Master The Rear Naked Choke In UFC

The Ultimate Guide to the Rear Naked Choke in UFC

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most iconic and effective submission techniques in mixed martial arts, particularly within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Often called the "blood choke" or "mata leao" (lion killer) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, its effectiveness stems from its ability to cut off blood flow to the brain, leading to unconsciousness. Understanding the mechanics, history, and strategic applications of the RNC is crucial for any aspiring fighter or fan seeking to deepen their appreciation for the sport.

Origins and Evolution of the Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke has a long and storied history, predating modern MMA by centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient martial arts disciplines in Asia, including various forms of wrestling and grappling. However, it was popularized and refined within the context of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) by the Gracie family. Hélio Gracie, one of the founders of BJJ, is often credited with developing the modern iteration of the choke, adapting it from traditional techniques to be effective even for smaller, weaker individuals against larger opponents. The effectiveness of the RNC was dramatically showcased to the world during the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In UFC 1, Royce Gracie, utilizing his family's BJJ expertise, submitted multiple opponents with various chokes, including the Rear Naked Choke, demonstrating the art's devastating power and cementing the RNC's status as a premier submission. Since then, the RNC has become a staple in the UFC's submission arsenal, with countless fighters mastering and employing it to secure victories. Its prevalence in high-level competition is a testament to its efficiency and the continuous evolution of grappling techniques taught and practiced within MMA gyms worldwide. Fighters continually refine their setups, transitions, and defenses against this submission, ensuring its relevance and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of professional fighting.

The Mechanics of the Rear Naked Choke: How it Works

Understanding how the Rear Naked Choke works is key to both applying and defending it. The choke is applied from behind the opponent, typically after achieving a dominant position like a rear-mount. The primary goal is to establish a "seatbelt" grip, securing one arm across the opponent's chest and the other arm's bicep or shoulder. The choking arm then snakes around the opponent's neck, with the forearm positioned across the front of their carotid artery. The palm of the choking hand is placed on the opponent's opposite shoulder or traps their own choking arm's bicep. The magic happens when the fighter applies pressure by squeezing their arms together, while simultaneously arching their back and tucking their chin. This action compresses the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck, restricting blood flow to the brain. The pressure is not applied to the trachea (windpipe), which is why it's often referred to as a blood choke and is considered safer than a direct airway choke. The result of successfully applied pressure is a rapid loss of consciousness, usually within a few seconds. The effectiveness of the RNC lies in its direct and efficient mechanism for incapacitating an opponent without causing significant physical damage, making it a highly sought-after submission in MMA. The subtle nuances of grip placement, body positioning, and the timing of the squeeze are critical for its success. A slight adjustment in forearm angle or the pressure applied can mean the difference between a tap-out and a failed submission attempt. This is why fighters spend countless hours drilling the RNC from various positions, ensuring they can apply it effectively and efficiently under the intense pressure of a fight.

Setting Up the Rear Naked Choke: Common Techniques and Strategies

While the RNC is devastatingly simple in its final execution, setting it up often requires patience, skill, and strategic maneuvering. The most common entry point is the rear-mount position, achieved through takedowns like a double-leg or single-leg takedown that allows the fighter to secure back control, or by capitalizing on an opponent's mistake or scramble. Once in the rear-mount, the fighter must establish control over the opponent's hips and posture to prevent them from escaping or turning in. This often involves "climbing the back" – using hooks (the fighter's feet) to maintain leverage and prevent the opponent from posturing up. From rear-mount, fighters use various methods to initiate the choke. One common approach is to "hide the arm," where the choking arm is slipped under the chin and brought around the neck, often while the opponent is trying to peel off the grabbing hand. Another strategy involves transitioning from other positions, such as a body triangle or even from the guard if the opponent makes a mistake and exposes their back. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov were masters of positional control, often suffocating opponents with pressure before smoothly transitioning to the RNC. Similarly, fighters like Ronda Rousey used aggressive grappling and quick transitions to lock in the choke. The key is to attack the neck before the opponent can fully establish their defensive posture or escape. This might involve feinting a strike to create an opening, or using a takedown specifically designed to land in a position conducive to attacking the back. The setup is as much about controlling the opponent's movements and limiting their options as it is about the actual application of the choke. It's a dance of pressure, position, and opportunity, where the smallest lapse in an opponent's defense can be exploited for a fight-ending submission.

