Kenny Johnson is one of the most esteemed wrestling coaches in MMA. Noted for his work with BJ Penn, he’s also taught Anderson Silva and was Team Nogueira’s wrestling guru on The Ultimate Fighter.

He and UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes present wrestling techniques for MMA.

Single-to-Double-leg Takedown

1. Kenny is looking to shoot a high-crotch single-leg on Matt by either lowering his level under a punch or from a general tie-up.

2. Kenny changes levels under a punch or sets Matt up with movement and penetrates deep through Matt securing the single-leg. 

3. Kenny drives into Matt lifting his leg, transferring Matt’s weight to his back leg as he switches to a double. Kenny’s level is low, his back is straight and his head is up and tight to the ribs and his right hand is trapping Matt’s far knee. Note: Always switch to the double as you are driving your opponent to their back leg so they cannot sprawl on you.

4. Matt lowers his level and bases out so he can’t be lifted or driven to the mat. Note: Sometimes your opponent may block you switching from the single to a double. If so, follow the next steps as stated regardless.

5. Simultaneously, Kenny switches back to a single-leg, secures a tight grip on the leg mid-thigh with heavy shoulder pressure and steps back with his left leg, pivoting on his right foot. This causes Matt to hop backwards in a circle taking Matt off his balance.

6. Kenny drops Matt on his back and finishes the move on his feet. Kenny then looks to transition to the next position.