alot of people dont seem to like the hook punch because its easily blocked and leaves you more open than a straight punch. but in my MMA experience, a solid hook punch could very easily end the fight. whats your opinion?

IF its open use it...

i use the hook punch only if i'm close to my opponent..i think it's effective as long as you don't hook too wide, leaving yourself open

A proper hook punch is like a straght punch, except that at the last moment you do an "exit stage left" - If right handed that is... Your arm still follows a straight line coming from the side of your body as if you were doing a straight punch (don't let the elbow come out in the process). When doing the hook portion of the punch, do a quick reverse snap with the hips and pressure to the ground in the process (more like a "hip vibration" technique instead of "hip rotation," execpt a larger motion than most hip vibrations). It can be effective if the oponent is facing you in an angle or sideways. The straight portion of the punch allows you to get into tight openings, and the hook allows you to get around the arm for the strike... Also, this punch is not for distance and you must be closer to your oponent to be effective - like when driving the oponent to the wall, then catch him with the hook punch at the last nano-second. Like others have said, if there's an opening to use it, then use it, if not, don't.

The hook happens to be my favorite "punch" (we girls can really make use of our hips to power this punch).... and actually the hook is my favorite hand technique for breaking boards.

 

As Killer Miller posted, the hook is a lateral punch. The force of it travels along a horizontal plane in front of you parallel to the floor. To get maximum power the punch has to come from the body. Thats the hard part. Most people try to muscle the punch from the shoulder. Visualize where the punch needs to land. The hook targets the side of the head or the ribcage very nicely .

This is a great technique in close and when done properly would end something quickly. The tie in to the body gives it devastating power.

As most of the other educated MA's said The hook punch certianly has its uses. It's great in combo techniques and if you stun them first with a jab or whatever, then what better to follow up with? Like every technique, the hook has its advantages and disadvantages, you just need to learn when to throw it.