Hey fight fans, are you ready to level up your ground game in UFC 4? Today, we're diving deep into the art of submissions from top full guard, a position that's all about control, pressure, and, of course, finishing the fight! This guide will break down everything you need to know, from setting up the position to executing those fight-ending submissions. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Top Full Guard Position in UFC 4

Before we jump into submissions, let's talk about the top full guard position itself. This is where you've successfully passed your opponent's guard and are now on top, with their legs wrapped around your waist. It's a dominant position, offering a variety of submission opportunities and the chance to land some serious ground-and-pound. Your goal here is to maintain this control, wear down your opponent, and eventually, force them to tap out. Getting to this position is key, so you need to know how to effectively pass the guard. This is done by using various techniques like over-under passes, leg weaves, and using strikes to open up the guard. Once you are past your opponent's legs, you have a prime position to start working on submissions or to inflict damage.

Controlling the Fight

Controlling the fight from the top full guard is all about establishing and maintaining your position. Keep your weight centered to prevent reversals. If you feel like your opponent is about to buck you off or try to sweep, you should posture up slightly, allowing yourself to regain balance, and then return to your strong position. Use your forearms and elbows to control their arms and posture. Prevent your opponent from creating space or framing with their arms, which can make it easier for them to sweep you. By keeping them pinned down, you limit their options and make them more vulnerable to submissions.

Posturing and Ground and Pound

While submissions are the primary focus here, don't underestimate the power of ground-and-pound. When you are on top in the full guard, you have the option of posturing up to land strikes, which will cause damage and also open up submission opportunities. The threat of strikes forces your opponent to react, often leaving openings for you to transition into a submission attempt. This constant threat of strikes can also wear down their stamina and make them more susceptible to submissions as the round progresses. Posturing up to deliver strikes is also an effective way to break their guard and find openings for submission attempts. Keep in mind that a well-timed strike can change the momentum of the fight drastically. So, be strategic with your striking while you are in the top full guard position.

Basic Submissions from Top Full Guard

Now, let's get into the good stuff – the submissions! UFC 4 offers a wide array of options, and the top full guard position is your gateway to many of them. Here are some of the most effective and accessible submissions you can execute from this position. Remember, practice is key. Get into the practice mode, and try these techniques out to build up your muscle memory.

The Armbar

The armbar is a classic submission that's highly effective from the top full guard. You will need to control one of their arms, ideally, the arm that is closest to your head. To set it up, you'll need to control your opponent's arm with your legs. Use your legs to trap one of their arms, securing it against your chest. Once you've got the arm secured, you will need to shift your hips to create space and control the arm in a straight line. Angle your body to create leverage, and then extend your hips to complete the armbar. The key is to control the arm properly, trapping it so that it can't escape. Keep your legs tight to trap the arm and prevent your opponent from escaping. Remember to keep the elbow straight and extend your hips to apply the finishing pressure. You can also use strikes to distract your opponent, making the transition to the armbar easier.

Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a versatile submission that can be applied from various positions, including top full guard. To set it up, you will often need to posture up and bait your opponent into attempting a stand-up, or even a shot. If your opponent attempts to stand, you can quickly wrap your arm around their neck. Secure your grip by clasping your hands together, making sure that their head is trapped in the crook of your arm. To finish the choke, you'll need to drop your weight and squeeze, applying pressure to their neck. Controlling the head position is crucial. You should aim to keep their head close to your body, this prevents them from creating space to escape. Remember to squeeze your arms tightly and drive your shoulder into their neck to maximize the pressure. The guillotine is a great option for a quick finish, so master the setup and execution. If you get into a guillotine situation, and they posture up to defend, consider transitioning into a D'arce choke.

Triangle Choke

The triangle choke can be set up when the opponent postures up to deliver strikes or to defend a submission attempt. This submission involves trapping your opponent's head and one arm with your legs, creating a triangle shape. Secure your grip and use your legs to apply the choke. The key is to get your leg high enough to trap their arm. The better your angle, the more difficult it will be for your opponent to defend the choke. You can often set up the triangle choke by controlling their posture and baiting them into a mistake. To execute the triangle, you need to bring your leg over their shoulder, creating the triangle. Secure their head in the triangle and squeeze your legs to finish the choke. Remember, the tighter the triangle, the more effective the choke will be. Maintaining the proper angle is also key, and practice is essential to making this a go-to submission.

