The Ultimate Guide to Dirty Boxing

minute/s reading time

Dirty boxing is a type of fighting that incorporates striking techniques from both boxing and MMA. It can be a very effective way to dominate an opponent in the ring, and it’s also a great way to stay safe when you get caught in street fighting. In this Ultimate Guide to Dirty Boxing, we’ll go over the basics of dirty boxing and teach you how to use it to your advantage. So whether you’re a boxer looking to add some new moves to your arsenal, or if you’re just curious about dirty boxing, read on for all the info you need!

What is Dirty Boxing and how is it different from traditional boxing techniques?

“Dirty boxing” is a term used to describe a group of unorthodox boxing techniques/tactics that fighters use in combat sports. Some of these moves are legal while others are close to being illegal. Fighters often use these techniques to gain an advantage over their opponent, and they can sometimes get away with landing an illegal strike.

In dirty boxing, fighters will often use clinch work to control their opponents and set up powerful strikes. They may also use a variety of punches, elbows, kicks, and knees to attack their opponents from different angles and distances.

Compared to traditional boxing techniques, dirty boxing is often more aggressive and instinctive, relying on quick reactions and in-the-moment decision-making to get the upper hand.

Where did the term “dirty boxing” come from?

There is no precise record of who first used the term “dirty boxing.” The origins of this term could be found in the striking element of Filipino martial art called Suntukan. Suntukan does not involve competition, and instead focuses on self-defense and using “dirty tactics” to defend oneself on the street, like gouging eyes and striking genitals.

The Americans first arrived in the Philippines as soldiers, bringing their variety of boxing with them. This sport was chosen by the residents to practice and master to become stronger fighters and stay healthy. Filipino martial arts had a long history before the arrival of the Americans. This indicated that the locals were able to learn quickly and even develop their brand of boxing, which is still practiced today – dirty boxing. It’s also known as Filipino Boxing.

There are several distinct sorts of blows that may be utilized in a fight. You can use a forehead strike, a bicep snap, a hammer punch, and other things. If you want to make your blow even more powerful, remember to include your elbow.

Is Dirty Boxing Good For Self-Defense?

Many people believe that dirty boxing is an effective form of self-defense, as it allows them to quickly land powerful strikes against their attackers. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using this style in an emergency. One risk is that the proximity required for successful dirty boxing may leave you more vulnerable to counterattacks from your opponent. Additionally, to properly execute dirty boxing techniques, you need to be able to maintain a consistent grip on your opponent, which can be difficult to do in an uncontrolled environment.

Still, dirty boxing can be an effective self-defense tool if used properly. One key is to focus on using strikes that will disable or seriously injure your attackers, such as strikes to the throat or eyes. Additionally, it’s important to try and maintain a strong grip on your opponent so they are unable to escape or counterattack. If you can do these things, then dirty boxing can be an effective way to protect yourself in a dangerous situation.

How to execute a basic Dirty Boxing combo

Punch Into The Clinch: to get into the clinch, you’ll first need to punch your opponent. This will usually be a jab or a straight right, but any punch will do. Once your opponent is staggered, you should use it as an opening to get into the clinch.

What Dirty Boxing Moves Are Used In Boxing?

  • Head butts: this is a move that is not used often in boxing, but can be very effective in a self-defense situation. A headbutt can quickly stun or knock out an attacker, giving you time to escape or counterattack.
  • Eye gouging: another move that is not often seen in boxing, but can be very effective when used in self-defense. An eye gouge can cause your attacker to become briefly disoriented and vulnerable.
  • Back fists: Back fists are a powerful strike that can be used on an opponent’s head or body.
  • Shoulder strikes: A shoulder strike is a move where you ram your shoulder into your attacker. This can be used to create space between you and your attacker.
  • Elbow Strikes: Elbow strikes are very powerful and can be used to target an opponent’s head, face, or body.
  • Referee Blind spot: this is when the referee is not looking and you can land a strike that no one sees.
  • Toe Stepping: stepping on your opponent’s toes to distract them or cause them pain or to gain leverage to throw them off balance.
  • Clinching: Clinching is when you grab your opponent to control them and keep them in close range. This can be used to set up strikes or take your opponent down.
  • Forearm strikes: Forearm strikes are when you use your forearm to strike an opponent’s head or body. These are often used in close range, where the attacker is trying to get into a clinch.
  • Head Control: head control is when you use hold on your opponent’s head to control their movements or gain leverage for a powerful strike. This can be used in conjunction with other dirty boxing techniques to land a knockout blow.
  • Hammer fists: hammer fists are when you hit your opponent with the bottom of your fist, using a downward motion. This can be used to strike an opponent’s head or body.
  • Bolo Punches: a bolo punch is when you swing a punch at your opponent using a large, looping motion.

