DONE! Gordon Ryan Retiring—and Danaher Might Not Be Far Behind! [2025]

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Gordon Ryan Retiring—and Danaher Might Not Be Far Behind!

Gordon Ryan is the most dominant no-gi grappler of his generation. ADCC absolute champ. Multiple-time superfight winner. The face of Danaher Death Squad and New Wave Jiu-Jitsu. And now—possibly, incredibly—he might be done competing.
In a subtle but seismic revelation, longtime coach John Danaher hinted that Gordon Ryan retiring is on the cards, this time for real.
The update came with little fanfare, no major announcement, and no black-and-white retirement post. Just a comment made in passing, but one with enough weight to cause a stir across the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

Ryan, just 29 years old, has been the undisputed king of no-gi for nearly a decade. But chronic health problems—specifically a long-standing battle with gastroparesis—have kept him in and out of training camps, off major cards, and constantly managing his body just to stay functional.

Danaher Stepping Away Too?

The rumors didn’t stop with Gordon Ryan retiring. Danaher, the architect behind the system that made Ryan, Garry Tonon, and many others, most recently Helena Crevar, household names in the BJJ world, may also be stepping back from full-time coaching.

When announcing the New Wave team for CJI 2, Danaher also hinted that he might be planning to limit his active coaching role. Given his upcoming surgery schedule, this is not surprising.

Whether that means fewer appearances at competition, a shift toward online instruction, or something more permanent is unclear. But if true, it marks the possible dissolution—or at least downsizing—of one of the most influential BJJ coaches.

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“Gordon (Ryan) is very sick at this point, so I don’t believe he’ll be competing again.”

– Danaher

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Sick Gordon Ryan Retiring

A Legacy That Might End Without a Rival

With Ryan gone, the sport becomes a lot more open—and a lot more unpredictable. Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, Mason Fowler, Kaynan Duarte, and even newer names like Nicholas Meregali (who transitioned from Gi to No-Gi under Danaher)—all stand to benefit from the shift in power.

But filling the competitive vacuum is one thing. Filling the cultural one is another. Love him or hate him, Gordon Ryan drove traffic, attention, and debate like no one else in grappling. If he’s truly gone, the BJJ world will need a new focal point. And that might be the hardest role to replace.

Ryan’s potential retirement—if confirmed—would go down as one of the most dominant exits in combat sports. He’s beaten nearly every elite grappler of his era, including Felipe Pena, André Galvão, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, Craig Jones… He didn’t just beat them—he often finished them.

He rewrote the way people approach No-Gi grappling. He elevated leg lock systems, positional control, and offensive pressure. He made long-form instructionals part of the sport’s economic engine.

And he did it while marketing himself like a WWE heel—complete with brash callouts, relentless social media activity, and a swagger that turned heads whether you loved him or hated him.

But if this really is the end? No retirement tour. No loss. No real rival left standing.

Just a quiet fade from the top of the mountain.

From King of No-Gi to Kingmaker?

The silver lining for fans is this: Gordon Ryan reportedly isn’t walking away from Jiu-Jitsu entirely. According to the same reports, he’s expected to shift toward coaching, especially focusing on younger athletes under the New Wave Jiu-Jitsu banner.

If Danaher’s stepping back, it opens the door for Ryan to become the face—and possibly the brain—of the next generation of elite no-gi grapplers. With years of experience under one of the most structured systems in modern jiu-jitsu, Ryan has the knowledge base and technical language to become a coach in his own right.

The question is whether he can command the same dominance from the sidelines as he did on the mats.

Who Fills the Gap?

With Ryan gone, the sport becomes a lot more open—and a lot more unpredictable. Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, Mason Fowler, Kaynan Duarte, even newer names like Nicholas Meregali (who transitioned from gi to no-gi)—all stand to benefit from the shift in power.

But filling the competitive vacuum is one thing. Filling the cultural one is another. Love him or hate him, Gordon Ryan drove traffic, attention, and debate like no one else in grappling. If he’s truly gone, the BJJ world will need a new focal point. And that might be the hardest role to replace.

Gordon Ryan Retiring: Real, or Just the Latest Plot Twist?

Here’s the thing about Gordon Ryan: he’s not subtle. He thrives on bold claims and viral moments. Which is why this low-key leak from Danaher caught people off guard. It doesn’t fit the usual Ryan brand. No announcement. No big reveal. No hype video. Plus, he already retired once before.

That’s why some in the community remain skeptical. Maybe it’s a break. Maybe it’s strategic. Maybe Ryan returns in 2026 with a “comeback tour” that includes ADCC and a superfight with a new contender. But based on what Danaher said, this wasn’t part of a tease. It sounded real.

And if it is? Then the No-Gi landscape just lost its biggest star, its best technician, and its biggest villain—overnight.

FREE Instructional by Gordon Ryan

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Ninja Choke? Jean Silva Chokes Out Bryce Mitchell in Vicious Style at UFC 314

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Ognen Dzabirski

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Rare Ninja Choke in the UFC: Jean Silva Chokes Out Bryce Mitchell in Vicious Style

On paper, it was a classic style clash: Bryce Mitchell, the outspoken Arkansas featherweight with a dominant grappling base, against Jean Silva, the rising Brazilian striker who’s quietly been building a highlight reel.
But at UFC 314, the only thing that got louder than Mitchell’s pre-fight headlines was the thud of him hitting the canvas—and the silence that followed when he was rendered unconscious by one of the most technical ninja chokes the Octagon has seen in years.

The finish came in Round 2. After softening Mitchell up with consistent forward pressure and clean, accurate shots, Silva landed a perfectly timed right hand that dropped his opponent.

However, instead of chasing with ground-and-pound, he saw the opportunity. As Mitchell instinctively tried to scramble and base up, Silva wrapped his neck, secured control, and locked in a ninja choke—a rare submission that’s both high-level and high-risk.

Mitchell never tapped. The referee stepped in after realizing he was unconscious.

JEAN SILVA SUBMITS BRYCE MITCHELL AT #UFC314 😱 pic.twitter.com/xLHG1QHDlk

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 13, 2025

What Is a Ninja Choke—and Why Don’t We See More of Them?

The Ninja choke is a move you might see occasionally in high-level grappling rooms but rarely on a UFC broadcast. Silva not only executed it under pressure—he hit it in transition, mid-scramble, and made it look effortless.

That’s not just finishing ability. That’s awareness, timing, and mechanical precision.

