![[Watch] MMA Fighter Crosses Ankles While On Opponent’s Back – Gets Leglocked](https://www.bjjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/MMA-match-back-control-crossed-ankles.jpg)
There are several things that constitute good back control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For instance, getting your seatbelt grip is often the safest thing to do to establish control, while staying as close to your opponent’s body (both hips and your head next to theirs) is a must if you want to keep them there. Oh, and yes – controlling their hips with your legs, which is mostly done with hooks.
But there’s a catch with regards to hip control, one which you were probably taught in your very first couple of classes. To never cross your ankles while in back control.
Why? Because you can get leglocked. And not just you, but anyone; including professional MMA fighters.
That’s exactly what happened to Marif Mazhidov. He competed at the MMASeries52 promotion and took his opponent’s, Artem Demin’s, back. He then went for a Rear Naked Choke and was constantly finding ways to win the grip fight and slide his arm underneath the chin.
However, he also crossed his ankles. Demin took advantage of that – and submitted Mazhidov with a Leg Lock.
Watch it take place on the video below:
Don’t cross your ankles. Marif Mazhidov went from RNC danger to submitting Artem Demin in a matter of seconds with the leg lock counter. Infinite ways to lose in MMA.#MMASeries52 pic.twitter.com/7XbQQD3wMn
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 4, 2022
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