06/05/2026
Greetings from Roufusport MMA HQ in Milwaukee!
In the latest DRSU episode, “Front Side Attacks,” Roufusport Striking Coach Scott Cushman emphasizes a key principle when defending against the cross: you must match your opponent’s aggression with equal or greater intensity. Simply put, when an opponent throws their power cross, they’re attempting to take control of the exchange and shut down your offense. Your response must be immediate, decisive, and proactive – meeting that attack with a committed defense and an equally sharp counterattack. Passive reactions are not enough. You must answer their forward pressure with confidence, purpose, and the intent to regain control of the engagement.
To execute this effectively, maintain proper fighting range and resist the urge to smother, crowd, or crash into your opponent. By staying in the correct position, you create the space needed to launch your own offense while disrupting their rhythm. Fire your counters with a slightly broken cadence to make your timing less predictable and more difficult to read. Most importantly, your defense must remain at 100% commitment at all times. Never relax it, never compromise it, and never drop it for even a split second. A strong defense is what creates every offensive opportunity, and at Roufusport, defense remains the foundation of everything we do.
We hope you enjoy this new segment "Duke Roufus Striking University 3.0: Front Side Attacks.” As Duke always said, make sure you're “Having fun getting it done!”
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