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Throughout the three Seasons of the ESL MKX Pro League, a series of videos narrated by Joshua Grey, known as Kombat Classes, would provide viewers with a look at each character’s playstyle, in addition to providing some basic combos for each Variation.

Though the league may be over, the series has continued, with the latest episode focusing on the leader of the Black Dragon clan and everyone’s favorite Australian Earthrealm mercenary, Kano. After a brief introduction of the character, Grey begins discussing his three Variations, each of which make Kano essentially a different character, with more changes compared to other fighters.

The Cutthroat Variation specializes in rushdown with his Charge Up buff (DD3) that increases his damage output at the expense of his health, as well as a variety of Overhead and Low mixups. This video will show you ways to hit confirm into it, as well as some corner juggles with Kano’s Bloody Slice, (DB1+BLK) that will allow you to launch your opponents for larger extensions, including a 2-bar, 18 hit, 57% damage combo.

In Cybernetic, Kano focuses on a more zoning-based strategy, with Eye Blast (DB3) staggers that can combo into his Gut Blast, (B23+4) which can be Meter Burned to continue the combo. Using his Kano Ball for side switching mixups off of knockdowns opens up further opportunities for his keepaway game with Mid-hitting Knives and his assortment of Eye Blasts and Upward Lasers.

Commando transforms Kano into a Grappler focused on dangerous Tick Throw setups, which were improved in XL. His Wood Chipper String (32,1+3) can be Meter Burned to increase his damage, and will combo into his Power Slam (DFB4) and Rib Strike (DBF4) to maintain position with Hard Knockdowns, or Meter Burn them for Launchers.

After showing a combo into his X-Ray, Lacerater,  and his Wham Bam Brutality in the Commando Variation, video closes by noting that, “Kano is a strong fundamental fighter.  His moveset may seem smaller compared to other kombatants, but his precision is deadly.”

You can view the video for yourself below.  All combos are listed in numerical notation to remain universal across all platforms.

Additionally, Kano’s arch-nemesis and leader of the Special Forces, Sonya Blade was also spotlighted in a recent Kombat Class.

The Special Forces Variation provides her with a summonable Drone that provides her with new Specials. However, she cannot command the drone until she ends her combos, so you are advised to use strings with large amounts of Hit Advantage, like her Beat Down string (2,1,3,4) to maximize your summoning opportunities. Kamikaze (3+BLK) can be used as a Launcher for extensions.

Covert Ops gives Sonya her Military Stance (DB2) from MK9, affording her powerful Tick Throw setups by canceling into the Stance mid-combo. This Variation specializes in corner carry and baiting out Reversals with her Stance Cancel, which can be punished with her Garrotte Parry (DB1).

Her infamous Demolition Variation, made famous by Panda Gobal’s Scar, equips her with three grenades, which can be reloaded and detonated in a single input with Negative Edge enabled, with the video even providing a method to practice this consistently.

You can see more Kombat Class videos covering the rest of the roster on the Mortal Kombat Community YouTube Channel.

Source: Mortal Kombat Community