When used correctly, the Philly shell is arguably one of the most effective stances in boxing. Despite George Benton being the boxer who popularised the stance in the 1950s, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the boxer who perfected the stance, retiring as a boxer with a perfect 50-0 record, bringing its popularity to the modern era. So much so, that UFC middleweight champ, Sean ‘Tarzan’ Strickland uses the stance.

Despite conventional boxing stances not being really effective in MMA, UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland managed to find success with the Philly shell inside the octagon. Many believe that Strickland took inspiration from ‘Money’ Mayweather himself. But how far is that from the truth?

The difference between the Philly Shell in Boxing and MMA

The Philly Shell looks quite similar in both MMA and Boxing. However, that can’t be further from the truth. The Philly shell was intended by boxers to fit in their style of sport. This is the reason why we see boxers use the stance more than MMA fighters.

So when moved to the sport of MMA, the fighter needs to make adjustments to the stance for it to work in MMA. While most fighters use the stance in some exchanges or a period of time, Sean Strickland is one fighter who made adjustments to the stance to make it his own.

Trending

Michael Chandler Handed Sad Update on Conor McGregor Fight at UFC 303 – “He’s Not Going to Get Pay-Per-View Points”

April 24, 2024 07:47 PM EDT

Israel Adesanya Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Brands Two-Time Champ “Greatest Athletes Ever” Along With Jon Jones and Kamaru Usman

April 27, 2024 07:23 AM EDT

“A MF Grabs Me” – Shaquille O’Neal Almost Came to Blows With UFC Star During Camp in Hawaii, NBA Legend Reveals Untold Story

April 25, 2024 08:24 PM EDT

Khabib Nurmagomedov Hints a Comeback for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302; LW Champ Drops 5 Word Response

April 27, 2024 08:07 AM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal Gets Trapped in a Heart Pounding Situation With Jon Jones and Mike Tyson Proving Dana White’s Theory

April 27, 2024 09:08 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Though exploited by some fighters, Sean Strickland’s very own MMA Philly shell has managed to become a puzzle most fighters can’t seem to solve. Even one of the best strikers in the sport of MMA, Israel Adesanya has failed to solve Strickland’s defense as he spent 25 minutes failing to land any real significant damage on Strickland.

Many people seem to believe that Strickland took inspiration from Mayweather for his stance, which might be true to some extent, given how Mayweather brought the Philly shell to a new level. However, Sean Strickland has not personally addressed that he took inspiration from the retired boxer.

Sean Strickland’s success with the Philly shell

Sean Strickland has found amazing success with his Philly shell stance in MMA. He has fought 33 times inside the cage; he has won 28 of those fights, only losing 5, which is a very commendable record inside the cage.

Strickland boasts a respectable 63% significant strike defense, which ranks close to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s 65% and even surpasses Israel Adesanya’s 56%, whom he also beat to win the UFC middleweight strap. He has more fights than both the two elite MMA fighters, which makes his stats even more impressive.

Watch This Story: Jorge Masvidal And Chael Sonnen Go Back And Forth 

Given Strickland’s success with the Philly Shell, do you believe that other MMA fighters would find the same success in using the stance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Sean Strickland’s Coach Reveals Aftermath of Ugly UFC 296 Brawl With Dricus Du Plessis, Explains Champ’s Uncharacteristic Outburst