| Superman punch | |
| Focus: | Striking |
A superman punch is a technique used in Sanda, Lethwei, Muay Thai, ITF-style Taekwondo, kickboxing, mixed martial arts fighting and professional wrestling.[1] The technique involves bringing the rear leg forward to feign a kick, then snapping the leg back while throwing a cross, resulting in greater power behind the punch.[2]
Superman punches are allowed in boxing as long as they are performed in a proper way and targeted above the belt. The technique adds extra power to the punch, but is not commonly used by world-class boxers because it is easy to anticipate.[3]
The move is also known as the Cobra Punch, Jumping Punch, and Diving Punch.
A superman punch in mixed martial arts was performed by Bas Rutten at UFC 20 against Kevin Randleman.[4]
A variation involves pushing off from the fence with the opposite foot prior to the punch.[5]
NHL hockey player and later Hockey Night In Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa is known for performing a variation on skates.[6]
Professional wrestler Roman Reigns uses a (feigned) Superman Punch as his signature move.
The move was performed by the fictional character Superman in the film Superman Returns, which popularized the name 'Superman Punch' as a name for the attack.
Bloody Elbow – "UFC 129 Judo Chop: Georges St. Pierre's Superman Punch"