Technique Video of the Day: Gracie Breakdown – TUF 14 Finale and UFC 140

What a couple of weeks it has been for the avid Jiu Jitsu fanatic. Diego Brandao scored a brilliant last second submission over Dennis Bermudez to walk away with a UFC contract and a down payment on his momma’s new house, Frank Mir added the most prized arm of all to his collection (a feeling that Mir would later refuse to go into detail about, but we imagine felt something like this), and Jon Jones used his Stretch Armstrong genetics to choke out a Jiu Jitsu black belt in Lyoto Machida with relative ease. And with each beautiful, gruesome, or eye opening technique that graces the octagon, Ryron and Rener are here to make sense of it all.

Today, the Gracie brothers touch on Tony Ferguson’s slick omaplata attempt from his unanimous decision victory over Yves Edwards at the TUF 14 Finale as well as Brandao’s glass plaque-earning effort before breaking down possibly the most shocking submission finish in MMA history, Frank Mir’s come from behind kimura over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria that absolutely destroyed the Brazilian’s arm, a picture of which can be seen after the jump:

What a couple of weeks it has been for the avid Jiu Jitsu fanatic. Diego Brandao scored a brilliant last second submission over Dennis Bermudez to walk away with a UFC contract and a down payment on his momma’s new house, Frank Mir added the most prized arm of all to his collection (a feeling that Mir would later refuse to go into detail about, but we imagine felt something like this), and Jon Jones used his Stretch Armstrong genetics to choke out a Jiu Jitsu black belt in Lyoto Machida with relative ease. And with each beautiful, gruesome, or eye opening technique that graces the octagon, Ryron and Rener are here to make sense of it all.

Today, the Gracie brothers touch on Tony Ferguson’s slick omaplata attempt from his unanimous decision victory over Yves Edwards at the TUF 14 Finale as well as Brandao’s glass plaque-earning effort before breaking down possibly the most shocking submission finish in MMA history, Frank Mir’s come from behind kimura over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria that absolutely destroyed the Brazilian’s arm:


(Props to ESPN.com for the photo.) 

Ho. Lee. Shit. Only a man who has been run over by a truck as a child can look at an injury as horrifying as that with the approximate concern of someone who just lost the page in the book they were reading. Anyway, check out the video and learn yourself some BJJ, because we all know what your face would look like if this happened to you.

Also on this week’s breakdown, the Gracie’s discuss UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ Mckenzietine-esque choke that, currently according to Wikipedia, killed Lyoto Machida. What I want to know is, who the hell was that guy at the post-fight press conference? Begin drafting up your conspiracy theories…NOW!

-Danga 

Technique Video of the Day: The Russian Toe Hold That Will Kill Us All

I awoke this morning to find a lone, blinking message on my answering machine. The messenger, whom shall be referred to as Minowaman for the time being, informed me of a video that would not only change the MMA and combat sports world’s forever, but possibly reignite the long, bitter tensions between the United States and Russia. And now, I will pass it on to you, Potato Nation, as I can only assume that shit in my town is about to go Red Dawn within the hour.

Amidst a deadly crew of English-speaking, Russian sleeper cells, a lone FBI agent, code name Gull of the Sea (at his request), was able to infiltrate a remote, Russian facility, like so, and record the following video of the illegal toe hold technology that the Russians have been building up for years.

I awoke this morning to find a lone, blinking message on my answering machine. The messenger, whom shall be referred to as Minowaman for the time being, informed me of a video that would not only change the MMA and combat sports world’s forever, but possibly reignite the long, bitter tensions between the United States and Russia. And now, I will pass it on to you, Potato Nation, as I can only assume that shit in my town is about to go Red Dawn within the hour.

Amidst a deadly crew of English-speaking, Russian sleeper cells, a lone FBI agent, code name Gull of the Sea (at his request), was able to infiltrate a remote, Russian facility, like so, and record the following video of the illegal toe hold technology that the Russians have been building up for years.

