One of the most effective and popular submission techniques used in MMA is the D’arce Choke. This technique involves applying pressure to an opponent’s neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain and causing them to lose consciousness if not released. The D’arce Choke can be executed from various positions, making it a versatile and powerful technique that can be used in a variety of situations during an MMA fight. With the increasing popularity of MMA, the D’arce Choke has become a go-to move for many fighters looking to finish their opponents and gain an advantage in the octagon.
The D’arce Choke is a highly popular and effective submission technique in MMA. It is favoured by many fighters due to its versatility and ability to be executed from a variety of positions. The technique is particularly effective when applied from the top position, such as when a fighter has mounted or is in side control.
The D’arce Choke has been used to significant effect in numerous high-profile MMA fights, including in championship bouts. Notable fighters who have used the D’arce Choke to win fights include UFC champions Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as top-ranked fighters such as Tony Ferguson and Brian Ortega.
The effectiveness of the D’arce Choke lies in its ability to cut off an opponent’s blood flow quickly and efficiently, leading to unconsciousness if not released. The technique can be executed with relatively little effort, making it a highly efficient way to finish a fight. Additionally, the D’arce Choke can be used to set up other submission techniques, such as the Anaconda Choke or the Brabo Choke, making it a highly versatile technique that can be used to gain an advantage in a variety of situations.
Overall, the popularity and effectiveness of the D’arce Choke in MMA make it a highly valuable technique for any fighter looking to gain an edge in the octagon.
The Mechanics of the D’arce Choke
The D’arce Choke is a submission technique that involves compressing an opponent’s neck and cutting off their blood flow, leading to unconsciousness if not released. The technique is executed by encircling an opponent’s neck with one arm, while trapping their arm with the other arm, effectively creating a “V” shape.
To execute the D’arce Choke, the fighter starts by positioning themselves in a dominant position, such as side control or mount. From this position, they then thread one arm through the opponent’s neck, while simultaneously grabbing their own bicep with their other arm. The fighter then shifts their weight to the side of the trapped arm, effectively trapping it against their own chest.
With the opponent’s neck trapped in the crook of the fighter’s arm and their arm trapped against the fighter’s chest, the fighter then squeezes their arms together, compressing the opponent’s neck and cutting off their blood flow. The fighter may also use their body weight to apply additional pressure, making it more difficult for the opponent to escape.
To finish the choke, the fighter maintains pressure until their opponent either taps out or becomes unconscious. If the opponent does not tap out, it is important for the fighter to release the choke quickly once the opponent becomes unconscious to avoid causing serious injury.
Overall, the mechanics of the D’arce Choke rely on a combination of effective positioning, trapping an opponent’s arm, and compressing their neck to cut off their blood flow. When executed correctly, it is a highly effective submission technique that can quickly end a fight.
Step-by-Step Guide to the D’arce Choke
The choke is executed by following these steps:
- Start in a dominant position: To apply the D’arce Choke, the fighter should start from a dominant position, such as side control or mount. This allows them to control their opponent and set up the choke.
- Thread the arm: The fighter begins by threading their arm through the opponent’s neck. This is done by sliding their arm under the opponent’s chin and up around the back of their neck.
- Grab the bicep: Once the fighter’s arm is in position around the opponent’s neck, they reach up and grab their own bicep with their opposite hand. This creates a tight seal around the opponent’s neck.
- Trap the arm: With the opponent’s neck in the crook of their arm, the fighter then reaches across the opponent’s back and traps their far-side arm against their own chest. This effectively creates a “V” shape with the fighter’s arms and the opponent’s body.
- Apply pressure: The fighter then squeezes their arms together, compressing the opponent’s neck and cutting off their blood flow. The fighter can use their body weight to apply additional pressure, making it more difficult for the opponent to escape.
- Finish the choke: The fighter maintains pressure until their opponent either taps out or becomes unconscious. If the opponent does not tap out, the fighter must release the choke quickly once the opponent becomes unconscious to avoid causing serious injury.
Overall, the D’arce Choke requires precise positioning and tight grips to execute effectively. It is a high-percentage submission technique that can be used to finish fights at any level of competition, making it a valuable tool for MMA fighters.
When to Use the D’arce Choke?
The D’arce Choke can be a highly effective submission technique when used correctly, but it’s important to know when and how to apply it in a fight. Here are some situations in which the D’arce Choke can be useful:
- When your opponent is in turtle position: If your opponent is turtled up, with their hands and knees on the ground, you can use the D’arce Choke to attack from behind. This position often presents an opportunity to wrap your arm around your opponent’s neck and use the choke to finish the fight.
- When your opponent is attempting a takedown: As your opponent tries to take you down, you can use the D’arce Choke to counter their move and gain a dominant position. As they lower their level to shoot for a takedown, you can wrap your arm around their neck and secure the choke to take control of the fight.
- When your opponent is in side control: The D’arce Choke can be a great way to attack your opponent while they are in side control. By trapping one of your opponent’s arms and wrapping your other arm around their neck, you can apply pressure and force them to tap out.
- When your opponent is attempting a kimura or armbar: If your opponent is attempting a kimura or armbar submission on you, you can use the D’arce Choke to counter their move and turn the tables. As they try to isolate your arm, you can use your free arm to wrap around their neck and apply the choke to finish the fight.
Overall, the D’arce Choke is a versatile submission technique that can be used in a variety of situations. With the right technique and timing, it can be an effective way to end a fight and secure a victory.
