The Art of Feints: How to Trick Your Opponent and Set Up Fight-Ending Strikes

The Art of Feints: How to Trick Your Opponent and Set Up Fight-Ending Strikes

In MMA, deception is just as important as power and technique. The best fighters don’t just throw strikes—they set traps. Feints are one of the most effective tools in a fighter’s arsenal, allowing you to manipulate your opponent, create openings, and land fight-ending shots. If you want to fight smarter and make your opponent react to your game, it’s time to master the art of feinting.

1. What is a Feint?

A feint is a fake movement designed to make your opponent react, creating an opening for an attack.

A well-timed feint can:

Force your opponent to move out of position

Make them hesitate and second-guess their reactions

Set up powerful strikes or takedowns

Disrupt their rhythm and take control of the fight

Fighter’s Edge Tip: A feint is only effective if your opponent believes it’s real—sell it with convincing movement.

2. Types of Feints Every Fighter Should Master

There are different ways to feint in a fight, each with its own purpose and strategy.

Striking Feints

Jab Feint: Fake a jab to make your opponent react, then follow up with a real attack.

Overhand Feint to Body Shot: Lift your hand as if throwing an overhand, but go low with a body shot instead.

Fake a Low Kick, Go High: This is one of the deadliest setups—many fighters drop their hands when they expect a low kick, leaving their head exposed.

Takedown Feints

Fake a Level Change: Drop your level as if shooting for a takedown, but come back up with an uppercut or knee.

Faking a Shot to Clinch: Use a fake takedown attempt to get inside and set up a clinch.

Footwork & Head Movement Feints

Shifting Your Weight: A slight weight shift can make an opponent believe you’re about to throw a strike.

Head Fakes: Moving your head as if you’re about to slip or counter can bait your opponent into throwing first.

Pro Tip: Fighters like Israel Adesanya and Conor McGregor use constant feints to make their opponents hesitant, setting up knockout blows.

3. How to Train Feints Effectively

To make feints second nature, integrate them into your training sessions.

Shadowboxing: Work feints into your movement—imagine baiting an opponent and countering.

Pad Work: Have your coach react to your feints, teaching you to recognize openings.

Drill with Partners: Practice in sparring to see how opponents react to different feints.  

Watch Fight Film: Study elite fighters who use feints effectively and apply those tactics to your game.

Fighter’s Edge Tip: The best feints look identical to real attacks—work on disguising your movements.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overusing Feints – If you feint too often, your opponent will stop reacting.

Weak Feints – If your feints aren’t believable, they won’t work.

Telegraphing Attacks After Feints – Always mix up your attacks to keep your opponent guessing.

Conclusion

Feints are a powerful tool that separate elite fighters from the rest. By learning how to fake strikes, takedowns, and movement, you can make your opponents react on your terms, create openings, and land devastating shots. Train smart, stay unpredictable, and take control of the fight.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Always work with a coach to develop your feinting skills and integrate them into your fight strategy.

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