Lead Uppercut → Cross → Lead Hook

Intermediate

The 5-2-3 is an inside-range staple: a lead uppercut that pries a tight guard apart, a cross straight through the gap, and a lead hook that finishes on the rotation. It thrives in close where straight punches jam.

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What this combo trains

This sequence develops your short-range punching and your ability to create your own opening rather than wait for one. The uppercut splits the guard so the cross has a lane down the middle, and the hook lands on the same rotation as you turn back. Drill it to build fluency at close quarters and to link power across all three hands without stepping out of range.

Step by step

1.
Lead Uppercut
Dig the lead uppercut up inside their guard where straight punches would jam, bending the knees slightly and driving up to split the hands apart.
2.
Cross
Fire the cross straight through the opening the uppercut made, driving it with hip rotation off the rear side.
3.
Lead Hook
Finish by turning the lead hip through and whipping the lead hook across on the same rotation, elbow up as the head is still square.

Common mistakes

Standing too tall and long, which turns the uppercut into a soft push instead of a rising punch off bent knees.
Pausing between the uppercut and cross, letting the guard reseal before the straight punch gets through.
Winding the hook back after the cross rather than letting it flow off the rotation, telegraphing the finish.
Fighting from too far out, where the uppercut has no target and the whole combo stalls.

Who it suits

An intermediate close-range combo for fighters comfortable in the pocket. It works from both orthodox and southpaw because the app mirrors every left and right to your stance.

Why it works

The 5-2-3, an inside-range classic: the uppercut splits a tight guard, the cross follows the opening, and the hook finishes on the rotation.

Workouts with this combo

Related combos

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