SOKOUDJOU

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

RIGHT FLYING HEAD KICK

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

This is a quick, powerful kick that closes the distance to your opponent. Lead with it and follow with some punches inside.

JUDO HIP THROW TO SIDE CONTROL LEFT/RIGHT, TOP

Level 2—Double Underhook, Defense

Sokoudjou has good judo skill, and this hip toss is available when your opponent has double underhooks or a body lock. Throw them and strike with hammer fists from the top.

STRONG RIGHT HOOK

Level 3—Single Collar Tie

This big punch inside will do some damage from a neutral clinch position.

STRENGTHS

• Judo

• Striking

• Knockout power

Sokoudjou is a powerful striker with some big knockout wins over the course of his career.

He scored a first-round KO over Rogerio Noguiera (23 seconds) in PRIDE and knocked out big Bob Sapp in the first round as well two years later.

In the clinch and standing are where Sokoudjou’s strengths lie, and he’s got great power in his hands. Use his speedy delivery of kicks, but watch his stamina.

When the fight goes to the ground and you’re on top, posture up and use his Level 2 hammer fists.

From his back, defend and get back up to your feet as quickly as possible. Go for the KO.

WEAKNESSES

• Submissions

• Cardio

• Working off his back

Despite some dynamic victories over his career, Sokoudjou has been just a bit better than a .500 fighter in the win/loss column since he entered the ring.

He’s never submitted anyone, and he can fall victim to submissions when he is put on his back.

Get him on the ground and make him work to test his stamina—it’ll make kicking all the more difficult for him when you go back up to the feet.

Get the dominant position, ground-and-pound, and then work for a submission.