I know, shocking and disturbing stuff. Word has it that Rousimar Palhares saw this and completely leveled his three building shantytown in under 60 seconds. Even more horrifying is the fact that these sleeper cell Sambo practitioners seem to be at least part machine, because there is no other way to justify how quickly that dude was able to switch from the foot grab to the toe hold in all of modern physics.

Now, I know what your thinking, “Agent Seagal is blatantly hanging that camera out there for everyone to see. Is he insane?” Well the answer breaks down like this:

1. If Brazil has yet to see the dawn of computers, then Russia cannot possibly have discovered video camera technology at this point in time. Or photography for that matter.
2. Yes, yes he fucking is.

The rest can be explained in this brief video:

-Danga 

Technique of the Day: The Spinning Back Kick

UFC 137 goes down tomorrow night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one fight that we feel is being criminally overlooked (televised on Spike or not) is the lightweight match-up between Dennis Siver and Donald Cerrone. Now, where both men are known for their elite striking game, its is Siver who has made his name off of the spinning back kick/turning side kick, picking up victories over Nate Mohr and Paul Kelly at UFC 93 and 105, respectively. Cerrone has stated that he feels the spinning back kick is Siver’s only weapon, and whether or not you agree with him (I don’t), you have to admit that it is one awesome weapon.

UFC 137 goes down tomorrow night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one fight that we feel is being criminally overlooked (televised on Spike or not) is the lightweight match-up between Dennis Siver and Donald Cerrone. Now, where both men are known for their elite striking game, its is Siver who has made his name off of the spinning back kick/turning side kick, picking up victories over Nate Mohr and Paul Kelly at UFC 93 and 105, respectively. Cerrone has stated that he feels the spinning back kick is Siver’s only weapon, and whether or not you agree with him (I don’t), you have to admit that it is one awesome weapon.

Above, non other than former UFC light heavyweight champion/Hawaii Five-0 star Chuck Liddell demonstrates his version of the kick, emphasizing the necessity of proper foot placement in order for the move to be successful. Below, we have included Joe Rogan’s breakdown of the move, as he’s been known to demonstrate it to the world’s finest fighters. Also, we’ve thrown in a brief Human Weapon segment devoted to the kick. If your one of those folks who likes to hand out candy on Halloween, this is a great method for dealing with those greedy kids who don’t understand that one Snickers is enough. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

-Danga 

Technique Video of the Day: Gracie Breakdown-UFC 135 and 136

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Ryron and Rener Gracie break down the action from a UFC card, so we decided to give you guys a double dose of knowledge to kick-start your weekend. Above, we have their take on Chael Sonnen’s ever improving Jiu-Jitsu game, which capped off with a second round arm triangle submission of Brian Stann at UFC 136.

Now, moving past how “gentle” Chael was in his victory, the Gracie’s demonstrate and analyze the transitions, guard passes, and remount techniques Sonnen used to defeat Stann with their usual competency, breaking down both the first and second rounds of their middleweight fight. Being a guy trained primarily in the ground game, I can’t say enough how valuable these break downs are.

Check out the Gracie’s breakdown of Jon Jones’ 4th round rear-naked choke over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135 after the jump.

-Danga 

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Ryron and Rener Gracie break down the action from a UFC card, so we decided to give you guys a double dose of knowledge to kick-start your weekend. Above, we have their take on Chael Sonnen’s ever improving Jiu-Jitsu game, which capped off with a second round arm triangle submission of Brian Stann at UFC 136.

Now, moving past how “gentle” Chael was in his victory, the Gracie’s demonstrate and analyze the transitions, guard passes, and remount techniques Sonnen used to defeat Stann with their usual competency, breaking down both the first and second rounds of their middleweight fight. Being a guy trained primarily in the ground game, I can’t say enough how valuable these break downs are.

-Danga 

Gracie Breakdown – UFC 135

Technique Video of the Day: The Calf Crank/Slicer from Arm Triangle Position

You know, if everyone stopped hating on Eddie Bravo and Joe Hogan for their personal beliefs related to “the heefer,” they might be able to learn a thing or two when it comes to Jiu-Jistu. But here at Cagepotato, we are all about putting judgments aside for the sake of the sport. In the above video, Bravo demonstrates a beautiful bait-and-switch submission on Joanne of MMAGirls.net, and though he may not be up to par on his English (it’s sunk, Eddie) there is no denying the man’s abilities to pull off some brilliant transitions on the ground.

