Issue 138

February 2016

Stick with your BJJ attack so you can salvage a failed armbar attempt and get your opponent to tap.

Vinny Magalhaes: Four-time world BJJ Champion, 205lb fighter and instructor at syndicate MMA in Las Vegas reveals his best fight tips with Scott Kaplan.

1 - Vinny has attempted an armbar, but Scott defends by stacking him. This prevents Vinny from creating space and torquing Scott’s arm to finish the submission.

2 - Scott escapes the armbar threat by pulling his left arm out through Vinny’s legs. However, Vinny keeps hold of Scott’s right arm so he can’t escape completely.

3 - Maintaining control of the right arm, Vinny starts to swing his right leg to behind Scott’s head.

4 - Vinny puts his leg over Scott’s left shoulder, grabs his shin with his left hand and clamps down, which keeps Scott’s posture low.

5 - Vinny latches the back of his left knee over his right foot to close the triangle.

6 - Vinny pinches with his legs and pulls down on Scott’s head to tighten the choke and get the finish.

TOP TIPS:

WHITE BELT

When adjusting your triangle, always grab your shin instead of your foot so you don’t injure yourself.

PURPLE BELT

There’s no sleeve to grab in MMA, so make sure you maintain wrist control throughout this technique to pull it off.

BLACK BELT

If you’re defending the armbar, pulling your arm out too quickly could give your opponent enough space to submit you. Slowly edge your arm out while maintaining pressure and stacking your opponent.