Grappling is full of nasty stretch submissions and one of the nastiest is the Suloev stretch. It’s an unsuspecting choke that goes viral every time it is executed in competition.
Here is our guide for executing the Suloev stretch and tips for locking in this nasty stretch submission.
What is the Suloev Stretch?
The Suloev stretch submission was created by the late MMA fighter Amar Suloev. An MMA writer named K.J. Gould coined the name after the Armenian fighter executed the move in 2002.
Amar initially pulled off the Suloev stretch in 2002 against Paul Cahoon at 2H2H 5 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
This submission is executed from the back, where you grab and stretch out your opponent’s leg. It is similar to the banana split submission, but it is done from the back mount rather than the turtle position or cross-ride.
The submission targets the hamstring and knee by hyperextending the leg into a split. Originally, this stretch was a technique used in wrestling to flatten out an opponent and score points.
Since the move was first used in MMA, it has been widely adopted within submission wrestling and No-Gi. Now, whenever the submission is hit in competition, it goes viral.
How to do the Suloev Stretch
The Suloev stretch may look complicated to execute, but it is relatively easy to pull. Here is how to do this submission technique in a few easy steps.
Back Control
To even consider setting up the submission, you need to take your opponent’s back. Secure the back mount on your opponent, and then start setting up the submission technique.
Wait for the Tripod
Not only do you have to get the back mount on your opponent, but you will also have to wait for them to defend by tripoding. When your opponent defends by doing the tripod on their feet and hands, this gives you opportunity to set up the move.
Control Opponent’s Leg
As your opponent is doing the tripod defense, you’re going to control their leg. There are two ways you can control their leg.
- Two-Hands-On-One: Grab above your opponent’s heel with both hands and pull the leg towards your chest.
- Hook The Leg: Hook around your opponent’s leg using your forearm and pull it towards your chest. You can also Gable grip your hands together for a stronger grip.
The Finish
To finish the stretch, pull your chest as you drive your hips down on your opponent’s quadriceps. These motions, done in unison, put extreme pressure on your opponent’s hamstrings and even the knee.
If your opponent is not super flexible, they must tap or get their leg muscles torn. You can finish the submission either with your opponent flattened on their stomach of on your back.
The Legality of the Suloev Stretch
The legality of the Suloev stretch is often questioned by newer grapplers online. Of course in MMA and the ADCC rule set, the submission is 100% legal.
Within the IBJJF, brown belts and black belts are the only athletes permitted to use this stretch submission.
The last time, the move was notably executed by Deandre Corbe at the 2023 No-Gi World Championship.
Crucial Details For Executing the Suloev Stretch
The Suloev stretch is easy to execute, but you can’t forget any of the crucial details for hitting the technique.
- Back Control: Without getting to the back mount, you cannot pull off this submission.
- Wait For The Tripod: When your opponent tripods, this is your queue to set up the submission.
- The Finishing Sequence: Drive your hips down as you pull your opponent’s leg to your chest to finish the submission.
Should You Learn the Suloev Stretch?
This stretch submission isn’t a primary submission, but one you should know in case the opportunity to hit it arises. It’s also a great technique to know if you compete in amateur wrestling and need a method to get some points.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.