Taking a look at the Techniques in Saemapetch vs. Rittewada

Firstly, a quick overview of the fight. Having held the MTGP Welterweight World Championship and boasting experience fighting in Rajadamnern Stadium, number one ranked Saemapetch was to be a challenging opponent for Rittewada's debut. who had previously held the Lumpinee 140lbs Championship. 

Saemapetch started off strong, knocking down Rittewada in round 1, however a deep cut over his eyebrow forced the ringside doctor to call off the match in round 2. Let's follow the play by play, checking some of the notable techniques in the match.

Round 1:

Starting slow, Rittewada tried his jab and low kick, looking to see Saemapetch's reactions and defence. In short bursts, Rittewada fired off aggressive three piece boxing combinations looking to take Saemapetch's head off. Saemapetch was looking to regain his ground with his own forceful boxing combinations, only to be caught with a counter spinning elbow. 

The spinning elbow as a technique requires a large amount of torque and spin to be effective, more so than a regular kick that requires the fighter to twist into it. Stepping through while throwing a jab, Rittewada sets up the footwork for the spinning elbow, which requires him to step wide enough to effectively reverse his stance. Throwing the elbow, it comes over the top to land on Saemapetch's cheek, using Rittewada's weight and kinetic force to inflict damage. 

Following the elbow, Saemapetch found his effective striking range and having caught Rittewada's teep he threw a three piece boxing combination, with each hit connecting. The cross, uppercut, hook forced Rittewada's head back. Saemapetch loaded up the first cross for extra power, twisting his back foot to generate extra force, then stepping through putting his left foot forward with the uppercut to follow up with a hook. Rittewada was knocked down.

Following the knockdown, Rittewada looked for ways to counter Saemapetch, attempting an elbow strike as his opponent threw a jab cross combo, however his elbow clashed with Saemapetch's cross. The round ended with both fighters peppering each other with single hits as they kept their distance. 

Round 2:

Continuing the bout, Rittewada's teep dug into Saemapetch's torso and forced him back. The teep is a fairly simple move which is a front kick and acts as a way to keep opponents out of mid-close range. It requires the fighter to lean back and force their hips forward to add extra force, and strong footing as to not push themselves backwards instead. 

Slowly picking at each other with kicks, Saemapetch threatened several boxing combinations which Rittewada met with a teep, however it was parried, with a jab, cross to the body, and a wide hook to Rittewada's chin which sent him falling over backwards, landing against the cage. 

Noticing Saemapetch's footwork during this combination, he uses the jab to cover the distance, effectively launching himself forward, then using his wide stance to twist and deliver a devastating body shot. By rolling the shoulder of the crossing arm backwards, he then transmitted that kinetic energy to the hook. 

Rittewada continued picking off single shots, however Saemapetch kept forcing him back with strong combinations, only occasionally being teeped backwards. Saemapetch caught one of the teeps, and went for the cross again, ending the combination with a short hook. 

Attempting to take control back, Rittewada fired off two elbows as counter while Saemapetch stepped in, forcing a clinch. The first elbow, where Rittewada stepped and sliced across Saemapetch's brow, cut deeply, and the referee called for the ringside doctor to check the injury. The doctor called the fight as the cut was too deep.

The most important aspect of this elbow strike is the stance – it is wide, allowing Rittewada to generate more power when he throws. Power is generated through a wide stable base, as the fighter needs to be grounded and assist their upper body movement with further force from the calves and thighs as they 'spring up', as well as keep balance to be accurate.

You can see Rittewada twist backwards and elbow through Saemapetch, rather than actually hitting him spot on. Had this elbow not glanced Saemapetch but properly landed, he may not have gotten a cut bad enough to force a stoppage. The elbow is purposely thrown with the intent to hit and glance, letting the sharp end of the elbow slice the skin. 

Overall this was an amazing fight, with an even more amazing comeback from Rittewada. I will be looking forward to his eventual bout with Nong-O, although I don't believe anyone can dethrone the bantamweight king for the time being. 

Look forward to my next article, covering the Myanmar sport of Lethwei!