Hustle hard after a failed heel hook!

The following sequence is more about strategy and attitude than it is about actual technique. This is a fight between Tim Credeur and Nick Catone from Ultimate Fight Night 18 from last week and I think this will be very helpful for you on the mat, especially if you like attempting heel hooks. Don't be lazy when your opponent escapes your attempt!

I just got done watching the 2nd episode of this seasons Ultimate Fighter show a few minutes ago. In the first first shown between Mark Miller and Kevin Knagbjian, this exact situation happens as well! I was stoked to see it in another fight.


#1) Here is Credeur going for the heel hook on Catone, who does the typical defense of turning with the pressure. Notice how Credeur goes to his knees as he sticks to his heel hook attempt, this is a key detail to this sequence.


#2) Catone is able to pull his leg free and Credeur has lost the heel hook. So often you'll see fighters flop to their backs and end up in the infamous "butt scoot" position or back in guard if their opponent dives back in after escaping the heel hook. Those two scenarios happen time and time again but Credeur has no intention of letting that happen.


#3) Because Credeur went to his knees, he is in a much better position to scramble back to his feet. Instead of taking the lazy way out, he hustles hard immediately fights to get up and end up in a better position. Look at the position Catone is in right here. Because he had to turn to avoid pressure from the heel hook, he has his back facing his Credeur, this basically happens all the time when guys escape the heel hook, although it sometimes happens very quickly.

#4) Catone is at a big disadvantage now because he has to turn 180 degrees in order to face his opponent. That split second it takes him to try to do this is more than enough time for Credeur to clinch him from behind.

#5) At this point, Catone has already lost the position. Maybe he can break away Credeur's hands and square back up with him, but that just isn't very likely. Credeur is up on both knees now and finishes by standing up in the next two photos.


#6) Credeur on his way up to both feet.

#7) Credeur's desire to scramble pays off. He went from a missed heel hook to a standing rear clinch, a great position. That is a definite fight changer right there. Try this out next time you train, you will see that missing a leg lock can actually improve your position if you work at it. The general idea is that leg locks leave you vulnerable, play with this scenario on the mat! good training, stay healthy and be smart.

The next UFC pay per view show is April 18th. Check your cable listings for more information. The official UFC website is www.ufc.tv