Pro fighter Pete Irving to provide a masterclass in the infamous reverse heel hook, as used by the UFC’s Ed Herman.

While fans were treated to an epic slugfest in the main event at UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle, it was a preliminary bout that exceeded my expectations. As middleweights Ed Herman and Kyle Noke squared off, both brought in formidable boxing and wrestling skills. 

Yet it was Herman’s tenacity on the ground that stole the show, as he relentlessly drilled through a series of submission attempts to eventually secure the reverse heel hook near the end of the first round. 

Noke naturally tried to roll away to escape but the reversed nature of the hook only made it tighter, forcing Noke to tap out in excruciating pain. And providing Herman with a well-earned ‘W.’

The reverse heel hook is an even more devastating variation than the standard heel hook, and much harder to escape. 

The reverse version externally rotates the tibia at the knee joint by trapping and twisting the heel, applying a shearing force to the knee thus stretching the outside structures (the lateral co-lateral ligament).

Herman set up his heel hook as Noke stood up to pass his half guard. Herman spun underneath and triangled his legs above Noke’s knee. Noke correctly tried to anchor himself by grabbing Herman’s head but Herman had already secured the ankle, so when he attempted to spin and pull out of the hold he only succeeded in making the lock tighter, injuring the knee.

Rolling away may work with a conventional heel hook, but invariably makes the reverse version even tighter due to the angle at which the leg is trapped. This was ultimately Noke’s downfall.

The key to securing the reverse heel hook is to keep your elbows tight to your hip, trapping the heel with the blade of the forearm in a tight gable grip. By keeping your elbows in tight you can apply the torque by rotating your torso. Trying to lever with your arms will allow a determined opponent to slip his legs free of your grip. Follow these tips and you’ll be tapping your opponents out with this tricky submission in no time.