Issue 141

May 2016

Learn to wriggle out of one of the tightest chokes in MMA the only way we know how

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 - Scott attempts a high-elbow guillotine choke on Vinny from full guard.

2 - Vinny shoots his right arm between Scott’s head and shoulder to break his grip.

3 - Vinny hooks Scott’s head and stacks his weight on him by popping onto his toes.

4 - As he continues to drive into the mat, Vinny grabs Scott’s wrist from under his chin with his left hand.

5 - Vinny simultaneously turns his body and pulls Scott’s arm away from his neck.

6 - Vinny pins Scott’s wrist to the mat to stop him reaching for the guillotine again.

7 - Temporarily out of danger, Vinny postures up and can try to pass guard or stand up.

TOP TIPS

WHITE BELT

Attacking your opponent’s hands should be your first defense against a choke.

PURPLE BELT

You must use the blade of your wrist to choke your opponent instead of the side of your arm to pull off a high-

elbow guillotine.

BLACK BELT

Keep your chest pressed against the back of your opponent’s neck when applying the choke. Leaning back like a standard guillotine could give your opponent space to pop their head out.

IN ACTION

Escaping the high-elbow guillotine without this technique is very difficult. Just ask Andre Fili, who was submitted by Max Holloway at UFC 172.