How ‘Bolton Crab’ finisher planned the technique

Jonno Mears shocked and amused the world, and himself, when he hit a pro wrestling Boston Crab submission on Aaron Jones at Full Contact Contender 19 in Manchester, England. Pro wrestler Chris Jerico hits a version called the Walls of Jerico, and it caught his attention too.

Hahah see the #WallsOfJericho really works! https://t.co/qJpJLn0lMz

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) September 30, 2017

Some fans have suggested the term Bolton Crab would be appropriate, given Mears proximity to Bolton, England.

Marc Raimondi for MMA Fighting caught up with Mears, 34, who talked about his inspiration. Like countless kids, he grew up watching the WWE. When Mears made his pro debut, promoter Adam They suggested he try to hit a Boston Crab, but Mears instead won via KO in 23 seconds. When Jones stepped in on short notice after original opponent Jay Moogan pulled out, Mears thought he had a shot at a Boston Crab, as Jones is known as a striker.

So I played with it in my training and kept it in my mind knowing it would be funny and somewhat new, said Mears. I loved and studied all the moves [as a kid]. I wasn’t great at remembering the names, as I was trying to do them on my younger brother.

When I took him down, he turned to all fours quick, but I managed to chin strap him and was going to try the Peruvian necktie. But he tucked his chin, so I jumped to his back, then the crab came into my head. Then, during the scramble, I was going to turn into mount and give it up, but I seen he covered up during me striking him, so I thought why not I just try? And I was shocked myself I got a hold of his legs in a scramble.

I’m sure it was his back [not a footlock that caused the tap], although I applied it slowly knowing it’s a dangerous move being a spine lock. But he refused to tap, so I cranked it a bit more while sticking out the tongue.

I always say to everybody, if you don’t enjoy [MMA], don’t do it. You gotta really love and enjoy doing it to succeed, as it’s a very tough sport.

I don’t think some of the [moves] would transfer over to MMA too great, like a Tombstone. But as we all know, the physical side to a martial artist is very important, to give a fighter different attributes to use, but the mind and mental side is just as important.

I’m very shocked at the response. I knew it would be good, but not this amazing.

And an amused Mears may not be done yet.

I can’t say this as it may give away my next move, he said. I have a few up my sleeve, and I know if I can pull off another that would be even more amazing.