Suloev Stretch

The Suloev Stretch is a devastating submission that targets the hamstring, hip, and knee joint through extreme leg extension and separation. It is categorized as a leg lock, but it specifically functions as a hamstring stretch submission and occasionally as a groin or knee lock. The Suloev Stretch became popular in mixed martial arts (MMA) due to its effectiveness in forcing a quick tap when executed correctly.

The submission is named after MMA fighter Amar Suloev, who was one of the first to popularize it during his fight at UFC 35 in 2002. The move gained further notoriety through fighters like Kenny Robertson and Zabit Magomedsharipov, who executed it in high-profile MMA fights.

Key Characteristics

Type

  • Leg Lock/Hamstring Stretch

Primary Targets

  • Hamstring, knee joint, hip joint

Mechanism

  • Hyperextension of the leg and intense separation of the opponent’s lower body.

Steps to Perform the Suloev Stretch

Secure Top Control

  • Typically applied from a dominant position such as Back Control or during a scramble.
  • Trap one of the opponent’s legs with your arm or legs to isolate it.

Trap the Opponent’s Leg

  • Use your arm to grab their ankle or foot, keeping it tightly controlled.
  • Simultaneously control their hips or other leg to prevent movement.

Extend the Leg

  • Pull the trapped leg toward you while applying backward pressure on their hips with your body or other leg.
  • This hyperextends the hamstring and creates immense tension on the knee joint.

Apply Pressure Gradually

  • Increase the separation between the opponent’s trapped leg and their body to create a deep stretch. The opponent will tap when they feel the strain on their hamstring, knee, or hip.

Common Entries for the Suloev Stretch

From Back Control

  • While holding the opponent’s back, trap one of their legs with your arm or legs and extend it forcefully while maintaining control of their hips.

From Turtle Position

  • When the opponent is in Turtle Guard, hook one of their legs and roll them to the side. Trap the leg and apply the stretch.

From a Scramble

  • In dynamic exchanges, catch the opponent’s leg when it is extended or exposed and transition into the Suloev Stretch.

During a Takedown

  • When defending or countering a single-leg or double-leg takedown, isolate one of the opponent’s legs and apply the stretch immediately.

Key Concepts for Success

Leg Isolation

  • Control one leg tightly while immobilizing the rest of the opponent’s body to prevent escapes.

Pressure Mechanics

  • Use your hips, arms, and bodyweight to create maximum leverage and tension on the opponent’s leg.

Gradual Pressure

  • Apply pressure slowly to avoid injury and give the opponent time to tap.

Common Mistakes

Poor Leg Control

  • Without tight control of the opponent’s leg, they can twist, escape, or counter the submission.

Forcing the Submission

  • Rushing the stretch can result in injury or loss of position if the opponent scrambles.

Ignoring Hip Control

  • Failing to control the opponent’s hips allows them to relieve pressure and escape.

Safety and Ethical Considerations

The Suloev Stretch places significant strain on the hamstring, knee, and hip, making it a high-risk submission. Practitioners should:

  • Apply it slowly and carefully in training.
  • Respect their partner’s tap to avoid injury.
  • Use it only in controlled settings or competition where leg locks are permitted.

Strategy

The Suloev Stretch is a powerful submission when used as a surprise attack during scrambles or transitions. It can be combined with other leg attacks, such as Kneebar or Straight Ankle Lock, to create a versatile leg-locking game.

Tip

Mastering the Suloev Stretch requires precision and timing. Focus on recognizing opportunities during transitions or scrambles, and always maintain tight control to secure the finish!

Positioning

The Suloev Stretch can be executed from various positions where the opponent's leg is exposed and can be isolated for extension. Below are the primary positions from which the Suloev Stretch can be applied effectively:

Back Control

Scenario

  • You have the opponent’s back with one or both hooks in.

Execution

  • Trap one of the opponent’s legs using your arm or legs. Extend their leg backward while applying pressure to their hips, forcing the stretch.

Turtle Position

Scenario

  • The opponent is in Turtle Guard, defending against passes or takedowns.

Execution

  • Hook one of their legs with your arm or leg. Roll them to the side or flatten them out, then trap the leg and extend it backward for the submission.

Top Position in a Scramble

Scenario

  • During a dynamic transition or scramble, the opponent’s leg becomes exposed.

Execution

  • Catch their extended leg as they move. Secure their hips or other leg to prevent escapes, then apply the stretch.

Defending a Single-Leg Takedown

Scenario

Execution

  • Control their leg as they drive forward. Trap their ankle or shin, then rotate and extend their leg backward to create the stretch.

From a Failed Kneebar or Leg Lock

Scenario

  • You’ve attempted a Kneebar or other leg lock, but the opponent begins to escape or roll.

Execution

  • Transition to the Suloev Stretch by isolating their leg and securing their hips. Extend the leg away from their body to finish the submission.

During a Guard Pass

Scenario

Execution

  • Hook their leg as they attempt to recover guard. Trap their leg and hips, then roll or extend the leg backward to apply the stretch.

From the Truck Position

Scenario

  • You’ve transitioned to the Truck Control and have control of the opponent’s leg.

Execution

  • Instead of transitioning to a Twister or Back Control, trap their leg and extend it outward for the Suloev Stretch.

Countering Guard Retention

Scenario

  • The opponent is recovering Guard after a pass attempt.

Execution

  • Catch their extended leg as they shrimp or frame. Secure the leg and apply the stretch by controlling their hips and pulling the leg backward.

From Top Half Guard

Scenario

  • You are on top in Half Guard and the opponent's bottom leg is exposed.

Execution

  • Trap their leg during a pass or transition, isolate it, and apply the stretch while keeping their hips pinned.

Standing Transitions

Scenario

  • The opponent is attempting to stand up from the ground.

Execution

  • Catch their leg as they post to stand. Pull their leg upward while controlling their hips, forcing the submission.

Key Factors Across Positions

Leg Isolation

  • The Suloev Stretch relies on isolating one leg while controlling the opponent’s hips or other leg.

Hip Control

  • Preventing the opponent’s hips from escaping ensures you can apply maximum pressure.

Timing

  • Look for opportunities when the opponent’s leg is extended or exposed during transitions or scrambles.
Tip

The Suloev Stretch is most effective during transitions or when the opponent’s leg is isolated and extended. Practice recognizing these moments to maximize your success with this submission!

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