So, how does the choke work, exactly? Well, it is a blood choke that appears in two variations in BJJ, one done with the Gi and the other without it:

No-Gi Ninja Choke (UFC Version)

The ninja choke isn’t common for a reason. It sits somewhere between a front headlock and a no-arm guillotine. That said, it is highly effective in terms of finishing mechanics and power. The main ‘issue’ with it is the difficulty of setting it up.

What you want to do is wrap an arm around your opponent’s neck, but instead of finishing shallow, like a traditional guillotine, you want to wrap your arm around as if you’re going for a rear naked choke. Essentially, it is a front-naked choke.

Those with long, lanky arms have a huge advantage when setting this choke up. Interestingly enough, it works from standing all to better than it does on the ground, delivering quick taps. It’s tight, technical, and unforgiving when done right.

Ninja Choke With the Gi

The Gi version is related to the No-Gi one only by name. That said, it would be sloppy to skip over it as we pay homage to the Ninja choke. Who knows, maybe this will be the kick it needs to spread more in Gi BJJ.

For a Gi Ninja choke, you start in top side control. You’ll need your far-side lapel (the one nearer to the opponent’s legs) to get it. The goal is to sneak the lapel across the opponent’s chest and around their neck on the far side. The palm of the arm you have cross-facing receives the end of the lapel.

From there, it is like finishing a baseball or Samuari choke – you head over to North-South, pulling on the lapel and driving your shoulder into your opponent. It’s very nasty, which is the only thing justifying the elaborate setup.

Silva’s Statement Win Caps a 13-Fight Streak

With the victory, Jean Silva improved his record to 13 straight wins and earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The 27-year-old now looks like a serious player in the featherweight division.

He’s dangerous on the feet, composed in chaos, and clearly not afraid to jump on a finish when it’s there. If this was his breakout moment, he earned every bit of it.

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“I hope you all pray for Bryce Mitchell, because there’s something wrong with him,”

– Silva in his post-fight interview

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This was Bryce Mitchell’s first fight back since a wave of unwanted headlines, including controversial social media comments that made him a lightning rod outside the cage. Inside it, the loss marks his second in three fights.

Once considered a top-10 grappling specialist in the division, Mitchell now faces questions about his defence, durability, and trajectory. Still, he’s young, experienced, and talented. But on this night, he ran into someone who was just faster, sharper, and far more clinical in every phase of the game.

The Submission Hall of Fame: Ninja Choke Joins Elite Company

UFC history is filled with wild, creative finishes: Korean Zombie’s twister. The Von Flue choke resurgence. Oleinik’s crazy run with Ezekiels from the bottom. Jon Jones’ standing guillotine on Lyoto Machida. But Silva’s ninja choke at UFC 314 deserves a spot among them—not just for style points, but for the sheer composure and precision under fire.

It wasn’t flashy. It was fundamental jiu-jitsu, deployed at full speed, in real time, against a high-level grappler—and it ended with his opponent flatlined on the canvas.

1. Aleksei Oleinik’s Ezekiel Choke (From Bottom Mount!)

Possibly the most mind-bending choke in MMA history. In 2017, Aleksei Oleinik submitted Viktor Pesta with an Ezekiel choke—while mounted. That’s right: he was on bottom, in the worst position imaginable, and still managed to choke out a full-grown heavyweight. Oleinik is the only fighter in UFC history to have pulled this off, and he did it more than once.

2. Jon Jones’ Standing Guillotine on Lyoto Machida

At UFC 140, Jon Jones locked up a guillotine against Lyoto Machida, lifted him off the ground, and choked him unconscious—standing. The moment is infamous not just for the technique but for how Jones dropped Machida’s limp body like a sack of laundry once the ref waved it off.

3. The Korean Zombie’s Twister vs. Leonard Garcia

In 2011, Chan Sung Jung made history by landing the first twister submission in UFC history. It’s a spinal lock that’s more common in catch wrestling than BJJ, and it stunned both the crowd and Garcia, who had no idea what hit him.

4. Bryce Mitchell’s Twister vs. Matt Sayles

Ironically, before getting choked unconscious at UFC 314, Bryce Mitchell himself landed one of the craziest submissions in UFC history—a twister finish over Matt Sayles in 2019. At the time, it was just the second twister ever to land in the promotion, after the Korean Zombie’s opening one.

5. Ben Askren’s Bulldog Choke on Robbie Lawler

Askren’s UFC debut in 2019 was chaos from the opening second. After nearly being TKO’d, he reversed a position and locked in a bulldog choke—an old-school move rarely seen at the elite level.

The finish was controversial, with Lawler’s arm appearing to go limp before springing back to life, but the result stands: a rare and dramatic comeback win by bulldog choke.

Silva’s Ninja Choke Wasn’t Just a Submission—It Was a Statement

Jean Silva didn’t just notch another win at UFC 314—he carved his name into the highlight reels of 2025 with one of the rarest and most technically demanding submissions ever pulled off inside the Octagon.

The ninja choke wasn’t just effective; it was flawless. In a sport where timing, precision, and composure separate contenders from pretenders, Silva delivered on all three—and put the featherweight division on notice.

For fans, it was a masterclass. For grappling nerds, it’s a treat. For Bryce Mitchell, it is a hard lesson in what happens when the moment gets away from you.

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6 Most Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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6 Most Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A No-Gi BJJ instructional offering detailed instructions into mastering the concept of a super-stable base for grappling.
Features structural details, goals, overall game planning and key issues you’ll encounter.
Contains passing examples against different guards along with ways to practice the material by yourself.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

ESSENTIAL SKILS BASE TOP DIMA MUROVANNI DVD GET HERE:

6 Most Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD Preview — FULL TRAILER: 6 Most Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD

How good are you at not getting swept when you’re the one trying to deal with a bottom player’s guard? Be honest with yourself, and you’ll quickly realize that you have been ignoring a huge aspect of BJJ for as long as you’ve been training.

Luckily, the Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD offers a quick way to fix this, although it won’t happen without effort. There is lots of material in it covering how to develop a base that keeps you on top and allows you to control and improve your position. If you’re wondering what exactly it is, check out this detailed review.

Stay on Top!

My worst nightmare as a coach is when I see people give up top positions in the heat of battle on the mats. I don’t care if it is IBJJF rules or a bar brawl, you don’t give up top position once you achieve it!

