Why modern MMA fighters are abandoning the 'Neanderthal' approach to choking
In short: In combat sports, a move can be effective but technically obsolete. While the basic rear naked choke remains a staple, elite practitioners have moved toward high-leverage mechanics to prevent opponents from neutralizing the submission by grabbing the attacker's arm.
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC), known in Portuguese as 'Mate Leone' or the Lion Killer, is a fundamental grappling technique. However, traditional execution—where the attacking hand simply goes behind the opponent's head—is often described by modern instructors as a 'neanderthal' approach. While it still functions, it lacks the technical sophistication required to handle high-level resistance in professional fighting.
The primary vulnerability of the basic RNC is the opponent's ability to grab the attacker's glove or hand. Once an opponent secures a grip on the arm, they can pull it away from the neck, making it nearly impossible to finish the choke. To counter this, advanced techniques utilize 'leverage' and specific body positioning. This involves 'snaking' around the opponent's body to maintain ground control while ensuring the attacking arm is shielded.
A key technical evolution involves a 'shoulder tuck.' Instead of placing the hand directly behind the head, the attacker brings the arm toward their own shoulder and tucks it. This placement makes it significantly harder for the defender to reach the grip point. If an opponent does manage to grab the hand, the practitioner is taught to 'punch' or peel the hand off immediately to maintain the position.
The sequence relies on specific structural cues like the 'broken harness' and 'X marks the spot.' By establishing these points of contact—specifically sliding the arm and tucking the head—the attacker creates a mechanical lock. This ensures that even if the defender pulls with maximum strength, the choke remains secure because the leverage is anchored to the attacker's own frame rather than just their grip strength.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rear Naked Choke (RNC) Back Submission | MMA Fighting
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