8 Advanced MMA Kick Combinations To Master

In modern mixed martial arts, kicks are more than just flashy tools — they’re vital weapons. If you rely solely on your hands, you’ll struggle against opponents who can pick you apart from range using powerful and precise kicks. This is why top-level MMA fighters invest as much time refining their kicks as they do their boxing.

Incorporating disciplines like Muay Thai and Kickboxing into your MMA training is essential to developing a versatile striking game. Once you’ve nailed the basics like leg kicks and teeps, it’s time to elevate your skills with advanced kicking combinations that have been proven inside the cage.

Below are eight killer kicking combos used by professional MMA fighters worldwide.

1) Lead Teep → Switch Kick → Cross → Hook → Rear Roundhouse Kick

This combination creates a constant state of unpredictability for your opponent. The lead teep and switch kick help establish distance while forcing your opponent to react. From there, you explode into a hard cross and lead hook, setting up the rear roundhouse — aimed directly at the liver or ribs.

• Pro Tip: Land the cross and hook with power but reserve your maximum effort for the roundhouse kick. A clean liver shot could end the fight.

2) Step Back → Inside Leg Kick → Cross → Low Kick

A slick defensive-to-offensive combo. Start by stepping back to lure your opponent forward. As they advance, counter with an inside leg kick to disrupt their balance. Follow with a sharp cross to the face, then end with a brutal rear leg low kick.

• Variation: Swap the final low kick with a head kick if you catch your opponent lowering their guard.

3) Jab → Cross → Lead Teep → Rear Roundhouse Kick

This combo blends hand speed with timing. After landing a classic jab-cross, throw a lead teep to the opponent’s stomach, knocking them backward. As they regain balance, fire off a rear roundhouse to the body or head, catching them mid-recovery.

• Pro Tip: Use the teep as both an offensive strike and a tool to reset the distance.

4) Lead Jab → Lead Hook → Lead Teep → Rear Roundhouse Kick

This combination works wonders against aggressive fighters. Start with a jab and follow with a lead hook to force their guard high. Follow with a lead teep to the midsection, then whip a rear roundhouse kick to their head or liver.

• Tip for Southpaws: The sequence stays the same — jab, hook, teep, then rear roundhouse from your left leg.

5) Jab → Cross → Left Hook → Spinning Back Kick

One of the most exciting combinations for fight fans. Open with a jab-cross, drawing your opponent’s guard high. Follow with a powerful lead hook to the head, then immediately spin into a back kick targeting the body.

• Pro Tip: The lead hook naturally loads your body into the spin, making it the perfect setup.

6) Hook → Feint Hook → Spinning Back Kick

Inspired by ONE Championship’s Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, this combo creates a deceptive trap. Throw a lead hook, then feint another to keep your opponent’s guard high. While they’re distracted, spin into a back kick aimed at the midsection.

• Variation: After landing the initial hook, if you spot an opening, throw a roundhouse to the body before transitioning into the spin.

7) Jab → Lead Hook → High Kick

This classic combo blends speed and power. Start with a jab to create an opening, followed by a hard lead hook to the head or body. Immediately finish with a high kick aimed at the head.

• Pro Tip: The lead hook helps bring your opponent’s guard down or to one side, exposing the head for your kick.

8) Jab → Jab to the Body → Teep → Slide Teep

This combo is designed to frustrate and off-balance opponents. Begin with a jab to the head, then another jab to the body. Follow with a lead teep to push them back. As they try to close the distance again, use a slide teep (forward-moving push kick) to disrupt their forward momentum.

• Pro Tip: The slide teep is a great tool to control cage space and frustrate aggressive strikers.

How to Master Advanced Kicking Combinations

1) Shadowboxing

Shadowboxing is the foundation of great striking. Find a mirror, move freely, and practice each combination slowly to build muscle memory before increasing your speed. Visualize an opponent reacting to your moves.

2) Focus Mitts and Thai Pads

Work with a coach or partner holding pads to refine timing, angles, and accuracy. The added resistance helps you sharpen your power and receive real-time feedback on your mechanics.

3) Heavy Bag Drills

The heavy bag allows you to focus on generating maximum power. Treat the bag like a moving opponent — circle, pivot, and reset after each combination instead of standing still.

4) Controlled Sparring

Test your combos against live opponents in sparring sessions. Start with light contact and gradually increase intensity. Sparring teaches you how to apply these combos under pressure while managing distance and timing.

Final Thoughts: Make These Combos Second Nature

Advanced kicking combinations are essential for any serious MMA fighter aiming to compete at a high level. They create variety, keep your opponents guessing, and open up finishing opportunities. By drilling these combinations consistently, you’ll become a more dynamic and dangerous striker inside the cage.