Think about it: the only thing that you can do from the bottom that ends up rewarding you points is get on top! So why would you want to go back to a position that puts you further from a dominating win?

The Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD tackles this subject from a conceptual angle, providing you with plenty of information, not just on why you need to stay on top but also on how. Dima calls it one of the 6 essential skills, but I’d say that along with getting a hold of someone it is the absolute crucial skill that makes grappling possible in the first place!

Modern BJJ with Dima Murovanni

One of the people making Jiu-Jitsu really fun is definitely Dima Murovanni. The black belt emerged as a hidden jewel from one of the top gyms in Berlin and ended up heading the B-team’s competitive training sessions. Very impressive, considering that he just received his black belt and built his reputation as a world-class coach as a brown belt.

Dima has that relentless stubbornness when it comes to making Jiu-Jitsu simple rather than complex, a skill that is becoming popular among many coaches who do not suffer from old-school Gracie-style coaching traumas. Murovani’s Jiu-Jitsu really is for everyone, as his outstanding students, such as Jozef Chen, can confirm.

Lately, we’ve seen a lot of Dima’s work hit the BJJ Fanatics shelves in the form of instructionals. All the subjects he covers are different from the usual positional studies we’re used to seeing. This latest one, likely serving as an introduction to an upcoming series, is the Dima Murovanni Base Top DVD, a resource I wish I had about 10 years ago.

Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD Review

The Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD is an instructional with four volumes, covering the subject of base for top players in BJJ. Dima delivers a very precise structure in the DVD, making it easy to follow his instructions over the two and half hours of material.

Part 1 – Structuring Top Base

Dima begins his journey into this instructional by covering his concepts of progressing through BJJ as fast as possible, which involves focusing all your attention on six distinct skills. The first of those is the main subject of the Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD.

Base top is the skill to remain the top person despite all efforts of the bottom player to break your balance in any way, shape or form. Murovanni talks about the basic structure that allows you to stand or half kneel against any guard player.

Key concepts such as your main goals from the position, managing intensity and even how to structure your training all feature in this opening volume. Hand fighting and a few direct examples involving Ashi/Single leg X-guard put things into perspective even further.

Part 2 – Attaching From Top

The one thing that is absolutely unavoidable for successful grappling is attaching yourself to the opponent. Howeve,r this is often easier said than done, both because of the resistance of the opponent and the tendency for people to completely ignore the importance of attachments

In part two of the Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD, you’ll understand how to change levels from the top whenever you need to increase your stability and how to use optimal gripping techniques, such as underhooks, collar ties and foot grips. A few passes appear at the tail end of this volume.

Part 3 – Weight Shifting

Past the halfway point of the Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD, the base top game outline starts to appear. That allows Dima to move into more active work, with the third portion of the instructional covering how to counter sweeping threats in detail.

Murovanni once again uses the Ashi to present his point, beginning with the elusive concept of weight shifting and how very subtle moves can completely kill the bottom player’s offensive game.

Passing and pinning after the pass makes up for half the material in this volume, featuring a host of different options. I quite liked the Ethan Crelinsten pass, and the step out, but the X-Guard base top section is definitely also worth exploring.

Part 4 – Killing Open Guards

As we reach the final portion of the Dima Murovanni Essential Skills DVD even more guards get destroyed by Dima’s concepts. He renders the De la Riva guard and all its variations useless first, delivering not just his ideas but also ways to present them to others, which is exceptionally useful for coaches.

The K-Guard also gets some time in the spotlight as one of the most common guards these days. Pass-wise, the double under dominates in this final portion, executed off the immovable base built in the previous three volumes.

Murovanni ends by explaining the pocket of exchanges he likes to stick to when fighting for base top. Once again, he delivers examples of how you can show it, along with giving you the Hail Mary option to pull out of any guard-pass exchange.

Developing Your Jiu-Jitsu Skills

I agree a hundred per cent with Murovanni that to excel in grappling fast, you need to focus on building skills rather than collecting positions and techniques. It is not just a faster but also a much better way to understand Jiu-Jitsu at its’ core, which is movement.

Where I disagree with Dima is on the number of skills you need. There are more than 6 if you really want to fine-tune your grappling skills. That said, one of them certainly is being able to remain on top and use the advantage to see off a match, whether by submission or via points.

The Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD is a good resource to push you into thinking about grappling in this manner of skill acquisition. Next time you roll, give it a try and see how good you are at staying on top when bottom players try to sweep, reverse or submit you.

DOWNLOAD HERE: BASE TOP DIMA MUROVANNI DVD

6 Most Essential Skills

I expect that Dima is going to go a lot deeper into the full set of six essential skills to help you learn BJJ fast. If the Essential Skills Base Top Dima Murovanni DVD, which I take is the first in the series, is anything to judge him on, we’re in for yet another Danaher-esque reshape of how we see Jiu-Jitsu and what matters when we roll.

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IBJJF for Hobbyists? Matt Skaff Criticizes IBJJF, and Robert Drysdale Isn’t Having It

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BJJ World

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IBJJF for Hobbyists? Matt Skaff Criticizes IBJJF, and Robert Drysdale Isn’t Having It

In a recent podcast interview, z Matt Skaff touched a nerve in the jiu-jitsu world when he stated that IBJJF competition is mostly for hobbyists, not serious professionals.
It didn’t take long before the reactions poured in—most notably from Robert Drysdale, one of ADCC’s most decorated American competitors and a longtime voice in the sport.

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“It’s pretty cool for some of the older athletes,” Skaff said. “If you’re a master’s grappler—anybody over the age of 30—and you want to get some good competition, and you want to have some cool accolades, I think IBJJF’s a great avenue for you.”

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Skaff added that younger, more ambitious competitors should look to events like ADCC and submission-only formats if they want real development or recognition. He also called out IBJJF’s membership and tournament fees, questioning why athletes have to pay premium costs to compete under what he implied was a limited and overly restrictive rule set.

“If you’re a young, hungry competitor, the IBJJF makes no sense,” added Skaff.

Robert Drysdale Responds: “Apparently Buchecha Wasted His Life, Then?”

Drysdale, never one to let bold claims slide, didn’t pull punches in his response. “Apparently Buchecha, Roger, Lepri, Malfacini, Mendes, etc., just wasted their lives then… if only they had listened to this advice,” he wrote, dripping with sarcasm.

Drysdale is a 2007 ADCC absolute champion and former IBJJF World Champion, giving him a rare perspective from both competitive worlds. His response carried more than just personal pride—it was a defence of the IBJJF’s historic role in shaping many of the sport’s all-time greats.

