Closed Guard - UFC/MMA
The closed guard is one of the fundamental positions in BJJ and MMA. By crossing their ankles behind the opponent's back, the fighter on the bottom limits the opponent's movement, reduces the effectiveness of strikes, and creates a platform for attacks. From closed guard, one can attempt sweeps, submissions like triangle chokes and armbars, and control the opponent's posture. In modern MMA, closed guard is less dominant than in pure BJJ due to strikes, but it remains a solid defensive position.
Closed Guard
Royce Gracie popularized the closed guard in the early UFC events, submitting larger opponents from the guard with armbars and triangle chokes, showcasing the effectiveness of BJJ in mixed martial arts.
Closed Guard & Open Guard
The Open Guard does not involve crossing the ankles and actively uses the legs to control distance. It is more dynamic than closed guard but offers less direct control over the opponent. Open Guard.
FAQ - Closed Guard
Is the closed guard still effective in modern UFC?
It is less dominant than in the early days of UFC because modern fighters are better at defending against it. However, it remains a solid defensive position, and fighters like Demian Maia have shown that it can still be offensive.
How does one escape an opponent's closed guard?
The fighter on top must 'break' the guard by separating the crossed ankles, typically by pushing on the hips or knee. Once the guard is opened, they can attempt to pass to side control or mount.
