Check - UFC/MMA
In the UFC, the check is executed by raising the target leg and rotating the shin outward, presenting the hard and sharp part of the bone to the incoming kick. The impact of the attacker’s shin against the defender’s shin is extremely painful for both, but the fighter performing the check sustains less damage because their bone is positioned at its strongest point. An effective check not only neutralizes the damage from a leg kick but can also punish the attacker, causing bruising and, in extreme cases, fractures. The most famous instance is Anderson Silva fracturing his shin while kicking Chris Weidman's check at UFC 168. This incident has made the check one of the most respected and feared defensive techniques in the UFC.
Check
At UFC 168, Chris Weidman executed a perfect check against Anderson Silva's low kick, resulting in Silva's shin fracture. This dramatic moment showcased how devastating the check can be for the kicker and changed the approach to leg kicks.
Check & Low kick
The check is the direct defensive response to the low kick. While the low kick aims to damage the leg, the check neutralizes the attack and can even punish the attacker. The dynamic between the low kick and the check is one of the fundamental tactical elements of stand-up fighting in the UFC. Low kick.
FAQ - Check
Can the check really break the kicker's leg?
Yes, as demonstrated by the Silva-Weidman case. When the kicker's shin strikes the hardest part of the checker’s shin, the force can cause a fracture, especially with powerful kicks.
How do you execute a proper check?
The check is executed by lifting the knee and rotating the shin outward, presenting the hardest part of the bone. The foot should be pointed slightly downward, and the fighter must maintain balance on the supporting leg.
