Forcing your opponent to tap out from a submission is probably one of the most satisfying moments in the entire game. Not only does it feel infinitely more skilful than a KO/TKO but you can feel the sinking feeling in the heart of your opponent as they realise that theyre not going to break free from your anaconda-like grip. Since UFC 1 some two decades ago with the shocking victory of Royce Gracie, submissions have been a huge part of the biggest promotion in MMA. Since that event we have seen fighters like Demian Maia, Jacare Souza and Ronda Rousey build their careers around forcing an opponent to tap. Generally speaking the odds are stacked in favour of the fighter attempting to escape from a submission but this doesnt mean that there arent some crafty tips to employ which will improve your chances of having the fight stopped. After securing a takedown we found that most opponents will immediately attempt to escape from the compromising position by either transitioning or standing up. If you remain patient and block their predictable attempts then their stamina will quickly drain and the task of forcing the tap becomes exponentially easier.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