10th Planet vs. IBJJF: A Longstanding Style Clash

This isn’t the first time the 10th Planet system has clashed with traditional jiu-jitsu institutions. Founded by Eddie Bravo, 10th Planet jiu-jitsu was built on no-gi grappling, unorthodox positions like rubber guard, and an emphasis on submission over points.

It has always leaned into submission-only tournaments and open rule sets like EBI and ADCC, distancing itself from gi-based promotions like the IBJJF. Skaff, as a longtime affiliate of that lineage, isn’t alone in his views.

Many no-gi competitors believe that the IBJJF’s strict point-based rules and advantages system slows the game down and favor stalling. But there’s a flip side: without structure, critics argue, Jiu-Jitsu devolves into chaos or turns into entertainment-first exhibitionism.

The Cost Criticism Isn’t New

Skaff did tap into one sentiment that’s widely shared across the BJJ community: the cost of competing under IBJJF is steep. Annual membership, registration fees, and travel costs to reach the few qualifying tournaments make it inaccessible to many.

Skaff addressed these aspects, claiming the IBJJF makes “$2 million in just memberships before anyone signs up for an event.”He also pointed to the requirements for black belts to pay significant sums in order to be eligible to compete against one another.

Critics argue that the financial barrier disproportionately favors well-resourced athletes or teams, leaving talented grapplers out of elite competition simply due to cost.

This tension is central to jiu-jitsu’s identity crisis as it tries to walk the line between martial art, professional sport, and mainstream entertainment. And it’s part of the reason why smaller, open-format tournaments and grassroots submission-only events continue to grow.

Same Sport, Two Rulebooks

At its core, the Drysdale–Skaff debate reflects a broader philosophical split in Jiu-Jitsu: Should the sport reward positional control, or only submissions? Should it value consistency over creativity? Structure over style?

IBJJF, for all its flaws, has created decades of structure. ADCC, for all its flair, still leans on that pipeline of IBJJF-trained talent. One isn’t better or worse—they’re different games, with different risks and rewards. But when a black belt dismisses one side of that equation as purely “for hobbyists,” the blowback is inevitable.

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Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A No-Gi BJJ DVD explaining why the Cross Ashi position is the one you need to master to be a great leg locker.
Covers positioning, structure, follow-ups, grip variations and passing transitions.
Delivers details on the Inside Senkaku and 50/50, covering all available submission holds from both.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

CROSS ASHI GARAMI FIRAS ZAHABI DVD GET HERE:

Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD Preview — SEE TRAILER: Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD

Heel hooks, ankle locks, toe holds, kneebars. Whatever your lower body submission of choice is, you’ll need an Ashi Garami to make it happen. If you want to be the next big thing in leg locks, then, by all means, go into the rabbit hole and try to master all Ashi variations and transitions available these days.

For those with the ‘work smart, not hard’ approach, there is a workaround. Instead of spending weeks trying to just find the best leg locking material, opt for a proven position and a system developed by one of the original leg lockers to train under Danaher. The Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD has everything you need!

To Cross or Not to Cross?

It turns out that even though Danaher brought Ashi to the attention of the BJJ community and delivered his thoughts on what works best, there is an individual component to the ‘best Ashi’. In other words, what works for some people is not going to be effective for others, no matter how tight or submission-abundant the position is.

So, which Ashi is going to bring you the best chances of winning? Well, the configuration of your legs is down to you, but where you place your opponent’s leg does come with one position that offers the ultimate position of power – across your body.

So, if you ask me and Firs, obviously, the Cross Ashi is your best bet to submit someone. I’d even go as far as claiming that the Cross Ashi also offers the best chances for controlling the knee line and staying in position compared to other variations of the position. It’s all in the Firas Zahabi Cross Ashi Garami DVD.

Original Leg Lock Master Firas Zahabi

It’s been a while since I’ve run into a Firas Zahabi instructional. For a while there, some 10 years ago, Firas was my go-to source for information that made sense, as opposed to the mainstream take on how BJJ works. We’ve come a long way since then in how BJJ is coached, but Firas is still one of the best coaches in the world, even today.

One reason for this is that he adapts to the constantly evolving BJJ world. Understandably so, given that he can only lead his coveted Tristar Academy forward if he knows what is happening, how to stop it and how to make his students the best at it.

In this instance, the Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD is kind of a throwback to Zahabi’s earliest instructionals. He is one of the original crew of leg lockers developed by Danaher in the blue basement, predating even the DDS. As expected, the information in this one is updated to feature everything that has happened in the leg locks area of BJJ since he last covered it.

Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD Review

In yet another impeccable instructional, Firas Zahabi delivers a masterpiece of leg locking in his Firas Zahabi Cross Ashi Garami DVD. He only needs three volumes to teach you everything you need to know about the Cross Ashi, and won’t take up much of your time – the total running length is just under two hours.

Part 1 – Cross Ashi Control

First up, the essentials of the Cross Ashi. Well, you’d think so, but no. As the Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD begins, the very first chapters deliver a public safety announcement in terms of training leg locks in a safe way. Given the potency of some of the moves demonstrated in this DVD, it is a very smart way to begin.

Moving toward the actual Cross Ashi, Firas delivers his verdict on why it is such a powerful position for leg locking, backed by structural details that are really well delivered. Aspects like tension get a lot of attention, which I rarely see in submissions, particularly leg-locking and DVDs these days.

The volume ends with a couple of options for retaining the position known as the Inside Senkako, as well as making the most out of the double trouble concept. Firas ends with a pass, allowing a safe route out of leg locks in case none of your submission attempts work.

Part 2 – 50/50 Options

The best heel hooking position in Jiu-Jitsu, before Danaher developed his Ashi system, was the 50/50. Ryan Hall was the man who went against the grain, offering instructions for heel hooks at a time when almost nobody did them.

Turns out, the 50/50 is so powerful because it also features a cross-body position of the leg. Naturally, it features in the Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD, with the Canadian demonstrating a bunch of different ways to work with a shallow knee line when hunting for heel hook and knee bar finishes.

Part 3 – Rolling Ashi Attacks & Transitions

As we reach the final part of the Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD, we also get to enjoy some more attractive leg locking from the Cross Ashi. Namely, Firas delivers his mini-system of rolling attacks, both in situations where the opponent is initiating the roll and when you are the one behind it.

