Heel Hook - UFC/MMA
The Heel Hook is executed by controlling the opponent's leg, hooking the heel with the forearm, and rotating to apply torsional force on the knee. There are two main variations: inside heel hook and outside heel hook, which attack the knee from different angles. In the UFC, the Heel Hook has gained popularity thanks to the leg lock game revolution led by fighters like Charles Oliveira and Ryan Hall, who have showcased the devastating effectiveness of this technique in the octagon.
Heel Hook
Charles Oliveira has demonstrated the danger of the Heel Hook in the UFC, using it as a weapon in his vast arsenal of submissions to threaten opponents even from inferior positions.
Heel Hook & Knee Bar
The Knee Bar is another leg lock that targets the knee, but through hyperextension rather than rotation. The Heel Hook is generally considered more dangerous because the rotation at the knee can damage multiple ligaments simultaneously. Knee Bar.
FAQ - Heel Hook
Why is the Heel Hook considered so dangerous?
It is dangerous because the torsional force applied to the knee can simultaneously damage the anterior cruciate ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament, and the meniscus. Additionally, the pain often comes after the damage has already occurred.
What is the difference between inside and outside heel hook?
The inside heel hook rotates the foot inward, attacking the knee from a more dangerous angle that stresses the anterior cruciate ligament. The outside heel hook rotates outward and is generally considered less dangerous but still very effective.
