UFC 194: 5 keys to victory for Luke Rockhold

4. Varied Striking Attacks

Weidman is an effective striker with big knockout power but Rockhold has a significant advantage over the champion in terms of weapons at his disposal. Where Weidman looks to mainly use his hands Rockhold has a dynamic kicking game.

The more weapons a fighter has the more things their opponent has to think about. Rockhold needs to use everything in his arsenal to keep Weidman guessing and off balance. Those different attacks will not only do damage but they will create additional openings.

Planning to use a varied attack against Weidman and actually doing though are two very different things. Because of his wrestling acumen Weidman forces his opponents to be one dimensional. His takedown threat all but eliminates the kicking game from his opponent’s arsenal.

Rockhold has to be wary of the takedowns but he can’t be fearful. The kicking game is what separates Rockhold from Weidman on the feet. Instead he just needs to be measured with his kicks; focusing on leg and body attacks.

Taking out Weidman’s legs will take away his power and hurt his ability to take the fight to the ground at will. Attacking the body will eat away Weidman’s cardio. Eventually attacking the lower body will draw Weidman’s guard down; once down Rockhold is a finisher.

Next: 3. Mix in Takedown Attempts