The chapters in this final and longest part of the instructional include executing the death roll, hitting Estima and Achilles locks, and leveraging the * to move between different Cross Ashi variations.

Zahabi also offers more ways out, this time leading not just to passing but also to the Cradle and back attacks. I also appreciated that he included positional escapes and counters to the Cross Ashi as well, resulting in a very well-balanced BJJ instructional.

The Ashi Garami System

Playing Ashi is not optional at this point in the development of the modern BJJ game. You simply have to utilize it, even if you’re only playing it as a guard or a sweeping position. Even if your only goal is to defend yourself from Ashi entanglements and play a pressure game that ignores leg locks, you need to understand the position first.

The Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD offers both sides of the sword, although it focuses a lot more on attacking. What you will definitely gain from it is ideas on how to best set up leg lock attacks from a position that is just as easy to use for passing and transitions as it is for heel hooks.

In fact, one of the most effective uses of the Ashi these days is a checkpoint position that allows you to get from bottom to top, pass to a pin, or counter back takes and passes yourself from the bottom. Since we already agreed that the cross-body position of the leg offers the best chances, there’s little debate as to what you need to focus on in Ashi, right?

Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi free DVD Sample — FREE DVD SAMPLE: Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi

DOWNLOAD HERE: CROSS ASHI GARAMI FIRAS ZAHABI DVD

Ashi Garami Made Simple

Firas really does make things look simple. Even though the Cross Ashi is anything but, especially since it covers more than one Ashi position, the Cross Ashi Garami Firas Zahabi DVD makes it easy to make sense of the options you have and understand common pitfalls and potential dangers. All that’s left now is to give it a try – I guarantee you won’t regret it.

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BJJ Kata Controversy: White Belt Earns Stripe for Solo Routine From Coral Belt Instructor!

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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In a room full of seasoned grapplers and coral belts—some of the highest-ranking figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—a white belt took the mat and performed something most in the sport had never seen during a belt promotion: a BJJ kata.

Yes, a kata. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For a promotion.

The event, which surfaced in late October 2024, involved a BJJ white belt student being asked to demonstrate a solo kata—a structured routine of BJJ movements—in front of a panel of black and coral belts. After completing the kata, the student was awarded a stripe on his belt.

The entire scene was recorded and posted online, and the clip quickly spread across BJJ forums, social media, and message boards, where it ignited the kind of firestorm usually reserved for controversial stoppages or ADCC snubs.

One of the more restrained comments online read:

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“What in the karate hell is going on around here?”

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Belt Testing in BJJ: A Moving Target

To understand why this caused such a stir, it helps to know how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotions usually work. The short version? There’s no standard. Every academy does things a little differently.

Some instructors run formal belt exams, some do a casual BJJ stripe ceremony, and others just tie a new belt on you in the middle of a random Tuesday night class. The one constant? Sparring. Rolling. Pressure testing.

There are no katas in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Period.

Most BJJ belt promotions hinge on a student’s ability to apply techniques against resistance in live training. The technical knowledge matters, sure—but in BJJ, demonstrating those techniques against an opponent who’s trying to stop you has always been the gold standard.

Which is why the kata stripe raised so many eyebrows. It’s not that BJJ doesn’t have drills, movements, or solo repetitions—it absolutely does.

But awarding a stripe based solely on a memorized solo performance? That’s treading into territory that feels more traditional martial arts than modern grappling sport.

The Case For BJJ Kata? Hear Me Out!

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time the kata conversation has popped up in BJJ circles. Some instructors have floated the idea of creating a standardized solo routine as a tool for beginners.

Shrimping, bridging, technical stand-ups, sprawls—many of these foundational movements can be linked together to form a flow. The idea isn’t totally absurd.

In fact, one practitioner wrote that:

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“I was wondering if anybody has tried to create a solo routine like a kata but for BJJ… I think it’d be a good way to solo train.”

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However, a good way to train alone and determine promotion eligibility are two very different things. The majority of the pushback online came not against the idea of movement drills but against the suggestion that they could replace the crucible of rolling with resisting partners.

What Actually Earns a Stripe?

Most promotions in BJJ consider a mix of factors: time on the mat, technical understanding, attendance, and—most importantly—performance in live sparring. There’s also room for discretion. Some coaches give stripes to encourage students. Some wait longer. Others don’t use them at all.

BJJ promotions aren’t just subjective—they’re deeply personal. Your coach’s criteria are the only criteria that matter in your gym. And that’s part of the sport’s charm and chaos.

But the introduction of kata into that mix? That’s new. That’s a step away from what BJJ has historically valued: adaptability, timing, and control under pressure.

As one high-ranking black belt put it bluntly when asked about belt exams:

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“Every day on the mat is a belt test in my opinion.”

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Is This the Start of Something—or Just a One-Off?

The academy where the kata was performed hasn’t released a statement, and there’s no indication this was part of a broader curriculum. It’s entirely possible this was a one-off decision—an experiment, a show of creativity, or just an attempt to add formality to the process.

However, the reaction it provoked shows how protective BJJ practitioners are about the integrity of rank. And honestly, it makes sense.

In a sport where it takes 10+ years to earn a black belt and where promotions are often as much about toughness as they are about technique, the introduction of scripted, performative elements—even as supplements—can feel like a slippery slope.

No one wants to see BJJ turn into point-fighting or board-breaking. The fear isn’t that kata will become the norm—it’s that it signals a shift toward prioritizing structure over substance.

Stripes, Standards, and Staying Real

This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about clarity. Promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu carry weight because of the work it takes to earn them. While innovation has its place, especially in training methods, using kata as a central metric for grading throws a wrench into a value system that’s always been built on effectiveness under fire.

If this incident was meant to start a conversation, it worked. But until a kata can pass someone’s guard and secure the back, don’t expect it to become a staple in BJJ grading anytime soon.

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MMA Fighter Stabbed in the Chest Taking Out the Trash—Still Fights Back

By

BJJ World

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MMA Fighter Stabbed in the Chest Taking Out the Trash

GFL middleweight contender and former UFC Contender Series fighter Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz was stabbed in the chest while taking out the trash near his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The attack that saw the MMA fighter stabbed happened late at night after he had just put his two young daughters to bed.

Middleweight Fighter Targeted in Unprovoked Nighttime Assault

According to Ksiazkiewicz, the incident was completely unexpected. He was walking through the back alley of his home when he was approached and stabbed without warning. “I didn’t see the guy,” Ksiazkiewicz said. “He just snuck up on me and stabbed me in the chest.”