Advantages of the D’arce Choke:
- High percentage submission: The D’arce Choke has a high success rate when applied correctly, making it a reliable technique to finish a fight.
- Versatility: The D’arce Choke can be applied from various positions, such as side control, half guard, and turtle, making it a versatile technique that can be used in different situations.
- Control: The choke allows the fighter to maintain control over their opponent, as they are required to keep their arm around their opponent’s neck, preventing them from escaping or striking effect.
Disadvantages of the D’arce Choke:
- Difficulty in setup: The D’arce Choke can be challenging to set up, especially against a skilled opponent who is aware of the technique and can defend against it.
- Risk of losing position: If the choke is not applied correctly, the fighter risks losing position and giving their opponent an opportunity to escape or counter-attack.
- Arm fatigue: The fighter’s arm can become fatigued while maintaining the grip for an extended period, making it challenging to finish the choke or transition to another technique.
Compared to other submission techniques, such as the Rear-Naked Choke and Armbar, the D’arce Choke offers the unique advantage of being able to apply it from various positions. However, it requires a high level of skill to apply effectively, and the risk of losing position or fatiguing the arm should be considered when deciding to use the technique.
How to Defend Against the D’arce Choke
Defending against the D’arce choke requires an understanding of the technique and quick action to prevent the opponent from securing the chokehold. Here are some ways to defend against the D’arce choke in MMA:
- Prevent your opponent from getting the grips: The D’arce choke relies on your opponent getting the grips to secure the chokehold. One way to defend against it is to prevent them from getting the grips. You can do this by keeping your elbows tight to your body, making it harder for them to get the grips.
- Create space: When your opponent attempts to apply the D’arce choke, try to create space between your neck and arm. You can do this by pushing their hips away with your legs or by turning your body to the side.
- Move your head: Another way to defend against the D’arce choke is to move your head to the side opposite of your opponent’s grip. This will make it harder for them to secure the chokehold.
- Counter with your own submission: If your opponent is attempting the D’arce choke, you may be able to counter with a submission of your own. For example, you can try to secure a guillotine choke or an armbar.
- Be proactive: The best defence against the D’arce choke is to be proactive and prevent your opponent from getting into position to apply the chokehold. This means staying active, keeping your elbows tight to your body, and staying aware of your opponent’s movements.
Overall, the best way to defend against the D’arce choke is to stay aware of your opponent’s movements and be proactive in preventing them from getting into position to apply the chokehold. With practice and experience, you can develop effective defences against the D’arce choke and other submission techniques used in MMA.
The Risks of Attempting to Defend Against the D’arce Choke
Defending against the D’arce Choke can be risky if not executed properly, as it involves countering a submission hold that is already in progress. The most significant risk is that the fighter attempting to defend the choke may inadvertently make the choke tighter or expose themselves to other submissions or strikes.
One way to minimize these risks is to act quickly before the choke is fully locked in. This means recognizing the setup for the D’arce choke and trying to prevent the attacker from obtaining the necessary grip and positioning. As soon as the fighter feels the choke starting to set in, they should try to posture up and create space between themselves and their opponent to relieve the pressure.
Another way to minimize risks is to have a solid understanding of the various escape techniques available. These can include turning into the opponent, pushing the opponent’s elbow off the hip, or rolling over to the opponent’s back to escape the choke. It’s essential to stay calm and think clearly while executing these escape techniques to avoid getting caught in a worse position or submission hold.
Training with partners who are proficient in the D’arce choke can also help fighters to recognize and defend against the submission more effectively. This allows them to become more familiar with the grip and positioning and develop a better understanding of the mechanics of the choke. With regular practice, fighters can improve their defensive skills and reduce the risks of getting caught in a D’arce choke.
Famous Examples of the D’arce Choke in MMA
There have been many famous examples of the D’arce Choke being used in MMA. Here are a few notable ones:
- Tony Ferguson vs. Edson Barboza – The D’arce Choke is one of Tony Ferguson’s signature moves, and he used it to great effect in his 2015 fight against Edson Barboza. In the second round of the fight, Ferguson secured a D’arce Choke and forced Barboza to tap out.
- Fabricio Werdum vs. Mike Russow – In his UFC debut in 2007, Fabricio Werdum used a D’arce Choke to submit Mike Russow in the first round. The victory helped establish Werdum as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
- Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway – In their 2019 interim lightweight title fight, Dustin Poirier secured a D’arce Choke in the third round and forced Max Holloway to tap out. The victory earned Poirier a shot at the undisputed lightweight title.
- Jeff Monson vs. Sergei Kharitonov – In a 2006 fight in the PRIDE Fighting Championships, Jeff Monson used a D’arce Choke to submit Sergei Kharitonov in the first round. The victory helped cement Monson’s reputation as one of the best grapplers in the sport.
- Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon – In their 2008 fight, Kenny Florian used a modified D’arce Choke to submit Joe Lauzon in the second round. The victory helped Florian establish himself as a top contender in the UFC’s lightweight division.
The D’arce Choke is a highly effective and versatile submission technique that has become increasingly popular in the sport of MMA. Its effectiveness from a variety of positions, its ability to be set up from multiple attacks, and its ability to quickly render an opponent unconscious make it a valuable tool for any MMA fighter. However, like any submission technique, it does have its risks and limitations. Fighters need to be mindful of their positioning and grip to prevent potential counters, and they need to be aware of the potential dangers of attempting submission against skilled opponents.
Despite these limitations, the D’arce Choke remains a valuable weapon in the arsenal of any MMA fighter. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a submission technique that is likely to remain popular in the sport for years to come.
