How to Finish A Front Headlock Like Makhachev and Merab

I’m traveling in Italy right now with no access to make videos. Hopefully I’ll be able to drop in to train in Rome this week. But in the meantime, I figured I’d get this concept down in written form.

I’ve come to believe that front headlock position is the second most dominant position in BJJ. Just look at what Makhachev did to Moicano - completely passed up taking side control to go for a D’Arce choke from front headlock.

However, if you’re like me you end up getting to front headlock a lot and not being able to finish. I’ve been thinking about this and the common denominator is when I can’t complete submission from front headlock, it’s when my hands are gripped in the center and my opponent is able to grip fight.

So logically… clear your hands to the side. For example, if you have their right arm in with your left arm through the armpit, if they grab your right hand, then drive your left hand deep deep deep and grab your own wrist. Finish by placing your right palm on their shoulder blade for a Makhachev style D’Arce choke.

Conversely, if they grab your left hand, drive your right arm deep deep deep so that your right hand pokes out their right armpit. Grab your left wrist and squeeze. As a former wrestler, I used to think of this as being a set up for a gator roll. But I’m finding when I grab my own wrist I can squeeze and it becomes a pretty solid choke. Or I can knock them off base to their side and then choke them.

Buona Fortuna d’Italia!

Update: Here’s my video take on this:

• Front Headlock
• Finishes