Submission Breakdown: Nick Diaz’s Gogoplata on Takanori Gomi
Photo by Esther Lin/Forza 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, and frankly 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.
It’s easy to understand the fascination Nick Diaz garnered at one point in his career, and pulling off incredible moments like this one only added to the mystique of the elder Diaz brother. Gomi, rightly or not, was considered the best Lightweight in the world at the time, only losing once in over 3 years, and 14 fights. He also avenged that singular loss not long afterwards. A -360 favorite, Diaz was making his debut at the weight class, so most were expecting the Stockton native to lose, and well, technically he didn’t win I suppose? Yay Gomi!
Gomi was dead tired from the pace of the fight, with Diaz getting hurt (as is the way of things) badly, surviving, before pouring the volume and pressure on Gomi relentlessly. Gomi shot a double leg, and Diaz initially tried to sprawl. He realized how isolated and extended Gomi’s right arm was on the shot attempt. He sat back and immediately began to bring his left leg over the shoulder of Gomi. Gomi’s hips were too far from Diaz's. Rather than address Diaz’s leg sliding over his shoulder, he desperately wanted to secure his position on top to get a stronger base.
To understand Gomi’s mentality here, when you’re in top position and trying to control your opponent, bringing your hips forward is rather important. Otherwise, it gives your opponent a lot of space to move their hips and legs, establish control, work sweeps, or set up submission attempts. Because Gomi was so tired, it’s unlikely he realized the danger his arm was in, or thought he had time to address it after establishing his base. He was too focused on making sure he maintained top position and control, rather than retreating and backing out. Ironically, Gomi’s desperation to stay safe is what led him into danger.
Diaz took advantage of Gomi’s lack of reaction to the danger presented. He hooked his foot with his right arm, and pulled it under and across the neck of Gomi. Gomi’s attempts to center his base, and not looking to create space or fight Diaz to stop him from getting his foot through, gave easier access to slide it across the neck. Diaz proceeded to lock his hands over the back of Gomi’s head, threw his right leg over, and squeezed until Gomi tapped out. An incredible submission, a classic, and for the dumbest reason it became a NC. Oh well, wouldn’t be a Diaz fight without some weird fuckery I suppose.
Well, that brings us to the end of the second 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.