fight IQ

Noun

fight IQ (plural fight IQs)

1. A combat sports athlete's ability to adjust their movements during a bout in order to exploit momentary defensive openings or overall technical weaknesses found in an opponent's moveset.
   • More importantly, the unbeaten New York native showed an uncanny ability to adjust his gameplan on the fly and stun unsuspecting opponents. It’s a product not only of Evans’ growing experience and his work with Greg Jackson, but of a fighting IQ that is becoming second to none.2008 December 28, Thomas Gerbasi, “The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Fighters”, in UFC
   • George St. Pierre is also a very good example. He utilizes his fight IQ to negate his opponent's advantages and impose his will. He prevented Matt Hughes from taking him down, took Matt Serra down right away, and clinched BJ Penn till his arms were too tired to be effective.2009 June 17, Jay Bandu, “What It Takes to Be a Real Fighter Pt 3: Mental Aptitude”, in Bleacher Report