Fighters Only

Issue 068

October 2010

Wrestlers have always performed well in MMA. Athleticism and formidable technique make them difficult opponents for any fighter, and the best defense is to stay as far away from their takedowns as possible. That’s why wrestlers have adapted their art and developed ways of taking their opponents down by using the cage; it’s even said that dealing with a good wrestler against the fence is like fighting two opponents at the same time. Here are four takedowns that can be performed when in a high clinch against the cage.

OUTSIDE TRIP

1 Pete and Ash are tied up in an over-under position. Pete is pressing Ash on the fence and has linked his hands together. Pete uses his left leg to pin Ash’s right leg to the fence and stop him from maneuvring away.

2 Pete twists Ash off the cage so as to bring Ash’s left leg away from the fence.

?3 Pete drives Ash’s upper body back onto the fence and steps his right leg around Ash’s left.

4 Pete hooks the leg and sweeps it back.

5 Pete drives his bodyweight forward to land in half guard.

OUTSIDE TRIP TO INSIDE TRIP

1 Pete is tied up with Ash on the fence as before.

2 Pete twists him away from the fence again.

3 This time Ash steps back to avoid the outside trip.

4 Pete uses his left leg and hooks Ash’s right leg for an inside trip.

5 Pete twists his torso towards his underhook and drives his bodyweight forward to finish the inside trip, landing in Ash’s closed guard.

LEG TRAP ROLL

1 Pete has the body lock from an over-under. Ash has rotated both feet and is stepping away from Pete, bringing his posture forward.

2 Pete hooks the shin of his right leg behind Ash’s knee, neutralizing the threat of the hip toss.

3 Pete drives forward and rolls onto his right shoulder, using his hook to keep Ash’s hips light. He rolls from his right to his left shoulder, smoothly guiding Ash’s weight over him.