Arm Triangle - UFC/MMA
The Arm Triangle is typically applied from side control or mount: the fighter wraps their arms around the neck while including one of the opponent's arms, then shifts into side control to maximize pressure. The trapped arm of the opponent acts as a wedge that compresses one carotid artery, while the fighter's arm compresses the other. In the UFC, this technique is very popular among wrestlers with a strong top game, like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones, who use it to finish opponents already under pressure on the ground.
Arm Triangle
Jon Jones has submitted several opponents with the Arm Triangle during his reign as light heavyweight champion, leveraging his dominant ground control to suffocate the opponent's defenses.
Arm Triangle & Triangle Choke
The Triangle Choke uses the legs instead of the arms to create the same type of choke. While the Arm Triangle is executed from a dominant position, the Triangle Choke is typically applied from guard. Triangle Choke.
FAQ - Arm Triangle
From which position is the Arm Triangle applied?
It is mainly applied from mount or side control. The fighter must first isolate one of the opponent's arms near the neck, then wrap their arms and shift into side control to tighten the grip.
What is the key to completing the Arm Triangle?
The key is the shift into side control after securing the grip: this takes away space from the opponent and increases pressure on the neck. Without this movement, the submission is unlikely to be effective.