What Dirty Boxing Moves Are Used In MMA? 

In MMA, fighters can use a much wider range of techniques than in traditional boxing, as they are not limited by the rules. This means that dirty boxing moves such as headbutts, elbows, and knees can all be used in an MMA fight. Additionally, clinch fighting and grappling are often used in MMA, which dirty boxers can use to their advantage.

  • Collar Tie: This is when you grab your opponent’s collar with one hand and their wrist with the other to control them.
  • Shoulder Bumps: This is when you use your shoulder to push or ram into your opponent to create space.
  • Elbow Strikes: this is when you use your elbow to strike your opponent, usually targeting the head or face.
  • Clinching: This is where you grab your opponent to control their movements or gain leverage for a powerful strike.
  • Elbows and knees during clinching: while in a clinch, you can use your elbows and knees to strike your opponent. This is often used to wear down an opponent or to set up a takedown.
  • Finger Jabs: This is when you use the tip of your fingers to strike your opponent’s face or body.
  • Fish Hooks: This is when you use your fingers to grab or tear at your opponent’s face, usually the mouth.
  • Thumb Gouges: This is when you use your thumb to gouge or scratch at your opponent’s eyes.

What Are The Benefits of Dirt Boxing?

There are several benefits to learning dirty boxing techniques.

  • One major benefit is that these techniques can be very effective in a self-defense situation, as they can quickly disable or knockout an attacker.
  • Additionally, dirty boxing can be used to tire out an opponent and give you an advantage in a fight.
  • Finally, learning dirty boxing can also be a fun and challenging way to improve your boxing skills.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Dirty Boxing?

  • One major drawback of dirty boxing is that it requires you to be near your opponent, which can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks.
  • Additionally, since dirty boxing relies heavily on grappling and clinching techniques, fighters may need additional training in these areas to truly master this style.
  • Another potential drawback is that it can be difficult to maintain a strong grip on your opponent due to the intense physical nature of this fighting style. As such, any dirty boxer needs to focus on training their conditioning and strength as well as their technical skills.​

Overall, while there are some potential drawbacks associated with using dirty boxing for self-defense purposes, many people still find that it is an effective and useful tool for defending themselves in an emergency.

If you are serious about learning how to use this style effectively, then it is important to seek out professional training and practice regularly with a partner or in sparring situations. This can help ensure that you can successfully utilize dirty boxing techniques when needed and minimize any potential risks.​

Famous MMA Fighters and Boxers Who Often Used Dirty Boxing:

Some of the most well-known and successful fighters in both modern MMA and boxing have relied on dirty boxing techniques in their fights.

Some notable examples include:

  • Conor McGregor
  • Georges St-Pierre
  • Anderson Silva
  • Floyd Mayweather Jr.
  • Randy Couture

These fighters are known for utilizing dirty boxing moves such as headbutts, elbow strikes, clinching, and more to gain an advantage over their opponents. Additionally, many top trainers in both boxing and MMA have also recognized the effectiveness of these techniques and often work with their students to incorporate them into their fighting styles. As such, it is clear that dirty boxing continues to be a valuable weapon for many fighters at all levels of the sport.

FAQs About Dirty Boxing

Is dirty boxing legal?

While dirty boxing techniques are not limited by the rules in MMA, they may be considered illegal in other combat sports like Boxing or Muay Thai. It is always best to check the rules of your particular competition or event to ensure that you are using legal techniques. Additionally, it is also important to focus on training safely and avoiding any techniques that could seriously injure your opponent.

Where I can learn dirty boxing techniques?

There are many ways to learn dirty boxing techniques. You can attend a local MMA or boxing gym, hire a personal trainer, or even find online resources that can teach you the basics of this style.

Top Youtube channels that teach dirty boxing styles:

What fighting styles use dirty boxing?

Final Thoughts

Dirty boxing is a unique and effective fighting style that can be used for self-defense, competition, or simply as a way to improve your boxing skills.

While there are some potential drawbacks to using dirty boxing techniques, such as the risk of injury or vulnerability to counterattacks, many people still find that this style is an effective tool for defending themselves.

If you are interested in learning more about dirty boxing, then be sure to check out some of the resources listed above. With proper training and practice, you can learn how to effectively utilize dirty boxing techniques in a variety of situations. Thanks for reading!

Origin fighter

Origin Fighter is a blog for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to learn about Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Wrestling, Boxing, Health & Nutrition, Performance and more. Origin Fighter also provides information on how to train smarter with resources such as workout plans and diets tailored for your goals.

About the Author

I am a huge fan of both BJJ and MMA. Jiu-jitsu is my biggest passion, and I’ve been training it for more than 5 years. I have recently been promoted to a purple belt. In this blog, I will be giving you tips on how to improve and how to choose the best BJJ equipment! Learn More