Fighters Only

Issue 098

February 2013

FO presents a set of simple tips to make your belly-to-belly suplexes super

The king of the high-risk, high-reward takedowns, pulling off a belly-to-belly suplex inside the cage could win the fight. An impressive high-amplitude slam could wind your opponent and wow judges and fans. On the flip side, however, bungling the belly-to-belly could leave you stuck on the bottom, or even worse, knocked out like Matt Lindland at UFC 43. The Olympian wrestler accidentally pulled newcomer Falaniko Vitale on top of him, smashing his own head against the mat.

BODY LOCK DRILL

The body lock can be accomplished with double underhooks, or with one overhook and one underhook provided the opponent’s underhook is properly neutralised. In fact, by taking the opponent’s underhook arm out of the equation you can limit his defensive opportunities. In this drill you’ll start in the over-under then move for the body lock (which would initiate the suplex), then reset and go for a second underhook and then the body lock again.

1. Start in the over-under.

2. Level change and grip around the hips, not the back.

3. Reset then level change as this time you drive in your second underhook.

4. Get your hips in tight, and lower than theirs. Squeeze your elbows to your hips to secure the grip.

PRO TIP

Gripping the mid back is the most common error in applying the body lock. Applying the grip around the back can give an opening for a counter throw from a headlock or overhooks.

PRACTICING THE EXECUTION

To drill the suplex properly, a crash mat is needed to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

1. Begin in the over-under. Note that Pete (left) has already adopted a lower elevation than Joel.

2. Step the leg on the overhook side around your partner’s leg, and capture the hips with a Gable grip.

3. A live opponent will be expecting you to attempt a lateral throw from this hold, and will step back to prevent this possibility, attempting to create space between you.