Competing As a Southpaw in Mixed Fighting
Posted on 24. Feb, 2010 by ken in Mixed Fighting
Competing as a southpaw in mixed fighting, though it offers certain advantages to the skilled fighter, also presents a unique set of challenges . There have traditionally been two sides to this issue: those who think southpaws are at a disadvantage, and those who think southpaws have an inherent advantage over their opponents in mixed fighting. Being a southpaw myself, I’d like to weigh in on this topic and talk about how I prepare for opponents.
Fighting as a southpaw is most noticeable in mixed fighting against striking opponents, when the match often doesn’t go to the ground. Once you get to the ground, it doesn’t really make a difference whether you are left handed or not. One of the things to remember if you’re a southpaw is that many of your opponents wont be experienced against left handed fighters. Oftentimes you can knock out an opponent with a punch they cant even see, since your power comes from an unexpected and unseen angle. However, you need to be very wary of the lead right handed punch, as it is probably the thing that southpaws are most susceptible to. A good way to counter this is simply jab with your right hand while also moving to the right. This accomplishes two things: first, it keeps an orthodox fighter off balance, and also keeps you away from a powerful right hand punch.
Personally, I am much less a striking fighter than I am a a grappler. I prefer to get to the fight to the ground as soon as possible and utilize my skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in order to obtain a submission hold. As a result, I usually don’t have any problems being a left handed fighter. The advice I’ve given only applies when both fighters are standing, as that is the only time when being a southpaw makes much of a difference in mixed fighting. A southpaw well trained in the fundamentals of mixed fighting should stand a good chance against orthodox fighters.
