There are countless videos on the internet of people being knocked out cold from head kicks in both martial arts competition and street and self-defense encounters. Who better to show us how to defend against these attacks than current UFC lightweight champ Rafael Dos Anjos?

The head kick is one of the most devastating strikes to get hit by and knowing how to defend against it is imperative if you ever square off with a trained or semi-trained opponent.

As he throw the kick, I’m gonna block right here (points to left arm). This hand protects my face, and I’m gonna catch the kick with this hand (his right), says the champ.

RDA (Rafael Dos Anjos) is pretty much showing how to absorb the strike and deflect it so as to reduce the force and impact. I make his kick kind of soft when I use this.

RDA also goes over how to take on opponent down when they are trying to punch you. The best moment to try shooting is when he throws the cross, he says, because he throws all his weight over (at) you.

He then shows how to wait for the big punch and when it comes, he changes levels and takes his opponent to the mat.

“>

ABOUT RAFAEL DOS ANJOS:

Rafael Dos Anjos, often abbreviated as RDA, is the current UFC Lightweight Champion of the world. His reign began when he dominated highly touted champ Anthony Pettis over five rounds, capturing the belt as an underdog.

RDA is what I like to call a pressure fighter. He never lets up on his opponents. He is always attacking and overwhelming his opponents integrating both striking and grappling into his repertoire flawlessly.

He last fought on December 19, 2015 where he successfully defended his title against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, taking him out in one round by TKO.