Issue 142
June 2016
Unsuccessful armbar attempt? Switch things up so your opponent has no choice but to tap
Vinny Magalhaes
Four-time world BJJ champion, 205lb fighter and instructor at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas reveals his best fight tips with Scott Kaplan
1 - Vinny has Scott in position for an armbar from his back, gripping his left arm with both hands.
2 - Scott defends by stacking his weight on Vinny so he can’t extend his hips and torque the arm.
3 - Vinny switches his grip and now holds Scott’s arm with his right hand, which frees his left
4 - Vinny threads his left hand underneath Scott to hook his far-side hip.
5 - Vinny pushes Scott forward with his left arm and rotates under him to the other side of his body. This increases Vinny’s chances of finishing the submission, as Scott’s weight is no longer on him.
6 - Scott finds himself in a bad bosition with his head on the mat, so he defends by grabbing his own leg. Vinny adjusts by grabbing Scott’s shin with his left hand.
7 - Vinny pulls on Scott’s leg and turns to his back, which lifts Scott off the mat and over onto his back.
8 - Vinny drives his feet to the mat and raises his hips with Scott’s arm tight to his body to finish the submission.
TOP TIPS
WHITE BELT
Don’t cross your feet when you apply an armbar. It will be easier for your opponent to stack you.
PURPLE BELT
When attempting an armbar from your back, reach over your opponent’s arm and grab your own hip to keep it secure.
BLACK BELT
Hooking you opponent’s leg with your free arm will stop them from spinning out of the submission.
IN ACTION
Just moments after getting knocked down by Dennis Bermudez, Diego Brandao pulled off this armbar to claim the TUF 14 featherweight crown.
