In the unforgiving world of Mixed Martial Arts, size is often touted as the ultimate advantage. The image of a towering striker picking apart a smaller opponent from across the cage is a staple of fight promotion. But for every Goliath, there is a David waiting to chop them down. Fighting taller opponents is not just about courage; it is a tactical science that has been perfected by some of the greatest champions in history.
Whether you are a bantamweight dealing with a lanky striker or a heavyweight staring up at a giant, the principles of overcoming a reach disadvantage remain the same. It requires a specific set of skills: explosive footwork, high-fight IQ, and the discipline to execute a game plan under fire. This guide breaks down the exact strategies used by legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Daniel Cormier to neutralize height and reach advantages effectively.
Understanding Reach vs. Height: The Tale of the Tape
Before stepping into the cage, it is crucial to understand the difference between height and reach. While they often correlate, they are not the same. Height dictates the angle of attack, while reach (wingspan) dictates the Critical Distance—the range at which an opponent can hit you, but you cannot hit them.
- The Danger Zone: This is the space where the taller fighter can land their jab or teep kick without fear of retaliation. Staying here is a death sentence for a shorter fighter.
- The Pocket: This is the inside range where reach becomes a disadvantage. Long limbs require space to generate leverage; up close, they become cluttered and slower.
The goal of the shorter fighter is binary: be all the way out, or all the way in. Hanging out in the middle ground is how you lose by decision—or get knocked out.
Footwork & Entry: The Art of Closing the Distance
Closing the distance is the single most important skill for a shorter fighter. Moving in a straight line against a taller opponent is asking to eat a jab. Instead, you must use angles and level changes to enter safely.
The “V” Step Strategy
Successful entries often follow a “V” shape. You step in on an angle (to the left or right of the opponent’s center line) to attack, and you exit on a different angle to avoid the counter-fire. This keeps the taller opponent constantly turning to face you, preventing them from planting their feet to throw maximum power.
Pressure and Feints
Alexander Volkanovski is a master of using feints to freeze taller opponents. By constantly twitching his shoulders and faking entries, he overloads the opponent’s reaction time. When the taller fighter hesitates, Volkanovski blitzes across the gap. You must make the opponent believe you are attacking before you actually commit to the movement.
Striking Tactics: The Great Equalizers
Once you have navigated the danger zone and closed the distance, you need weapons that specifically exploit the taller fighter’s anatomy.
1. The Overhand Right
The overhand is widely considered the “Great Equalizer” in MMA. Because it travels in an arcing loop over the opponent’s guard, it is particularly effective against taller fighters who tend to keep their hands low or rely on leaning back for defense. The trajectory of the punch aligns perfectly with the chin of a taller opponent, often catching them blind.
2. The Calf Kick
Attacking the foundation is essential. Taller fighters often stand with a heavy lead leg to maximize their reach. This makes them susceptible to the Calf Kick. By targeting the lower leg, you compromise their mobility. A taller fighter who cannot step effectively loses their ability to manage distance, bringing their head down to your level.
3. Body Snatching
The head of a tall opponent might be hard to reach, but their body is a massive, stationary target. Digging hooks to the liver and ribs forces the taller fighter to crunch down to protect their midsection. This reaction lowers their head, bringing it right into the path of your hooks and overhands.
Grappling: The Short Fighter’s Secret Weapon
While striking is often the focus, wrestling is where the leverage advantage truly shifts to the shorter fighter. A lower center of gravity makes it easier to shoot underneath an opponent’s hips and drive through for a takedown.
The High Crotch and Single Leg
Double leg takedowns can be risky if the taller opponent has a good sprawl. However, the High Crotch and Single Leg takedowns allow you to attack from an angle. Daniel Cormier utilized the high crotch to perfection, often chaining it with a slam to ground taller heavyweights. Once on the mat, long limbs can be a liability, leaving gaps for control and submissions.
Dirty Boxing in the Clinch
If you can’t get the takedown, the clinch is your best friend. By tying up the opponent’s arms and pressing them against the cage, you neutralize their reach. Short, chopping uppercuts and elbows on the inside are devastating because the taller fighter cannot get enough extension to return fire effectively.
Case Studies: Legends Who Conquered Giants
To master this style, you must study the fighters who proved that height is just a number.
Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski
Standing at 5’6″ (168 cm), Volkanovski reigned over the featherweight division by dismantling significantly taller strikers like Max Holloway. His system relies on patience, discipline, and punishing the lead leg. He never rushes; he systematically chops the opponent down until they are immobile, then unloads combinations in the pocket.
Daniel “DC” Cormier
A heavyweight champion who often surrendered 4-6 inches of height to his opponents, Cormier used “hand fighting” to bridge the gap. He would pat down his opponent’s hands to create an opening, then explode into a collar tie or a takedown. His ability to mix wrestling threats with dirty boxing made his lack of reach irrelevant.
Mike Tyson’s Peek-a-Boo Style
Although a boxer, Mike Tyson’s mechanics are perfectly applicable to MMA. He used constant head movement to slip inside the jab, loading up his hips for explosive hooks as he entered the pocket. For MMA fighters, adopting this aggressive head movement can be the key to getting inside without taking damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right strategy, shorter fighters often fall into dangerous traps:
- Waiting Too Long: Hesitation allows the taller fighter to pick you apart from the outside. You must be the aggressor, or at least the one dictating the engagement range.
- Chasing the Head: Headhunting is exhausting and often futile against a tall, leaning opponent. Commit to the body and legs early.
- Staying on the Center Line: Moving straight backward is the worst thing you can do. It keeps you in the opponent’s linear power path. always circle away from the power hand.
FAQ
Is having a short reach a disadvantage in MMA?
Statistically, reach is an advantage, but it is not a decisive one. A shorter reach often comes with advantages in strength, leverage, and speed in the pocket. Many champions have had average or below-average reach for their division.
What is the best martial art for short fighters?
Wrestling is arguably the best base for shorter fighters. The lower center of gravity provides a natural advantage in takedowns and defense. Muay Thai is also excellent for learning how to close distance and utilize the clinch.
How do I stop a taller fighter from keeping me away with kicks?
You must check the kicks or catch them to off-balance the opponent. Alternatively, use their kicks as a trigger to enter; when they lift a leg to kick, they are momentarily planted on one foot and cannot retreat effectively. Blitz forward as soon as the kick is thrown.
Should shorter fighters bulk up to fight in higher weight classes?
Generally, no. Speed and cardio are your biggest assets against larger opponents. Bulking up too much can make you slow and gas out quicker, which plays right into a taller, rangier fighter’s hands.
