What is this "Encyclopedia MMA-ica" you ask? Well, it’s a series that I’m putting together of overly used terms and hyperbole in MMA. Todays entry is Power.

What exactly is Power? We hear it spew out of commentator’s mouths numerous times at nearly every MMA event after someone is KO’d ("That dude has some serious power in his hands!!!"). But Knockout power isn’t the only kind of power that exists in MMA (and other combat sports). In my opinion there are three types of power: Knockout, Functional, and Destructive.

Knockout power is pretty obvious. This is the kind of power that sends fighters into the Land of Wind and Ghosts. It can change the outcome of a fight instantaneously and usually makes for exciting finishes. It’s something that a fighter is born with. It’s not something that a fighter can develop. You either have it or you don’t. A good example of a fighter with pure Knockout power is Takanori Gomi. He can throw a punch with horrendous technique and still shut a fighter’s lights off if it connects. This is the kind of thing that we usually associate with power as MMA fans.

Other Examples: Jens Pulver, Shane Carwin, Paul Daley, Robbie Lawler

This post is continued at Unintelligent Defense. Yea, the first few hits were free.