Americana - UFC/MMA
The Americana is primarily applied from the mount or side control, dominant positions where the fighter has superior control. The opponent's arm is pinned to the ground, and the figure-four grip is used to rotate it outward, applying pressure on the shoulder. It is considered a fundamental technique because it teaches the basic principles of joint locks. In the UFC, many fighters with a wrestling background use it as a complementary weapon to their ground and pound game.
Americana
A classic example of the Americana in the UFC occurs when a dominant wrestler holds the opponent in mount and isolates one arm by pinning it to the ground, then applies the rotation to secure the tap or force the opponent to expose themselves to ground and pound.
Americana & Kimura
The Kimura uses the same figure-four grip as the Americana but rotates the arm in the opposite direction, towards the back. The Kimura is generally considered more versatile because it can be applied from more positions. Kimura.
FAQ - Americana
Why is the Americana less common than the Kimura in the UFC?
The Americana requires a dominant top position (mount or side control) and works best when the opponent's arm is pinned to the ground. Experienced fighters do a good job of protecting their arms in these situations, making the Kimura more practical to apply.
From which positions can the Americana be applied?
The main positions are mount and side control. It is very rare to see an Americana from guard or other inferior positions, unlike the Kimura, which can be applied from almost anywhere.
