In Mixed Martial Arts, the 12-6 elbow refers to a downward elbow strike that travels straight down to hit its target. You can visualize it as if you were connecting the 12 and 6 positions on a clock with your elbow.
On July 23, 2024, the Unified MMA rules saw the removal of the ban on 12-6 elbows, thanks to a vote by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. This longstanding prohibition had been a topic of much debate in the mixed martial arts world, and many considered it controversial. The original reason for the ban was rather surprising; some commissioners based their decision after watching Karate practitioners use the technique to break concrete slabs, believing it posed too much danger for the sport.
One of the most debated outcomes of the ban on 12-6 elbows was the disqualification of Jon Jones during his 2009 match against Matt Hamill. At that time, Jones was a rising star aiming for the light-heavyweight title, but he was disqualified for delivering a 12-6 elbow strike to Hamill. From the very start of the fight, it was evident that Hamill was struggling, and Jones was just moments away from securing a victory before the disqualification occurred. This remains the only blemish on Jones’s record, and it’s likely to be overturned in the future.
Mastering The 12-6 Elbow
The 12-6 elbow is a downward strike that utilizes the tip of your elbow. Unlike other elbow strikes seen in mixed martial arts, this one travels directly to its target, using gravity to enhance the power of the hit.
Many believe that the 12-6 elbow is the most natural elbow technique for clinch or ground scenarios. The motion of raising your elbow and then driving it down onto your opponent feels seamless, allowing for greater power without any awkwardness. Visualize an opponent trying to take you down, their head pressed against your torso and arms around your hips. What seems more instinctive: bringing your elbow straight down or swinging it out to the side?
Breaking Down The Mechanics Of The 12-6 Elbow
Let’s dive into the details of how to properly throw 12-6 elbows to better understand the technique involved.
1) Positioning
When you have a dominant ground position or have successfully defended a takedown, 12-6 elbows can be particularly effective against your opponent. The high-top mount is seen as one of the best places to use them, as it limits your opponent’s defensive options. A famous instance of this was Jon Jones, who was disqualified while in this position, delivering elbows that significantly impacted Hamill.
2) Body Alignment
When throwing 12-6 elbows, align your torso with the target and engage your core. Picture a straight line extending through your body; your belly button and the target should be on that line. The strength of your elbow strike should originate from your upper arms and shoulders.
3) Elbow Placement
Make sure that your elbow connects with the target, and keep your movement straight up and down. If you stray from this line, you’ll lose some of your power. Focus on hitting sensitive spots such as the head, torso, or the left side of the body where the liver is located.
Get started on the technique by using grappling dummies and other training tools to master it. It’s a simple technique, so you won’t need much practice to grasp its finer points. You can also practice with your training partners to become more familiar with the throwing motion from various positions. Just make sure to strike softly and avoid any real contact with your partner.
Strategic Uses Of The 12-6 Elbow
With the recent approval of 12-6 elbows in the Unified MMA Rules, let’s explore some effective ways to utilize them in the cage!
1) Ground And Pound
The 12-6 elbow is a fantastic technique to add to your toolkit when you’re in dominant positions on the ground. If you can lift yourself up from your current stance, chances are you can execute 12-6 elbows. Focus on using them primarily from the top and side mount, as these positions allow you to maintain control over your opponent while posturing up.
Fighters with long limbs have the ability to deliver 12-6 elbows while in top guard, but they should be cautious as this position can expose them to submissions. Additionally, from the top back mount, you can execute 12-6 elbows as long as you avoid striking the back of the head, focusing instead on the shoulders.
2) Clinch Strikes
Elbow strikes of all kinds can be delivered from clinch positions, and 12-6 elbows can be particularly effective, especially for taller fighters. However, since your opponent can also strike back, it’s important to be cautious of counterattacks when using 12-6 elbows in the clinch. A clever technique is to initiate with an upward elbow targeting the face, then quickly follow it with a downward 12-6 elbow. This approach helps keep your intentions hidden.
3) Takedown Defense
Using 12-6 elbows can be a great strategy for defending against takedowns. Just be cautious not to strike the back of your opponent’s head due to the angle of your elbow. By aiming for their shoulders as they come in, you can lessen the impact of their punches.
Make sure to focus on defending against the takedown before you start throwing strikes. The best scenario is to be in a top sprawl position before you unleash those 12-6 elbows.
Add This Powerful Elbow Technique To Your Arsenal
The 12-6 elbow has been prohibited for much of mixed martial arts history, but now that it’s legal, it’s set to become one of the most popular elbow techniques in the sport. As sanctioning bodies around the world adopt the ABC’s guidelines, fighters will find that this technique allows for greater force generation, making it the most effective elbow strike.