Submission Breakdown: Demetrious Johnson's Mighty Wizbar
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
I have crazy news everyone! It turns out, MMA can produce some incredible submission grappling moments. So, why not talk about them? In this series, I’ll be taking a look at some of the most impressive, mind-blowing submissions throughout MMA history. I’ll break down what happened, the methodology and thought process behind it, as well as the mechanics involved. For context as to what prompted this, check out the Twitter thread, and feel free to add your own favorites as well.
Arguably the coolest moment in MMA grappling history, Johnson’s 11th title defense ended with one of the slickest armbars we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing at the highest levels of MMA.
Johnson had his hands clasped behind Borg, a familiar situation for Borg at that point in the fight. Johnson popped his hips, elevating and launching Borg into the air. Johnson side stepped, getting beside Borg, as he started the transition to the armbar while Borg came down. Johnson first secured the arm by lacing his left hand through the crook of Borg’s elbow, pinning it to his chest. Notice how Johnson momentarily placed his right hand on the side of Borg’s face as he landed. This is done to allow for easier access for the leg to come over the top, and prevent any attempts to block it with the head. It wasn’t really necessary here, but does show how well schooled a grappler Johnson is.
Since Borg was trying to minimize the impact, he placed his right arm out, bracing for the fall. He was landing on his side and, because of this, it places Borg in a far more compromised position. To escape an armbar, or at least stall a bit, keeping the arm being attacked as curled in and close to the body as possible is imperative. Because Borg is focused on the fact that Johnson just tossed him like a child, he’s unaware of the danger his arm was in, which I don’t think he should be blamed for. Notice how Borg’s arm was already being extended away from his body, before Johnson even started sitting back to finish. Borg would ideally have been able to get his back to the mat, curl his arm in, and grab hold with his free hand, preventing any extension by Johnson, giving him more time to defend.
From here on out, the finish of the armbar was rather straightforward. Borg tried to hold out as long as possible, but Johnson shut down every opportunity. The hitchhiker escape was not an option, despite Borg’s desperate attempts to make it happen. Johnson had his arm extended, secured, and thumb pointed up to the ceiling. His legs were clamping down, preventing Borg’s frantic attempts to escape from gaining any momentum. Finally, Johnson elevated his hips, adding even more pressure to the armbar and forced the tap. An incredible display of technical brilliance, intelligence, and damn fine fundamentals at play.
Well, that brings us to the end of the first installment of our Submission Breakdown Series. Feel free to comb through the Twitter thread, and let me know which submission you’d like me to break down next time.