In the high-stakes chess match of Mixed Martial Arts, few moves capture the essence of “technique over strength” quite like the Triangle Choke (Sankaku-Jime). It is the great equalizer—a weapon that allows a fighter on their back, seemingly in a disadvantageous position, to render a larger, stronger opponent unconscious in seconds. From the early days of the UFC to the modern era of hybrid grapplers, the triangle choke has remained a staple finish, responsible for some of the most shocking upsets in combat sports history.
Unlike the brute force of a knockout punch, the triangle is a cerebral submission. It requires precise hip movement, anatomical knowledge, and the ability to bait an opponent into a trap. Whether you are a practitioner looking to sharpen your guard game or a fan wanting to understand the mechanics behind the tap, this guide explores the anatomy, history, and masters of the triangle choke.
Anatomy of a Strangle: How the Triangle Choke Works
The triangle choke is classified as a vascular restraint or “blood choke.” Unlike an “air choke” that crushes the windpipe (trachea), a properly applied triangle targets the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck. These arteries supply oxygenated blood to the brain. When compressed, the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness—often in as little as 8 to 10 seconds.
The mechanics rely on a specific configuration of the attacker’s legs and the opponent’s body:
- First Artery: Your hamstring presses against one side of the opponent’s neck.
- Second Artery: The opponent’s own shoulder (of their trapped arm) is driven into the other side of their neck.
- The Lock: Your other leg crosses over your shin (behind the opponent’s head) to secure the position, forming the signature triangle shape.
A common misconception is that squeezing the thighs together (adduction) creates the pressure. In reality, the power comes from cutting the angle. By pivoting your body perpendicular to the opponent, you align your hamstring perfectly across the neck and reduce the space for their shoulder to escape. This is why smaller fighters can successfully submit giants; it is a matter of leverage, not just leg strength.
From Judo to the Octagon: The History of Sankaku-Jime
The roots of the triangle choke trace back to early 20th-century Judo. While variations existed in older Jujutsu schools, the technique was formalized as Sankaku-Jime in the 1920s, heavily utilized by Kosen Judo practitioners who specialized in ground fighting (Newaza). It traveled to Brazil, where the Gracie family adapted it for Vale Tudo (No-Holds-Barred) fighting, refining the mechanics to work against striking opponents.
The world truly woke up to the power of the triangle at UFC 4 in 1994. Royce Gracie, the slight Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, found himself underneath the massive collegiate wrestler Dan Severn. For 15 minutes, Severn dominated with top pressure and strikes. Then, in a blink, Gracie threw his legs up, caught Severn’s head and arm, and squeezed. The 260 lb (118 kg) wrestler tapped out, proving that technique could conquer size.
Iconic Triangle Choke Finishes in UFC History
Since that night in 1994, the triangle choke has ended hundreds of fights. However, three finishes stand out for their historical significance and technical brilliance.
1. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (UFC 117)
For four and a half rounds, Chael Sonnen battered Anderson Silva, taking the champion down at will and landing hundreds of strikes. Silva’s aura of invincibility was shattered. With less than two minutes remaining in the final round, Silva threw up a desperate triangle from his guard. He locked it in, hyperextended Sonnen’s arm for good measure, and forced the tap at 3:10 of Round 5. It remains the greatest comeback in UFC history.
2. Fabricio Werdum vs. Fedor Emelianenko (Strikeforce)
In 2010, Fedor Emelianenko was considered unbeatable, riding a 28-fight win streak over a decade. When he knocked Fabricio Werdum down early, fans expected another TKO. Instead, Werdum baited the Russian into his guard and slapped on a triangle-armbar combination. The “Last Emperor” was forced to submit in just 69 seconds, a moment that shook the foundations of MMA.
3. Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn (UFC 4)
As mentioned, this was the “proof of concept” for the triangle choke in MMA. It demonstrated that a fighter could absorb punishment from the bottom and still win if they maintained composure and waited for the opponent to make a single mistake—in Severn’s case, leaving one arm in and one arm out of the guard.
Modern Masters of the Triangle
In modern MMA, where defense is more sophisticated, landing a triangle choke is increasingly difficult. Yet, specialists continue to make it work at the elite level.
Paul Craig: The Hail Mary King
Scottish light heavyweight Paul Craig has built a career on snatching victory from the jaws of defeat using his dangerous guard. His triangle choke finish of Magomed Ankalaev at 4:59 of the third round—literally the last second of the fight—is a testament to his lethal bottom game. Craig effectively invites opponents into his guard, knowing his long legs give him a distinct advantage in securing the strangle.
Brian Ortega: “T-City”
Brian Ortega earned his nickname “T-City” (Triangle City) for a reason. His triangle attacks are fast, snatching necks in transition rather than waiting for a static guard position. Ortega’s finish of Diego Brandao showed his ability to chain submission attempts, using the threat of the triangle to set up other attacks or finishing the choke itself with masterful grip adjustments.
Variations: Beyond the Closed Guard
While the standard closed-guard triangle is most common, the technique has evolved into several dangerous variations:
- Inverted Triangle: Often applied from the bottom of side control or north-south. The attacker traps the opponent’s head and arm with their legs while upside down, a move popularized by innovators like Braulio Estima.
- Mounted Triangle: Applied from the top mount position. This is devastating because gravity aids the attacker, and they can rain down elbows while the opponent is trapped, forcing them to open up their neck further.
- Flying Triangle: A high-risk, high-reward move where a fighter jumps guard from a standing position, locking the legs in mid-air. While rare in the UFC, it is a staple of highlight reels in regional circuits.
Counters and Escapes: Surviving the Squeeze
Defending a fully locked triangle is a nightmare scenario. The golden rule is early prevention—keeping “two arms in or two arms out” of the opponent’s legs. Once one arm is isolated, the danger spikes. Common escapes include:
- The Stack: Driving weight forward to fold the attacker’s knees over their head. This pressures the attacker’s neck and can force them to release. However, if done recklessly, it can tighten the choke.
- The Slam: Lifting the opponent and slamming them to the canvas to break the lock. This was famously seen in PRIDE when Quinton “Rampage” Jackson slammed Ricardo Arona. Note: This is risky and requires immense strength.
- Posture Up: Explosively extending the spine to break the opponent’s leg grip before the ankles are crossed.
FAQ
Is the triangle choke dangerous?
Yes. As a blood choke, it cuts off oxygen to the brain, leading to unconsciousness in seconds. If a referee does not stop the fight or the opponent does not tap, it can result in brain hypoxia, though permanent damage is rare in sanctioned competition due to timely stoppages.
Do you need long legs to do a triangle choke?
No. While long legs (like those of Paul Craig) make it easier to lock the figure-four, shorter fighters can be just as effective by focusing on cutting the angle. Pivoting 90 degrees to the opponent reduces the distance needed to close the circuit.
What is the difference between a triangle choke and an arm triangle?
A standard triangle choke uses the attacker’s legs to compress the neck. An arm triangle (Kata Gatame) uses the attacker’s arms to squeeze the opponent’s neck and trapped arm, usually applied from the top position (side control or mount).
Can you finish a triangle choke from the back?
Yes, this is called a “Back Triangle” or “Reverse Triangle.” It often occurs when an opponent tries to defend a rear-naked choke, and the attacker transitions their legs over the shoulder to secure the strangle from behind.
