Issue 164

February 2018

Take control on the feet, then on the mat with this pure mixed martial arts grappling combo

Greg Jackson, the most in-demand coach in MMA demonstrates the best techniques for the cage, with help from UFC bantamweight John Dodson.

1 - Greg (right) has a double-plumb Thai clinch on John with both hands on the back of his head. It’s the best position to pull his head down to knee him in the face.

2 - John defends by posturing up to avoid the knees. He also pulls on the back of Greg’s neck to reduce his leverage.

3 - Greg abandons his grip and drops to a staggered stance. He places his forehead in the center of John’s chest, and grabs the back of his knees.

4 - Greg drives forward with his forehead and pulls on the back of John’s knees to sweep his legs and drop him onto the mat.

5 -Greg follows John to the floor and pushes his knees together, which prevents John from establishing guard.

6 - Greg steps over John’s knees and takes the mount position. From here he can rain down strikes.

TOP TIPS

AMATEUR

When in the mount position, keep your knees pinched to maintain control.

SEMI-PRO

When attacking with wrestling, bend your knees until you can rest your forearms on your thighs and distribute most of your weight to your lead leg. Step with your lead leg to penetrate your opponent’s stance.

PROFESSIONAL

To gain full control of your opponents posture in the Thai clinch, pull on the crown of their head, as opposed to the back of the neck or top of the head.