Despite the shock of the assault and the serious injury, Ksiazkiewicz reacted immediately.

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“I punched him three times in the face. I think he didn’t expect a fight and ran off.”

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The knife punctured Ksiazkiewicz’s pectoral muscle and made contact with his ribs. It missed major arteries and organs by a narrow margin. The MMA fighter stabbed in the chest was both lucky and brave to emerge alive from the incident.

“It barely missed his heart,” doctors told him after initial evaluations.

Ksiazkiewicz applied pressure to the wound using a towel, drove himself to the hospital, and underwent emergency treatment. He remained conscious and responsive throughout, despite losing a considerable amount of blood.

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“I felt the blood squirting out and knew I had to act fast. I shoved a towel in the hole in my chest and got in the car.”

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Medical staff told him he was fortunate to survive the attack without life-threatening internal injuries. “The blade came dangerously close,” he said. “It could have been fatal.”

MMA Fighter Stabbed in the Chest Returns to Training Just Days After the Incident

Though doctors advised rest and recovery, Ksiazkiewicz was back in the gym just days after being discharged. “They told me to take time off, but I couldn’t sit still,” he explained. “It’s part of who I am.”

The stabbing occurred shortly before his scheduled GFL debut, which is now in doubt as he awaits further clearance. However, Ksiazkiewicz has expressed no plans to withdraw from competition long term.

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“I’ll be back. This doesn’t stop me. If anything, it makes me more motivated.”

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While he acknowledged that he has had difficulty sleeping and reacts strongly to sudden noises, he has not indicated that the incident will affect his professional trajectory. “It was traumatic, yeah,” he said. “But I’ve seen worse. I’ve been in wars in the cage.”

No Arrests Made as Investigation Continues

As of now, no suspect has been apprehended in regard to the MMA fighter stabbed in front of his home. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and Winnipeg police have not released further details. Ksiazkiewicz did not recognize the attacker and believes it may have been a random act of violence.

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“I don’t know who he was. He didn’t say a word. Just stabbed me and ran.”

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Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Ksiazkiewicz has cooperated fully with authorities, providing all available information about the attacker and the events leading up to the MMA fighter stabbed.

Ksiazkiewicz’s Record and Career Background

Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz is a veteran of the regional MMA scene in Canada and a former UFC Contender Series participant. He holds a professional record of 10 wins and 2 losses, with the majority of his victories coming by stoppage.

Known for his striking and resilience, he has fought in promotions across North America and was preparing for his debut in the international GFL promotion at the time of the attack.

The Winnipeg native has been competing professionally since 2012 and is considered one of the top middleweight prospects in Canada. His appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020 brought him to the attention of a wider MMA audience, despite not securing a UFC contract at the time.

He had been building momentum ahead of his GFL debut, and his return to training so quickly after the stabbing has only reinforced his image as one of the sport’s grittiest competitors.

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Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A 4-part, 2-hours long Gi DVD deconstructing one of the best Judo throws for BJJ and all its variations.
Contains all the elements of the throw, methods to practice them as one motion, and the best techniques to pair it with.
Offers an in-depth study of legendary Judoka’s executing the move live in tournaments.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

ULTIMATE STUDY TOMOE NAGE NEIL ADAMS BJJ DVD HERE:

Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD Preview — WATCH THE TRAILER: Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams DVD

Judo is one of the best resources to turn to when you’re looking to diversify your standing game for Jiu-Jitsu. However, getting lost in this age-old martial art, which is BJJ’s parent art, is very easy if there is no one to filter the information for you.

In regard to sacrifice throws, one of the best filters of information for BJJ athletes is the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD. After all, you get a living legend, world champion, and Olympic medalist in Judo to deliver all the information. There’s hardly anyone like that with BJJ credentials, especially in the realm of standing exchanges with the Gi.

What is a Tomoe Nage?

The one move all 90s kids were dying to pull off in the playground was to grab another kid, go to the ground, and throw them over their heads. From video games to the big screen, moves such as this, with varying levels of realism to them, were the challenge most kids tried to conquer.

Well, the Tomo Nage is the technical version of this overhead throw. It is not a guard pull, nor is it a sweep though. Despite involving going down to your back, the entire move only works if you execute it in one smooth motion, start to finish.

This move is particularly suited for BJJ because it blends together the world of guard pulling and takedowns like no other move can. Staying on your back, even intentionally, without that being a part of a throw in Judo means you lose a match.

We all know that in BJJ we have a different set of opportunities, but the Tomoe Nage, along with all its variations, fits perfectly, particularly in the sense of teaching BJJ athletes how to perform standing to grounded transitions without stopping the movement at all.

Plus, this ‘overhead sweep from standing’ works like a charm, and is not at all difficult to learn – it is one of the first things Judokas learn. A lot more about it, if not everything, is covered in the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD.

Legendary Judo Olympian Neil Adams

Judo for BJJ is one of the hardest things to integrate into your game. The nuances that are a part of Judo take time to figure out, and nothing but the utmost expertise on the subject is going to cut it if you want a ‘shortcut’ to top Judo throws you can use in a submission grappling setting.

Enter Neil Adams, a British Judoka who has achieved the status of a living legend of the gentle art of throwing. Adams, 66, has two Olympic silver medals, 5 World medals that include gold, silver, and bronze, and countless other achievements in the sport. Currently carrying a 9th-degree black belt (I think it equals a red belt), he is one of the highest authorities in Judo in the modern grappling world.

After withdrawing from active competition, Neil came up with the Neil Adams Effective Fighting brand, which is dedicated to educating combat sports coaches on how to teach and run academies better. Also actively teaching Judo, it is a joy to see him step into the Judo for BJJ realm through his Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD.

Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD Review

The Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD offers four volumes of the highest quality of instructions by a living Judo legend. Neil spends a total of two hours teaching you everything there is about the Tomoe Nage throw:

Part 1 – Kuzushi & Yoko Tomoe Nage

Neil begins the instructions in the Neil Adams Tomoe Nage DVD by talking about the elements that make Tomoe Nage work. He begins with the history of the movie and traces it back to the modern version which is deemed its most effective yet.

He then talks a lot about a principle that Danaher made very popular – Kuzushi. Without off-balancing an opponent, you’re doomed to fail at any takedown you’re hoping to pull off, especially one that sees you go down intentionally.

