Issue 125

February 2015

Four-time World Jiu-Jitsu Championships gold medal winner and UFC vet Vinny Magalhaes shares his best no-gi submissions aided by Syndicate MMA’s Casey Milliken. Here, Vinny demonstrates the Americana from mount.  

1. This technique is designed for opponents who have a good defense. Vinny begins in full mount but Casey keeps his arms tight.

2. The wrists are always available, so using his left hand, Vinny uses Casey’s wrist to push his left arm to the mat and pins it down. Vinny’s elbow must be next to Casey’s head on the same side his arm is trapped.

3. Once his elbow is on the mat, Vinny slides his right hand underneath Casey’s trapped arm and grabs his own left wrist.

4. Vinny’s right knee is in the way, so he slides it back. 

5. To finish, Vinny makes sure Casey’s hand is still pinned to the mat then pops Casey’s left elbow up until he gets the tap.