You know, if everyone stopped hating on Eddie Bravo and Joe Hogan for their personal beliefs related to “the heefer,” they might be able to learn a thing or two when it comes to Jiu-Jistu. But here at Cagepotato, we are all about putting judgments aside for the sake of the sport. In the above video, Bravo demonstrates a beautiful bait-and-switch submission on Joanne of MMAGirls.net, and though he may not be up to par on his English (it’s sunk, Eddie) there is no denying the man’s abilities to pull off some brilliant transitions on the ground.

Today, he teaches us that a failed submission attempt does not always mean going back to square one. Let’s say your arms are blown out and you find yourself unable to finish your opponent with an arm triangle choke. Well, as Bravo puts it, “Just because you can’t squeeze anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t pull anymore.” So, when you’ve come to this realization, simply slide your foot back between your opponent’s legs, placing yourself into quarter guard. Bravo points out that it is crucial you don’t extend your leg and put yourself in half guard for this move to be successful. Next, figure four your legs around one of your opponent’s. Then, using as much Jedi force as you can muster, release the arm triangle, roll onto your back, and pull the shit out of your opponent’s foot until they are forced to tap or walk funny for the rest of their life. Just ask Joe Lauzon.

It really is an awesome little move for any of you BJJ practitioners out there, but be sure to try this out on your little brothers and sisters before attempting something so bold in an actual competition and looking like a fool. Now, here’s some Bob Marley. Enjoy it.

-Danga 

Technique Video of the Day: Bas Rutten’s Triangle Escape

As I watched Pat Barry fall victim to yet another submission at the spider legs of Stefan Struve during UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson this past Saturday, my stomach began to take on the feeling that I hadn’t known since I watched A Serbian Film for the second time. I knew what was going to happen, but deep in my atheist soul I hoped…no, prayed, that things would somehow change. And like a 7-Eleven cashier in Compton, I found myself on the wrong end of the barrel yet again.

Thankfully, the powers at be have likely given Barry another chance. And since we all know “HD” is an avid Cagepotato Fan, I figured I’d let the master of all things MMA/street fighting, Bas Rutten, give us a little tutorial on how to escape a triangle choke. It may not be as flashy as power-bombing your way out, but it’s a hell of a lot more effective.

Being the Renaissance man that “El Guapo” is, he manages to make a complex maneuver seem as simple as four steps:

As I watched Pat Barry fall victim to yet another submission at the spider legs of Stefan Struve during UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson this past Saturday, my stomach began to take on the feeling that I hadn’t known since I watched A Serbian Film for the second time. I knew what was going to happen, but deep in my atheist soul I hoped…no, prayed, that things would somehow change. And like a 7-Eleven cashier in Compton, I found myself on the wrong end of the barrel yet again.

Thankfully, the powers at be have likely given Barry another chance. And since we all know “HD” is an avid Cagepotato Fan, I figured I’d let the master of all things MMA/street fighting, Bas Rutten, give us a little tutorial on how to escape a triangle choke. It may not be as flashy as power-bombing your way out, but it’s a hell of a lot more effective.

Being the Renaissance man that “El Guapo” is, he manages to make a complex maneuver seem as simple as four steps:

Step 1. Keep your arm straight. Use wrist control, your opponents head, etc. to keep your opponent from sliding your arm across.

Step 2. Go for the head. Start by posturing up as best as you can, then grab the top of your opponent’s head with both hands, in turn applying a neck crank/can opener.

Step 3. Slide back. Using the neck crank to open your opponent’s guard, simply slide back on your knees, thus freeing yourself from the possibility of the triangle.

Step 4. While maintaining a hold on your opponent’s head, maneuver your own around his leg and move to side mount.

Step 5 (optional). Let your opponent stand up, grab the nearest salt or pepper shaker, and den attack de eyes and de liver.

-DangadaDangadaDang