The Astonishing Power of Slapping in MMA: Insights from Joe Rogan and Bas Rutten

In the dynamic world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the debate between the effectiveness of slapping versus punching has generated intense discussions. A fascinating insight into this topic comes from none other than Joe Rogan, who delves into the surprising lethality of slapping compared to traditional punching.

Joe Rogan, renowned for his expertise in MMA and his engaging podcast, brings up an intriguing point: "Your hand can hit pretty hard. Try doing that with your knuckles—it hurts. It doesn't hurt at all when you do that [slap]." This observation sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the mechanics and history of slapping in combat sports.

One of the all-time greats in MMA, Bas Rutten, is a pivotal figure in this conversation. Rutten began his illustrious fighting career in an organization called Pancrase, where fighters were not allowed to punch but could only slap. This unique rule set led to some unconventional but highly effective techniques.

Bas Rutten's approach to slapping was revolutionary. With incredibly flexible wrists, Rutten would pull his hands way back, essentially turning his palms into powerful striking tools. Rogan describes how Rutten was able to uppercut opponents and knock them unconscious using just his palms. "He was basically just punching you with the palm of his hands," Rogan explains, highlighting the sheer force and precision behind Rutten's technique.

The concept of getting knocked out by a slap might sound surprising, but as Rogan points out, "Guys have knocked guys out slapping them many times." The ability to deliver a knockout blow with a slap showcases the underestimated power and versatility of this technique in MMA.

For those fascinated by the intricacies of combat sports, this insight into the power of slapping versus punching offers a fresh perspective. To witness Joe Rogan's detailed discussion and gain a deeper understanding of Bas Rutten's groundbreaking techniques, make sure to watch the full video.

Explore the astonishing world of MMA and discover how a simple slap can become a devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled fighter.