Position before submissions is one of the fundamental principles of mixed martial arts, and is why wrestling remains the dominant art in the game. If you can control your opponent, you can do whatever you want.
No one explained that fact to Russian’s Alexey Oleynik, 4th degree black belt in Japanese Ju-Jitsu, and International Master of Sports in Combat Sambo. At UFC Fight Night 103 on Sunday vs. Viktor Pesta, Oleynik attempted a choke from standing that seemingly had zero chance of succeeding. Known as Sode Guruma Jime in Judo, and more popularly in BJJ and MMA as an Ezekiel choke, it is extremely hard to pull off without the gi. Add in punches and it becomes vanishingly rare. Remove control, and it is impossible.
Or is it?
The second time Oleynik attempted the choke, he was on bottom mount. Pesta tapped just before he went out, and remained in twilight for long moments afterward.
He's not Alexey "The Boa Constrictor" Oleynik for nothin'!
What a submission!!#UFCPhoenixhttps://t.co/gVkOl1jhSY
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) January 16, 2017
“>January 16, 2017
Just 15 days into the new year, we have what will be voted the best submission of 2017. It was the 10th time the Russian had pulled off the choke in MMA competition.
Elias Cepeda breaks it down for Champions.
The Set Up
Oleynik ended up on his back under Pesta’s cross-side control. From there, Oleynik rested his far-side (right) arm on the top of Pesta’s head, seemingly idly. … Pesta took the bait and was fooled by Oleynik’s nonchalance. He entered the mount.
Because Pesta didn’t break free of Oleynik’s relatively loose one-hand grip on his head and entered a low mount, Oleynik was able to slip his left arm in and connect to the right arm.
The Finish
Pesta realized something was up when his opponent connected his arms together with his hands and began to squeeze. … What Pesta didn’t realize was that Oleynik wasn’t trying to buck up, he was trying to keep Pesta in close to his own chest.
Quick note: MMA gloves and chokes are a bit of a paradox because, while they can make sinking in certain chokes more difficult (sweaty bare hands slip through crevices and onto necks more easily than bulky, padded leather), but once Oleynik did get his grips their bulkiness likely helped him keep things locked and dangerous.
Lessons Learned
The lesson here is that we have to respect everything, and stick to solid principles. Principles like maintaining your posture and never letting someone hang out on your head, at any point, from any position, are big ones, here.
If you prefer your lessons via video, Ryron and Rener Gracie break it down over 15 minutes, both execution and defense.
The Gracies were assisted by actor, producer, screenwriter, comedian, activist, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu devotee Vince Vaughn.
