In a preview of Nunes vs. Rousey I saw highlights of this brief fight, and it occurred to me here that Nunes shows ideal kicking, using strategy and techniques that would be as effective on the street as they were in the ring.
The fight starts at about 2:45 if you want to skip ahead. At 3:04 Nunes lands her first low kick to Baszler’s outer calf. This low kick serves several functions–it rocks Baszler’s stance, for one. In order to launch an attack, Baszler must plant on her forward foot, which she’s going to have trouble doing. This low kick also moves Nunes toward her opponent’s back, moving Baszler’s lead foot across her body.
This low kick also serves as a distraction. Whenever Nunes moves in, Baszler must wonder if her opponent is going to attack her calf again, which creates confusion and indecision.
In the second clash at 3:13, Nunes now strikes with an overhand right. The advantage of low kicks is that they are compatible with punches, so they don’t interfere, but complement, Nunes’ punching attacks. Baszler is now in a position in which she must try to decide if Nunes is attacking her calf or her head, neither of which she seems to be able to defend.
3:22–Another low kick landed by Nunes.
3:41–Nunes lands a straight rear kick to Baszler’s midsection. This is a rear weapon (Nunes’ back right foot), but it has the advantage of reach. It’s not obvious at the moment, but this straight kick takes the wind out of Baszler. Nunes retracts the right foot and strikes with a left-right as she sets her right foot down.
Note that the straight kick keeps Nunes’ torso upright, so that she is able to follow up immediately with punishing punches.
3:51–Another low kick that spins Baszler.
4:00–Baszler launches a single leg takedown. This is a sign that she’s hurt and desperate.
4:04–Baszler retries the single leg after Nunes slips it. She picks up Nunes’ foot and drives her back to the fence. Nunes "kicks" with the captured foot, driving Baszler back and freeing herself.
4:23–Yet another low kick lands. Baszler can’t defend it, and can’t plant on the foot to mount an offense.
4:34–One more low kick to the calf/knee and Baszler goes down. It’s all over.
Recapping, Nunes wins via kicks. She keeps her kicks low so they’re hard to grab. Unlike a side kick or a round kick, Nunes doesn’t need to lean her torso, but remains upright. This keeps both her defense and offense tight. If you study the photos in this post, Nunes remains upright and strikes Baszler outside of punching range. In my mind, this is ideal kicking technique.