Advanced Techniques and Transitions

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to explore some advanced techniques and transitions. These moves will take your game to the next level and make you a more formidable opponent.

Setting Up Submissions with Ground and Pound

Ground and pound is not just about inflicting damage; it's also about setting up submissions. By throwing strikes from the top full guard, you can force your opponent to react, creating openings for submission attempts. Land a few solid punches to the head or body to force them to cover up. As they try to defend, this opens them up to armbars, guillotines, and other submissions. Mix up your attacks and keep your opponent guessing. A well-placed strike can also stun them, making it easier to transition into a submission. The key is to find the right balance between strikes and submission attempts. By using both, you keep your opponent off balance, making them more vulnerable. You will need to learn the timing and distance needed to set up these attacks effectively.

Sweeping from Guard to Submission

Sweeping from guard to submission involves transitioning from a defensive position to an offensive one. When your opponent is on top in your full guard, you can use sweeps to get on top and immediately transition into a submission. Once you've swept them, they are vulnerable. Using sweeps requires good timing, technique, and awareness of your opponent's position and balance. Once you are on top after a sweep, you are in a prime position to start working your submission game. Practice these sweeps in training to build up your reflexes and muscle memory. The better you are at sweeps, the more you can control the fight.

Understanding Transitions

Transitions are the key to a smooth and effective ground game. The ability to seamlessly transition between submissions and positions will keep your opponent constantly guessing. For example, if your opponent defends your armbar attempt, you might transition into a triangle choke. Or, if they defend the triangle, you could transition back to the armbar. The more comfortable you are with transitions, the more unpredictable your game becomes. You should be able to quickly identify openings and transition into the appropriate submission. Focus on chaining your techniques together. Remember, the goal is to make your transitions fluid and automatic, so they become second nature. This skill will give you a significant advantage in the fight.

Tips for Success in UFC 4

To become a submission master in UFC 4, here are some essential tips:

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice is your best friend. Spend time in the practice mode, drilling the submissions and transitions we've discussed. Repetition is key to building muscle memory, which will allow you to execute these moves more quickly and efficiently during a real fight. Focus on the basics first, then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques. Set up drills where you can practice setting up and finishing your favorite submissions. The more you practice, the more natural these moves will feel. Also, practice in different scenarios so that you can adapt to any situation. Regular practice is also essential for improving your timing, grip, and body positioning.

Understand Your Opponent

Understanding your opponent is vital. Pay attention to their fighting style, tendencies, and defensive strategies. This will help you anticipate their moves and identify openings for your submissions. Watch how they react to different situations. Do they prefer to defend with their arms, or do they try to create space? Adjust your game plan based on their tendencies. Also, pay attention to their stamina. The more tired they are, the more vulnerable they will be to your submissions. Analyzing your opponent can also help you identify their weaknesses, so you can exploit them for the win. Learn their favorite techniques and try to counter them.

Manage Stamina

Stamina management is crucial in UFC 4. Submissions can drain your stamina quickly, so make sure you're not overdoing it. Learn when to be aggressive and when to conserve your energy. Avoid spamming submissions, as this can tire you out. Instead, focus on setting up your submissions strategically. Also, pay attention to your opponent's stamina levels. When they are tired, they become much more vulnerable to submissions. So, keep an eye on the stamina bars of both you and your opponent. By managing your stamina effectively, you can make sure that you are fresh for the most crucial moments of the fight. Try to pace yourself and save your energy for when you need it most. This will greatly improve your chances of winning.

Timing is Everything

Timing is everything in UFC 4. Knowing when to attempt a submission can make all the difference. Wait for the right moment, when your opponent is vulnerable or making a mistake. Also, pay attention to their movements and reactions. If they are moving around to defend, that's the perfect time to attack. If they are stunned or off balance, that is also a good time to go for a submission. Timing is about anticipating your opponent's moves and reacting accordingly. Practice your timing in training. By focusing on timing, you can make your submissions more effective, and the chance of a successful finish will increase significantly.

Conclusion

Mastering submissions from top full guard in UFC 4 takes time, dedication, and a solid understanding of the techniques. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to dominating the ground game and finishing your opponents with authority. Now go out there, practice those submissions, and become the submission master you were meant to be!