Issue 062

May 2010

Peter Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert. Irving has fought in Europe and the USA, and currently holds the Strike & Submit European title.

The Grip 

The mata leao grip is what turns the front headlock into a chokehold. The wrist must be deep on the bicep, and the free hand should climb high up the back.  

The sprawl 

With one knee in the centre and the other leg back, you can make your opponent carry your weight, snap him back to the mat when he tries to stand and manipulate your grips effectively.  

The anaconda choke, gator roll or Schultz headlock are all terms that refer to the modified wrestling front headlock. When the position is locked up with a mata leao grip, it makes an extremely strong arm triangle choke that can finish fights in seconds.  

Anaconda Choke

1 Pete (left) has a traditional wrestling front headlock, with a gable grip locked over Rob’s tricep, squeezing Rob’s elbow. 

2 Pete drives his arm deep, getting his elbow central and under Rob’s chin. From here he can lock up the mata leao grip. If Pete’s arm is too shallow and he locks up the fingers on his bicep instead of the wrist, he will lose the grip when he rolls.

3 Pete looks in to Rob’s hip, ducking his head into the space under Rob’s ribs, and rolls under. By putting his head into the space, Pete can roll without Rob’s weight landing on his head.  

4 Pete continues to walk around, squeezing the arm triangle tighter.  

Brabo Choke

Also known as the D’Arce, the brabo is a reverse grip anaconda, named after a gi choke that operates the same way.

1 Pete (right) attempts to secure the front headlock for the anaconda again. 

2 This time Rob hand fights and peels off the attacking arm. Anticipating Rob’s defense, Pete feeds his far arm across the neck as Rob pulls the near arm away. 

3 Instead of going straight to the lion killer grip, Pete locks up a gable grip and wedges his forearm across the back of Rob’s neck.

4 Pete pulls his elbows together, forcing Rob’s head down to the mat and rolling him on to his side. 

5 Pete continues to feed his arm deeper while keeping Rob’s head pulled in tight.

6 Pete locks up the grip, walking the free hand high on Rob’s shoulder.

7 Pete finishes by sprawling his hips, increasing the pressure on the choke.