Adams pairs this up with crucial info on the Yoko Tomoe Nage, which, according to me as a former Juodka, is the most effective variation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This opening volume focuses a lot on foot placement for the Yoko Tomoe Nage, as not losing your own balance is just as important as taking balance away from your opponent.

Some sleeve grips and lapel manipulation tactics also feature toward the end, along with the main principle behind doing a ‘sacrifice’ throw, which is intentionally placing your back on the mats.

Part 2 – Learning The Full Movement

The hardest thing about Judo is trying to pull off all the elements you might have drilled as one move, against a resisting partner who is also trying to throw you. Like BJJ, but a lot faster and more intense, on account of both partners standing.

Part two of the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD addresses learning the Tomoe Nage as a throw, meaning no checkpoints or stops along the way. To that effect, Neil focuses a lot on hand movement and developing feet and hand coordination to make your entry and the Kuzushi work seamlessly.

The Yoko Tomoe Nage is the main focus again, following a set of throwing drills that every Judoka spends years working on. They’re worth it, but even if you only decide to spend weeks on them, you’ll see a lot more success with your Judo for BJJ.

A few combos wrap up this volume and announce the next one. Adams offers dilemma attacks by preceding the Tomoe Nage with Judo classics such as the Kouchi and Ouchi gari, and Tomoe Nage’s ultimate dilemma partner – the Tai Otoshi.

Part 3 – Transitions and Counters

This is the part that has all the stuff you want to learn when you think of Judo. However, if you do not become a master of the material in the first two volumes then the content of the third portion of the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD is just as valuable to you as no-touch martial arts are.

For those in the know, this is a goldmine. Neil shares some super-effective details on the transition to and from the Tomoe Nage. Of particular interest to BJJ grapplers are submissions, with the armbar (Neil’s signature finish) and triangle choke appearing in the opening chapters.

The DVD continues to deliver on Tomoe Nage counters, both to prevent it and, more importantly, to use it as a counter-attack of your own during standing exchanges. I’d pay the most attention to the case studies involving legends like Flavio Canto, Tsunoda Natsumi, and, of course, Adams himself.

Part 4 – Troubleshooting

The final portion of this immaculate Tomoe Nage BJJ DVD instructional delivers plenty of answers to other most common questions, issues, and sticking points most people have with teh Tomoe Nage, and overhead throws in general.

Neil addresses gripping fallacies, false attack tactics, foot and hand placement errors, body positioning fixes, distance management, and, the biggest problem of all – forgetting Kuzishi and trying to throw a partner with impeccable posture.

The Best Judo Throws For BJJ

So, there I actually a one-size-fits-all answer here, although it doesn’t necessarily lead to the Tomoe Nage and sacrifice throws in general. What works best for BJJ in terms of Judo are the moves that you can execute without having to cross-train full time in Judo, and that tie in directly to your BJJ game, so that you can get straight into it even if your Judo throw fails.

It just so happens that the Tomoe Nage, along with the Sumi Gaeshi, fits this description perfectly. Trying it out in BJJ means that the worst-case scenario is pulling guard and actually getting the match to the mats without losing points – not too bad.

On the other hand, when it works, you end up with a takedown plus mount, which not only brings you a total of 6 points but also a very dominant position to work from. A win-win scenario no matter how you look at it.

In addition, the Tome Nage works very effectively in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu too, and it doesn’t take ages, or previous experience to master it quickly – you only need to drill it with dedication for a few months. The smartest approach is to pick up the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams DVD and follow the blue print in it – by the end, you’ll be able to throw even Judokas with it.

Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams Free DVD Sample — SEE A FREE SAMPLE: Ultimate Study Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD

DOWNLOAD NOW: TOMOE NAGE NEIL ADAMS BJJ DVD

The Ultimate Tomoe Nage Study

Learning from a study is not easy, especially when you’re trying to learn a grappling move. However, when the information is structured optimally, like the example of the Tomoe Nage Neil Adams BJJ DVD, seeing what others do live with the move is much more valuable than trying to master it against a non-resisting BJJ partner who has no idea what Judo is anyway.

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MMA Ref Misses First Tap in Standing Anaconda Choke, Fighter Forced to Tap Again

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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MMA Ref Misses First Tap in Standing Anaconda Choke, Fighter Forced to Tap Again

Even the most seasoned referees can have off nights, leading to moments that leave fans and fighters alike scratching their heads.
One such incident occurred at Invicta FC 61, where a referee’s oversight led to a fighter tapping out twice in the same sequence.
This blunder has reignited discussions about the critical importance of referee vigilance in MMA.

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“That was a tap,”

– Invicta commentator

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The Standing Anaconda Choke That Everyone (But The Ref) Saw

At Invicta FC 61, held on April 4, 2025, at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Taynara Silva faced Claire Lopez in an atomweight bout that concluded with Silva securing a first-round submission victory via guillotine choke at 3:17.

Taynara Silva, hailing from Brazil, made her debut in the atomweight division during this event. Prior to this fight, Silva had a professional record of 7-5, showcasing her experience and resilience in the cage.

Claire Lopez, entered the bout with a professional record of 8-6. Lopez has been recognized for her striking abilities and determination, making her a formidable opponent in the atomweight division.

The bout began with both fighters exchanging strikes, each looking to establish dominance. Midway through the first round, Silva capitalized on an opening and executed a standing anaconda choke. Lopez attempted to defend against the submission, but Silva’s technique proved decisive, so Lopez tapped, but the ref didn’t catch it.

Tayanara’s choke was so strong, that she lifted Claire in the air from the front, eventually leading leading to Lopez’s second, and officially recognized tap at the 3:17 mark, after she held on to that unorthodox choke.

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“My goodness that is incredible,” another announcer remarked. “This is an interesting situation. Claire Lopez clearly taps…definitely doesn’t catch it.”

– Invicta commentator

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This victory marked a significant moment for Silva, highlighting her successful transition to the atomweight division. The Silva vs. Lopez fight was part of a card headlined by the atomweight title bout between Elisandra “Lili” Ferreira and Ana Palacios.

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When Referees Drop the Ball: Notable Missed Taps in MMA History

The incident at Invicta FC 61 is not an isolated case; MMA history has witnessed several instances where referees have overlooked fighters’ submission signals, leading to controversy and concern.

