In the high-speed chess match of Mixed Martial Arts, few moves are as instantly recognizable—and devastating—as the Guillotine Choke. It is the great equalizer, a submission that can end a fight in seconds, whether standing against the cage or during a frantic scramble on the canvas. Unlike complex leg locks or position-heavy arm triangles, the guillotine is instinctive, primal, and brutally effective.
While the Rear-Naked Choke holds the crown for the most finishes in UFC history, the guillotine sits firmly in second place. It is the weapon of choice for wrestlers defending takedowns and Jiu-Jitsu specialists looking to capitalize on a lazy neck. But mastering this technique requires more than just squeezing a headlock; it demands an understanding of angles, leverage, and the fine line between a blood choke and a neck crank.
The Anatomy of the Choke: Blood vs. Air
To the untrained eye, a guillotine looks like a simple headlock. However, a true submission artist knows the difference between crushing the windpipe (air choke) and cutting off blood flow to the brain (blood choke). While an air choke is painful and can force a tap due to panic or pain, a blood choke is the gold standard in MMA.
By compressing the carotid arteries on the sides of the neck, a properly applied guillotine can render an opponent unconscious in less than 10 seconds. The leverage comes not from arm strength alone, but from the hips and core. A common mistake beginners make is arching their back to pull the head off; elite grapplers, however, do the opposite—they “crunch” their oblique muscles to close the space, folding the opponent’s neck into the pocket of the hip.
Key Variations of the Guillotine
The beauty of the guillotine lies in its versatility. Depending on the position of the attacker’s arms and the opponent’s reaction, the choke can be modified instantly. Here are the three primary variations seen in the Octagon:
1. The Standard Guillotine
This is the classic version where only the opponent’s neck is encircled. It is often the fastest to apply but can be harder to finish if the opponent fights the hands. It requires precise wrist placement under the chin to ensure the pressure goes to the arteries rather than the jaw.
2. The Arm-In Guillotine
In this variation, the attacker wraps their arm around the opponent’s neck and one of their arms. While generally considered harder to finish because the opponent’s shoulder creates space, it offers superior control. Fighters like Urijah Faber and the Team Alpha Male squad revolutionized this style, using it to control scrambles even if they couldn’t get the tap immediately.
3. The High-Elbow (Marcelotine)
Popularized by grappling legend Marcelo Garcia, this variation involves throwing the choking arm’s elbow high over the opponent’s shoulder. This prevents the defender from reaching over to relieve pressure and creates a devastating angle that is almost impossible to escape once locked in. It is widely considered the most technically efficient version of the choke.
The Hidden Trap: The Von Flue Counter
Every weapon has a counter, and for the guillotine, it is the infamous Von Flue Choke. Named after UFC fighter Jason Von Flue, this submission punishes fighters who hold onto a guillotine for too long while their opponent passes their guard.
If an attacker refuses to let go of the neck while on their back, the top fighter can clasp their hands and drive their shoulder into the attacker’s neck. This uses the attacker’s own grip against them, cutting off circulation on the opposite side. It is one of the few submissions in MMA that serves as a direct punishment for a tactical error. Ovince Saint Preux arguably perfected this in the modern era, securing multiple technical submission wins by countering guillotine attempts.
Iconic Guillotine Finishes in MMA History
History is written by the victors, and some of the sport’s most memorable moments were penned with a guillotine.
- Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida (UFC 140): Perhaps the most brutal standing guillotine ever seen. Jones caught Machida, a master of distance, in a standing modification. As Machida struggled, Jones torqued the neck, putting the former champion to sleep and dropping him to the canvas in a heap. It remains a highlight-reel staple.
- Brian Ortega vs. Cub Swanson (UFC Fight Night 123): Ortega demonstrated the power of the jumping guillotine. In a frantic scramble, he adjusted his grip in mid-air, wrapping up Swanson with such tightness that the tap came almost instantly.
- Cody McKenzie’s “McKenzietine”: While not a champion, McKenzie deserves mention for winning 10 consecutive fights via guillotine choke early in his career, proving that even if an opponent knows it’s coming, a master specialist can still land it.
Defense and Survival
Surviving a fully locked guillotine is a game of inches. The golden rule of defense is: “Two on one, safe side run.” The defender must immediately fight the choking hand with both of theirs to relieve pressure. Simultaneously, they must hop their body to the “safe side”—the opposite side of the choke—to neutralize the leverage.
Staying in the closed guard while caught in a guillotine is a death sentence. By moving to side control, the defender releases the pressure on their neck and opens the door for the Von Flue counter mentioned above.
Conclusion
The guillotine choke is more than just a move; it is a fundamental aspect of modern MMA strategy. It forces wrestlers to be cautious with their takedowns and keeps strikers honest in the clinch. Whether you are a practitioner looking to sharpen your front headlock game or a fan wanting to understand the mechanics of the finish, the guillotine remains a timeless symbol of the sport’s ruthless efficiency.
FAQ
Is the guillotine choke dangerous?
Yes, like all submission holds, it can be dangerous if not respected. It can cause unconsciousness in seconds. In training, it is vital to tap early to avoid neck strain or passing out.
Can you do a guillotine choke with one arm?
Yes, the one-handed guillotine is a valid technique, often used when the other arm is busy controlling the opponent’s body or posting for balance. It requires immense squeeze and precise placement.
Who has the most guillotine wins in UFC history?
While records fluctuate with active fighters, legends like Nate Diaz, Charles Oliveira, and Jim Miller have historically utilized the guillotine to great effect, securing multiple wins with the technique over their long careers.