Superman punch

{{Short description|Technique in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts}}

{{more citations needed|date=July 2018}}

{{Infobox martial art

| image = flying-punch.jpg

| imagecaption = Superman punch in Burmese boxing

| name = Superman punch

| aka =

| 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.April 22, 2011

[http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/4/22/2127093/ufc-129-judo-chop-georges-st-pierres-superman-punch Bloody Elbow – "UFC 129 Judo Chop: Georges St. Pierre's Superman Punch"] 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BAGgXj7lRk|title= Mixed Martial Arts & Muay Thai Kickboxing : How to Perform the Superman Punch in Kickboxing|accessdate=2008-04-17 |work= eHow|publisher= |date= }}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

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.{{cite web |last1=Dorge |first1=Priya |title=Can you Superman Punch in Boxing |date=8 October 2022 |url=https://cargofighter.com/can-you-superman-punch-in-boxing/ |publisher=cargofighter.com}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://themmacommunity.com/threads/who-was-the-first-to-do-a-superman-punch-in-mma.1544/#post-28863|website=Themmacommunity.com|title=Themmacommunity.com|date=17 March 2015 }}

A variation involves pushing off from the fence with the opposite foot prior to the punch.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNPLhXJwBKw|title=Off Fence to Superman's Punch to KO... Sick Skillz|date=August 15, 2013|website=YouTube|format=Video|accessdate=15 March 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

NHL hockey player and later Hockey Night In Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa is known for performing a variation on skates.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/kevin-bieksas-superman-punch-unique-risky-hockey/|title = Why Kevin Bieksa's 'Superman Punch' is so unique and risky in hockey - Sportsnet.ca}}

Professional wrestler Roman Reigns uses 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.