With the rise of ONE Championship and their Friday Fights events, Muay Thai pundits are more likely to expect high-paced, high-powered contests from the opening bell than slower-paced point-scoring displays. A massive part of this change is driven by the implementation ‘Performance Bonuses’, a sometimes life-changing sum of cash awarded to a fighter for “thrilling fans with exciting action, demonstrating an incredible warrior spirit, and delivering a phenomenal finish.”

In bouts fought in 4oz gloves, a lot of these bonuses are often awarded off the back of devastating hand combinations. These small gloves and the fast-paced ruleset that values damage have led to a number of fighters adopting a Muay Mat approach to fighting in search of a big finish and an even bigger reward. With international promotions like Hitman Fight League in the UK and Muay Thai League in Australia following suit and promoting their own three-round fights in 4oz gloves, it is safe to say that this high-velocity ruleset is primed to become a common feature in Muay Thai promotions over the next few years.

With this in mind, we’ve decided to give you some tips on how to set up some killer hand combinations that will help you batter through your opponent’s defenses. With each tip, we have included some hand combinations that are perfect for anyone in small gloves.

Switch Between Head & Body Combinations Like Rodtang Jitmuangnon

If you want to spark your opponent out cold with a crisp hand combination, then you need to change levels. It is a strategy that fans of Rodtang will be familiar with, “The Ironman” uses head & body combinations consistently in bouts to create opportunities for a knockout victory.

Begin by getting your opponent to cover up high as you move into range by throwing a fast punch to their head as a distraction to set up the remaining punches. With their hands high, their body will be exposed so your second punch will target the midsection. This will cause them to lower their hands, which potentially causes them to expose their head to create an opening up top for you to finish with a powerful knockout shot.

Jab Combinations

An opponent standing opposite you with a tight guard is going to be difficult to hit. To maximize your chances of landing a clean, knockout combination, sometimes it is best to wait for your opponent to throw the first punch and use it as an opportunity to counter. The most common opening strike in any Muay Thai or boxing combination is a jab. Before diving into some other hand combinations, let’s take a look at the above video by Muay Thai World Champion Kwankhao Mor. Rattanabandit on some setups and jab combinations before moving on.

Hook Combinations

Another powerful weapon to utilize is the hook. Using your rear hand to the punch across their body or head serves as a good payback when they miss their shot. Check out some Hook combinations demonstrated by Muay Thai World Champion Sarawut Sor Jor Wichit Padriew that’ll definitely turn heads and score points with the judges.

Jab, Cross, Side Step, Low Kick

Firing off a quick jab and cross combination helps in this setup. Step wide with your rear foot while leaving your lead foot planted. This will move your head out of the way of your opponent’s counter jab. Then, as soon as your rear foot connects with the canvas, bounce back into your stance. Often finding yourself in close proximity to your opponent, finish the combination with a massive low kick to the side to inflict serious damage to their leg.

Slip Jab, Rear Uppercut, Lead Hook

Begin slightly out of striking range and as your opponent steps in with their jab, slip your head off the center line while stepping forward and throwing your own counter. Their jab should fly right over your shoulder as your own fist connects, pushing them onto the back foot. Follow up with a massive rear uppercut as you bring your head back to center. If they’re still standing after this, you can follow up with a lead hook that’ll be sure to knock them out.

Catch & Counter Combinations

Because the global ruleset puts a huge value on damage inflicted, it can sometimes be in your best interest to catch a kick and punch instead of going for a traditional sweep. A kicking opponent, up on one leg will be off-balanced and an easy target for punches. That being said, there are 2 ways to catch kicks:

• Over-Catch: the classic over-catch scoops your opponent’s leg under your armpit, making a sweep relatively easy to achieve but this time, instead of dumping them, hold the captured leg tight under your armpit and pull that shoulder back as you drop their leg so that they fall into you. As your shoulder drops back throw a heavy punch with the opposite arm (it will be a cross or hook depending on the side you’ve caught) which will catch them on the jaw as they fall, doubling your power. Because you have pulled them into you, the range will be short, and you will need to follow your first power punch with looping hook or uppercut (even elbow) strikes to finish the combination.

• Under-Catch: The under-catch is usually performed when a kick is thrown to your upper bicep or shoulder, too high for the conventional over-catch. When your opponent kicks high to your lead side, hold the defending side arm tight to your body and reach across with the opposing arm to scoop the underside of your opponent’s leg. Instead of sweeping, simply drop their leg and follow up with a straight punch to the stomach as their leg falls. If this punch lands clean your opponent will likely lean forward to cover their midsection, exposing their head for a powerful lead hook to follow.

In Summary:

Fast-paced, three-round fights fought in smaller gloves are growing in popularity across the Muay Thai world. This ruleset has increased the success of Muay Mat techniques in securing massive knockouts and performance bonuses. If you want to excite fans and get rewarded by the judges, then practice these three heavy-handed tips.

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