Paul Felder vs. Charles Oliveira

In a bout between Paul Felder and Charles Oliveira, Oliveira found himself on the receiving end of vicious ground and pound. Amidst the onslaught, Oliveira attempted to tap out, but the MMA ref did not acknowledge it immediately, resulting in unnecessary additional punishment before the fight was stopped.

Sven Groten Incident

At a grappling event in the Netherlands, Sven Groten was caught in a triangle-armbar submission. Despite tapping out, the referee failed to intervene, leading to Groten being choked unconscious and suffering a dislocated arm.

This alarming oversight highlighted the dire consequences of missed submissions.

Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock

During the highly anticipated bout between Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock, Shamrock secured a rear-naked choke that appeared to have Slice in deep trouble.

Slice made motions that some interpreted as taps, but referee John McCarthy did not stop the fight, believing there was no definitive submission signal. Slice eventually escaped and secured a knockout victory, but the incident sparked debates about what constitutes a clear tap.

Seth Baczynski vs. Tim McKenzie

In a bout between Seth Baczynski and Tim McKenzie, Baczynski tapped due to an armbar, which also resulted in a broken arm.

The referee missed the tap, and as McKenzie released the hold, believing the fight was over, Baczynski continued to fight and ultimately secured a knockout victory. This incident sparked debates about sportsmanship and the importance of referee attentiveness.

The Human Element in MMA Officiating

In the high-octane world of mixed martial arts, the referee’s role is paramount, acting as the guardian of fighter safety and the integrity of the sport. However, even the most vigilant officials can sometimes miss critical moments, leading to unintended consequences.

Referees in MMA bear the immense responsibility of ensuring fighter safety while allowing the contest to unfold naturally. The incidents at Invicta FC 61 and others serve as stark reminders of the challenges inherent in officiating.

While human error is an unavoidable aspect of any sport, continuous efforts in referee training, the implementation of instant replay, and clear communication protocols are essential steps toward minimizing such errors.

A Wake-Up Call for MMA Referees

The unusual incident at Invicta FC 61—where Claire Lopez was forced to tap out not once, but twice due to a missed call—has sparked a fresh debate about referee responsibilities inside the cage.

While Taynara Silva showcased impressive skill in securing a swift guillotine choke victory, the referee’s oversight briefly overshadowed her accomplishment. This scenario isn’t unique; missed submissions have occurred before, reminding fans, officials, and fighters alike of the crucial importance of sharp officiating.

As MMA continues to rise, let this moment serve as a compelling reminder that even the smallest oversight can carry significant consequences.

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[VIDEO] Ex-UFC Champ Aljamain Sterling Gets Choked Out Cold on Russian TUF-Style Show

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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VIDEO - Aljamain Sterling Gets Choked Out Cold on Russian Reality Show

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling found himself on the receiving end of a rear-naked choke during the filming of a Russian MMA reality show, leading to his temporary unconsciousness.
The incident occurred during a break on the set of ALF Global Reality, a Russian TUF series modeled after The Ultimate Fighter, where Sterling was brought in as a guest coach.

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“That guy is known for sneaking up on people and choking them out, which is ridiculous, but Aljo gets his payback later on in the show.”

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Zalimkhan Yusupov: The Journeyman Who Caught a Former Cham

While participating in the Russian reality series Alf Reality, Sterling was reportedly choked unconscious by Zalimkhan Yusupov, a Georgian fighter known for his unorthodox antics.

The altercation occurred unexpectedly, with Yusupov applying a rear-naked choke that rendered Sterling unconscious. The incident was captured on video and quickly disseminated across various platforms.

Sterling was standing on a grassy patch outside, surrounded by cast members and crew, when contestant Zalimkhan Yusupov crept up behind him and locked in a rear-naked choke. Sterling didn’t have time to defend. Within seconds, he was unconscious. People on set rushed in to intervene after realizing what had happened.

Sterling had stepped in to coach on the show after his teammate Merab Dvalishvili pulled out due to sponsorship issues. The show also features Petr Yan as the opposing coach, adding extra tension given Yan’s contentious two-fight history with Sterling inside the UFC.

What the Video Shows—and Doesn’t

The moment was captured on video and circulated online almost immediately. The clip shows Yusupov applying the choke, Sterling dropping limp, and a small crowd reacting in delayed shock. It quickly gained millions of views and ignited a wave of discussion across MMA circles.

Sterling addressed the situation briefly on social media, responding to online criticism with a one-liner:

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“Lol wait till you see what I did after you bum ass.”

– Aljamain Sterling

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That’s the only comment he’s made publicly so far.

There has been no formal response from the show’s producers or organizers. No disciplinary action against Yusupov has been announced either. Sterling hasn’t indicated that he plans to leave the show or take legal action, but it’s unclear if the footage will actually air as part of the program.

Sterling, known for his elite grappling, has never been submitted in professional MMA competition. Seeing him rendered unconscious—outside of a fight, without warning, and in front of cameras—was shocking even for long-time fans.

Aljamain Sterling appears to get choked out on The Russian Ultimate Fighter

Such a bum fr @funkmasterMMA pic.twitter.com/9w8ZGFfjkU

— UFC Fifth Round (@UFCFIFTHROUND) April 2, 2025

Former Champ, BJJ Black Belt, Octagon Veteran

Aljamain Sterling is far from an average name in MMA. The Long Island native holds a professional record of 23 wins and 4 losses, with notable victories over top contenders like Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, and TJ Dillashaw.

Sterling won the UFC bantamweight title in 2021 via disqualification in his first bout with Yan, then cemented his legitimacy by beating Yan again by split decision in their rematch.

Known for his grappling-heavy style, Sterling holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Matt Serra and Ray Longo. He’s earned six submission wins in the UFC and was long regarded as one of the most dominant grapplers in the 135-pound division. He defended his bantamweight belt three times before losing it to Sean O’Malley in August 2023.

The UFC champion later announced plans to move up to the featherweight division, citing the grueling weight cuts as a major factor. While he hasn’t fought at 145 pounds yet, the transition marks a new chapter in an already-decorated MMA career.

His recent appearance on the Russian reality series was expected to keep his profile high between fights—but instead, it added a very different kind of highlight to his resume.

The Clip Lives On. So Does the Show

For now, the footage lives on, and the show continues production. Whether anything more comes of the incident—an apology, a rematch, or a response from Yan—remains to be seen.

But in a sport where everything is recorded and nothing is forgotten, Aljamain Sterling getting choked unconscious on a Russian reality show is going to be a headline he’ll wear for a while.

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