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Why the Guillotine Is One of the Best Submissions in MMA
In the vast world of mixed martial arts, there are countless ways to win a fight. From ground-and-pound to high-flying knockouts, fighters always strive to showcase their skillsets. Yet, one submission has stood the test of time, remaining a favorite of grapplers and strikers alike—the guillotine choke. Its versatility, simplicity, and ability to end fights in an instant make the guillotine one of the most effective and beloved submissions in MMA.
The Guillotine: A Brief Overview
The guillotine is a front choke submission applied when a fighter wraps their arm around an opponent’s neck and applies pressure to cut off blood flow or air supply. Its name comes from its resemblance to the historical French execution device. The choke can be performed from multiple positions—standing, from guard, or even during scrambles—making it a potent tool in any fighter’s arsenal.
Why the Guillotine Stands Out
1. Versatility in Application
One of the most significant advantages of the guillotine is its versatility. It can be executed from virtually any position:
During a takedown attempt: If an opponent shoots for a double-leg takedown with poor posture, they leave their neck exposed. Fighters like Dustin Poirier have capitalized on this scenario with lightning-quick guillotines.
In scrambles: The chaos of a scramble often creates openings, and a well-timed guillotine can turn a losing exchange into a victory.
From guard: The closed or butterfly guard provides a strong base for leveraging the choke while preventing the opponent from escaping.
2. Low Risk, High Reward
The guillotine is not only devastatingly effective but also relatively low-risk compared to other submissions. If a fighter doesn’t secure the choke, they often end up in a neutral position or maintain control. Unlike more complex techniques like the triangle or armbar, the guillotine doesn’t require giving up dominant positions to attack.
3. Perfect for All Levels
Whether you're a BJJ black belt or a striking specialist, the guillotine is one of the easiest submissions to learn and apply. It doesn’t require an elaborate setup, and with proper technique, it can be executed with raw strength, precision, or a combination of both. Fighters like Jon Jones and Brian Ortega have demonstrated how even subtle adjustments to the grip or hip placement can elevate a guillotine to an art form.
4. The Fear Factor
The guillotine choke adds a psychological element to the game. Fighters who know their opponent has a dangerous guillotine often hesitate to shoot for takedowns or enter into clinches. This allows the fighter threatening the guillotine to control the pace of the fight and dictate where it takes place—on the feet or the ground.
Guillotine Masters of MMA
Several MMA legends have mastered the guillotine, making it a hallmark of their game:
Brian Ortega: Known as “T-City,” Ortega’s guillotine is lethal, often leaving no room for escape once locked in.
Dustin Poirier: The Diamond’s guillotine setups are crisp and fast, often catching opponents in transitions.
Cody McKenzie: With 12 guillotine wins in his career, McKenzie’s unorthodox style made the submission his signature move.
Jon Jones: The former light heavyweight champion showcased a standing guillotine finish against Lyoto Machida, demonstrating its effectiveness at the highest level.
How the Guillotine Is Evolving in MMA
While the guillotine has been a staple of MMA since its inception, fighters continue to innovate and refine the technique. Variations like the arm-in guillotine, high-elbow (Marcelotine), and power guillotine give practitioners multiple options to adapt to different scenarios. Additionally, the rise of hybrid grapplers who blend wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and striking ensures that the guillotine will remain relevant in the sport’s ever-evolving landscape.
FIGHT.TV Loves The Guillotine
The guillotine choke’s simplicity and effectiveness make it one of the most iconic submissions in MMA history. Its ability to end fights in an instant, coupled with its versatility and adaptability, ensures that it will remain a mainstay in the sport for years to come. Whether you’re a fan watching at home or a fighter stepping into the cage, there’s no denying the thrill of seeing a perfectly executed guillotine.
What are your favorite guillotine finishes in MMA? Let us know in the comments on Fight.TV!