some of the Tristar boys seem to use a two layer defense. Just like Rory and that tall fellow, if the opponent breaks through the framing, they tend to shoulder roll as a secondary defense.
I have a sparring partner who used farming so often that it forced me to learn how to counter it with either boxing or muay thai.
one of my favorites is this one.
Buakaw pushes the arm aside, uses the other arm to trap their posture and block possible punches, throws in the leg kick.
media.giphy.com/media/26FPtz1fwvWVHfW00/giphy.gif
For the last sparring partner, you make the partner retract the arm because the threat of kicks. Not only that, there’s an opening down the centerline of his face 10:30 . You actually created a nice opportunity to break his rhythm and invite punches. I can see it being done by feinting the kick and transitioning into a punch to find that opening.
similar to this.
media.giphy.com/media/l4KhLeTRo3kkk9xmM/giphy.gif
Just like that fighter in the example, he's forced to use both arms to protect the kick, letting Yod enter with punching range.
Thanks for the info bro this is gold i have a different approach for framers and hand fighting fencing has excellent wrist battles with knives and is counter intuitive to the usual approach so it throws people off alot i also try and box the hand i stead of the head or body and it forces them to drop their hand and makes the jab harder for them to pull off so closing distance is easier
@@roflswamp6 "Box the hand". That's an interesting idea.
The key variables here are that bigger taller guys have: 1. greater mass, 2. (usually) more strength, 3. longer reach and 4. higher centre of gravity.
1. Means that direction/level changes are much slower/more tiring for a big dude, but otherwise is an advantage. 2. and 3. are unequivocal advantages in a fight, and 4. is an unequivocal disadvantage.
The best strategies in any fight plan revolve around blunting your opponent's advantages whilst magnifying his disadvantages.
sooo...if you're short, frankie edgar that shit and start mixing up levels
great stuff, can you do one for southpaw tactics?
Hey Firas,
Another great video. I really appreciate all of your work.
I have a question about your stance. It seemed like in the video you used more of a side on/boxing stance. Is this the stance you always use while striking? Or do you modify your stance based on your opponent/situation?
Also, would you recommend others to experience with different stances (boxing vs. muay thati)?
Thank u and that's a great topic that merits its own episode. I definitely used different stances and also vary my fighting style. Be like water my friend ; )
+Tristar Gym Thanks for the feedback Firas.
An episode on different fighting stance would be great.
+sbren2527 excellent suggestions.
Thanks for the video can you please do a video on how a tall person should utilise their reach and maintain distance
Can you make a video on head movement and closing distance?
Hey Firas great video! I have a question though: if your bigger, taller, stronger opponent exposes their back, would a rear clinch takedown a la Nick Diaz vs Carlos Condit still be inadvisable? And if so, what would you recommend? Thanks again for the video and looking forward toA response.
Loved the video great insight!!!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge , your videos are always really interesting , but i was wondering , if clinching is not a good strategy against bigger and stronger opponents , why does fedor emelianenko always clinches his opponents ( and fights them in the pocket ) and manages to win ? ( ps : i don't know much about mma )
So a good strategy for the bigger guy would be to get in the clinch and wear their opponent down?
Hey Firas i have 2 questions. My first question is, if a guy is taller and heavier than you woudnt it be more dangerous to stay on the feet and take the chance of getting hit and knocked out? My second question is what if you know youre a better wrestler and you can get them down to utilize your jiu jitsu would you advise to use the clinch against a bigger opponent in that circumstance?
That all depends on the situation. For instance I may not want to go to the ground if they are multiple attackers. Being smaller doesn't mean you well lose the stand up war, size is a factor both in the ground and standing. All factors need are important and every situation is different. Be ready for anything.
That all depends on the situation. For instance I may not want to go to the ground if they are multiple attackers. Being smaller doesn't mean you well lose the stand up war, size is a factor both in the ground and standing. All factors need are important and every situation is different. Be ready for anything.
I know you might not necessarily lose in stand up but mass x acceleration= force and him being a bigger guy means he will have more mass meaning he will have more force which can lead to you being knocked out just from one hit, so wouldnt it be a safer option to try to bring it to the ground (if it is a singular attacker) and try to stay on top where you can land strikes without getting hit?
+HamsterCatLionn if its strictly 1 on 1 then yes I prefer going to the ground and tying up.
+Tristar Gym thank you for the replies firas
Great video I would love to see more of these type of videos.
thanks! more on this series would be great!
I could never quite unlock the secret to fighting taller people. I am 5 7" on a good day but I have also always been very broad and muscular. The lowest I could ever get was 145# but I only ever fought at 150. This led to almost everyone I sparred with or fought (boxing) being at least 2+ inches taller, hell the fights I had I only fought one guy under 5 11". I did ok for myself, but fighting taller dudes was always a struggle, and I almost always took some damage trying to counter and/or get past the reach. I finally started doing a bit better before I stopped when I decided to make them come to me more. All these guys weighed the same as me too though so most of them we close to as fast as I was, I was built like a little mike tyson lol. Good advice here
Mike Tyson did well against taller opponents, did you try what he did? I think he had to use a higher-energy style getting in close and punching in bunches using speed and power up close. Don't stand with them and trade. Sounds like you were trying too much to fight on their terms, the terms of the taller fighters. I don't know boxing that well so just throwing it out there, but looks like Tyson never tried matching jabs and that kind of thing, he changed the rules and didn't stand up trade, if you know what I mean. He was either beating the shit out of them up close in bunches, or he was out of their range. No middle range like how most boxers fight. But this style requires high energy and possibly wore him out after a few years.
Great video! Thanks for this! Greetings from Germany!