[2 min read]

👋 Hey Warrior,

It’s crazy to think that a fight can turn on a dime.

But we know it happens!

I was watching a UFC highlight video called “The Most Unexpected Finishes in UFC History”.

Here take a look…

…my favorite is the errant elbow that Rodrigues delivered to the Korean Zombie in the final second.

That was quite a knock out.

It highlighted (as did all the others), how things can change in a fight in a second.

In a flash, a fight can turn on its head.

A sudden shift in momentum, a surprise move, or an unexpected intervention can completely change the outcome.

That's why it's so important to always be prepared for the unexpected.

The Unexpected Happens

I've heard countless stories from students and fellow instructors about the unexpected twists and turns that fights can take.

One of my students, a petite woman named Sarah, once found herself in a confrontation with another woman…

…outside of a grocery store of all places!!

As the other woman lunged towards her (trying to grab her hair if I remember correctly), she instinctively ducked and weaved…

…the other woman stumbled and fell into a trash can…

…those metal or concrete ones you see outside of stores, but in my mind I always imagine a small metal trash can and a pile of garbage bags - that would have been so much funnier, anyway...

…the fight was over before it even began, thanks to a bit of luck and Sarah's quick reflexes.

Another time, a fellow instructor was demonstrating a technique in class when his partner suddenly countered with a unexpected move.

It caught him completely off guard and sent him tumbling to the mat.

It was a humbling reminder that no matter how experienced you are, there's always more to learn and always the possibility of encountering the unexpected.

The Importance of Adaptability

These stories highlight the importance of adaptability in a fight.

Things rarely go exactly as planned, and the ability to think on your feet and adjust your strategy accordingly can be the difference between going home or going to the hospital.

So how can we cultivate this adaptability? Here are a few tips:

• Train in a variety of scenarios: Don't just focus on techniques that work in a controlled environment. Practice self-defense in different settings, against different types of attackers, and with different levels of intensity.

• Spar regularly: Sparring allows you to test your skills in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. It helps you develop your reflexes, timing, and decision-making abilities under pressure.

• Learn from your mistakes: Every fight, whether you win or lose, is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went right, what went wrong, and how you can improve your performance in the future.

What's Next?

Now, I want to hear from you, Warriors.

What's the most unexpected thing that's ever happened in a fight you've been in or witnessed?

Email me back and share your stories.

Final Thoughts

There are no guarantees…

…especially in a fight.

It doesn’t matter how well trained you are, things can go south in a heartbeat.

That’s why it’s important to remember that you number one goal is to get home safe, and it’s always best to try to avoid the fight.

Stay Strong,

Paul Simoes

P.S. Tomorrow, we'll recap the week and reveal next weeks theme.

Become a paying subscriber of Fight or Flight Pro to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

A subscription gets you:

• • Advanced Training Videos
• • Monthly Live Webinars and Q&A Sessions
• • In-Depth Articles and Tutorials
• • Premium Resources and Downloads
• • Monthly Challenges
• • Early Access and Discounts