Defending the Rear Naked Choke: Escapes and Countermeasures

Given its effectiveness, defending the Rear Naked Choke is paramount for any fighter in the UFC. The best defense is often prevention – avoiding getting into a position where the RNC can be applied in the first place. This means maintaining good posture, keeping your back off the cage, and being aware of your opponent's hand-fighting and grip attempts. However, if an opponent successfully secures the choke, there are several defensive strategies fighters employ. The most crucial immediate reaction is to tuck your chin firmly into your chest. This makes it significantly harder for the opponent to get their forearm across your carotid artery and reduces the effectiveness of the choke even if they do. Simultaneously, you must fight the hands. This involves actively trying to peel the opponent's choking arm off your neck, often by using your own hands to break their grip or create space. Another critical defense is to turn into the choke. While counter-intuitive, turning your head and body towards the side the choke is applied can sometimes relieve pressure on the carotid artery, allowing you to work on breaking the grip or escaping. If the choke is locked in tight and blood flow is being restricted, fighters might resort to more desperate measures like "stalling" or "slamming" their way out, though these are risky and often require the opponent to make a mistake. Advanced defenses involve recognizing the transition before the choke is fully locked in and using that moment to counter. For instance, if an opponent is transitioning to the choke from a position where their body is not fully secure, a fighter might use that opportunity to shrimp out or reverse the position. The ability to anticipate and react quickly to RNC attempts is a hallmark of a well-rounded fighter, and the time spent drilling defensive scenarios is just as valuable as practicing offensive submissions. Understanding the opponent's likely setups and anticipating their moves can give a fighter the crucial seconds needed to defend and survive a dangerous situation.

Famous Rear Naked Choke Finishes in UFC History

The UFC octagon has been witness to countless memorable Rear Naked Choke finishes, solidifying its legacy as a fight-ending submission. One of the most dominant practitioners was Khabib Nurmagomedov. His suffocating top control and relentless pressure often led to opponents being unable to defend the RNC, which he employed with chilling efficiency throughout his undefeated career. His submission victories over Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier are prime examples. Another legendary figure whose career was defined by submissions, including the RNC, is Ronda Rousey. Her explosive grappling and lightning-fast transitions meant that many opponents found themselves tapping out to her signature armbar or the RNC within the first minute of a fight. Charles Oliveira has arguably become the most prolific submission artist in UFC history, and the Rear Naked Choke is his signature finishing move. With an astonishing number of submission wins, many of them RNCs, Oliveira has demonstrated a masterful ability to find the choke from various positions and against tough opposition, earning him the nickname "Do Bronx." Demian Maia is another submission wizard who has used the Rear Naked Choke to great effect against elite competition, showcasing the technique's effectiveness even in later stages of his career against younger, stronger opponents. These fighters, and many others, have used the RNC not just to win fights, but to do so in spectacular fashion, often highlighting the technical prowess and strategic depth of mixed martial arts. Each submission tells a story of pressure, opportunity, and technical execution, leaving fans in awe and opponents tapping out in defeat. The sheer number of times the RNC has been the deciding factor in a UFC bout speaks volumes about its enduring power and appeal.

Conclusion

The Rear Naked Choke remains a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a definitive weapon in the UFC's submission arsenal. Its historical significance, straightforward yet highly effective mechanics, and the strategic depth required for its application and defense make it a fascinating element of MMA. Whether you're a fighter honing your skills or a fan appreciating the technicality of the sport, understanding the Rear Naked Choke provides a deeper insight into the captivating world of mixed martial arts. For further learning on grappling techniques, explore resources from organizations like the United World Wrestling or delve into the extensive instructional videos available from martial arts experts on platforms like BJJ Fanatics.