What Average Means?

When you have an average build, it can feel like you're at a disadvantage in the ring. You're not exceptionally tall, fast, or strong. You're not short and stocky, and you don't hit like a freight train either.

But here's the truth: average doesn’t mean powerless. It means versatile. And with the right strategies, an average build can dominate in ways that specialized fighters can't even imagine. So let’s dive into how you, as an average-built fighter, can become a formidable force in the ring.

Defense: Your First Line of Offense

One of the most important things to remember is that defense is half of every fight. As a fighter with an average build, making defense your secret weapon can set you apart.

Whether you hit like a truck or not, if you can deflect, block, and minimize damage, you’ll be ahead of the game. And if you're solid on defense, you're not as likely to get knocked out, no matter how hard your opponent hits.

How do you train defense? First, you need to make it a priority in your daily routines. Incorporate defensive maneuvers into bag work. Instead of focusing solely on throwing punches, throw in blocks and slips in between your combinations. For example, after a one-two combo, practice blocking or slipping immediately after.

Next, get a partner to throw random combinations at you. They should surprise you, forcing you to block, dodge, and react in real-time. The more you do this, the more second-nature your defense becomes.

The key here is to become comfortable in the chaos, where blocking feels as instinctive as throwing punches.

Counter Fighting: The Art of Precision

Counter fighting isn’t about being fast or strong, it’s about timing and precision. For an average-built fighter, becoming a skilled counter puncher can completely change the game. The idea is simple: when your opponent attacks, you don’t just block. You hit back immediately.

This is where drills come into play. Start with a partner who taps you with light punches, and you react instantly with a return shot. The goal is to eliminate the delay between when you block and when you counter. Block, hit back. Block, hit back. Drill it until it’s muscle memory.

Once you’ve mastered the timing, you’ll become a nightmare for opponents. They'll hesitate, knowing that every attack they throw will be met with an immediate return.

Fakes: Winning the Mental Game

When you’re average in build, speed, or strength, you need to start thinking one step ahead of your opponent. And that’s where fakes come in. Throwing a well-timed fake can make your opponent second-guess their every move, giving you the upper hand.

There are many ways to throw a fake. It could be as simple as flicking your jab halfway out or pumping your shoulder like you’re about to throw a hook. You can even fake kicks by lifting your knee halfway. Each of these motions forces your opponent to react.

The more they react to your fakes, the more openings you create for real attacks. You might not be faster, but by keeping them guessing, you become mentally faster in the ring.

Master Combination Punching

Don’t worry if you’re not the fastest puncher in the world, you can still be the best combination puncher. The trick is to be creative and unpredictable.

If all you’re throwing is the standard jab-cross-jab combo, any decent fighter will see it coming a mile away. But if you mix up your combinations, targeting different levels and angles, your opponent will struggle to defend against your onslaught.

For example, instead of sticking with just head-level punches, mix in body shots or throw a hook to the body followed by an uppercut to the head.

Switch sides, alternate between high and low strikes, and make your combos hard to read. The less predictable you are, the harder it is for your opponent to block everything, and that’s where you capitalize.

Assessing Your Opponent: Fight Smart

Average fighters need to think smarter, not harder. Every opponent you face will have different strengths and weaknesses. The key to winning is identifying those weaknesses and exploiting them.

Maybe your opponent is faster, but you have the reach. Maybe they hit harder, but their defense is sloppy. Every detail counts.

Learn to adapt in real-time. If you’re up against a shorter fighter, make sure you’re using your range to keep them at bay. If your opponent is taller, get inside their guard and attack their body. Assess, adjust, and execute.

As GSP once said, "I'm not the best at anything, but I'm the second-best at everything." That’s the mindset you need as a hybrid fighter. Be versatile, be adaptable, and don’t lock yourself into one style.

Find Your Best Technique

Every fighter has their bread and butter, something they can rely on in any fight. For some, it’s a killer jab, while for others, it’s a devastating hook. You need to figure out what your best technique is and hone it until you can land it against any opponent, no matter their build or style.

For example, if you excel at throwing overhands, figure out how to set them up against both taller and shorter fighters. If you love body shots, practice landing them from a distance. If you're best at wrestling, don't neglect it during a fight or practice. Master your go-to technique, and make sure you know how to adapt it to different situations.

In the end, being average doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage, it means you have the ability to become a jack-of-all-trades in the ring.

By focusing on defense, mastering counter fighting, utilizing fakes, developing creative combos, assessing your opponent, and sharpening your best techniques, you can outsmart and outperform anyone.