Standard stance

In boxing stance the lead leg is in the front and the lead & rear shoulder should be inline, facing your opponent. The MMA stance is nearly parallel to you opponent. Both of your shoulder should be facing your opponent.This allows you to defend against the take down and throw quicker punches. The MMA stance is more relaxed than boxing stance. The fighter should be ready to throw leg kicks and drop into the crouched stance to defend against the take down or shoot in on his opponent. As for the guard it is similar to the tucked boxing guard: hand up, elbows tucked to the sides and slightly bent knees.

Crouched stance

The crouched stance is used when you are preparing to shoot in on your opponent for a take down or defend against a take down attempt by sprawling. You can also use the crouched stance to feint a take down attempt and pop back to the standard stance to catch your opponent guard. Do not bend forward instead of crouching down in order to avoid head kicks . Your legs should be bent at a forty five degree angle. Your head should be aligned with your lead knee.
Your hands should be kept by your face, chin tucked and shoulders slightly shrugged to protect your jaws.

In MMA stance, you must keep in mind the fact of staying covered and being ready to shoot in – that’s why the stance is a bit wider and lower than boxing stance. MMA stance helps you create a stronger base.