How DDP Should Have Escaped Chimaev's Crucifix

When I watched the Dricus Du Plessus vs Khamzat Chimaev fight, I thought I was going to have a new technique to work to dominate from side control: the crucifix.

But the next day when we went to workshop in the gym, I realized that top crucifix is not a very good position to hold.

Here is my take on how to escape. Now, there are variations where top player can lean deeper, lean more with their head on the mat, etc. But I’m still pretty confident that if you understand the principle of feeling which arm is most free, create space for it, and then roll to your side, you can escape no matter your opponent.

• Escape
• MMA
• UFC