Armbar from Side Control
How to isolate, secure, and finish arms from a dominant position without giving up control
The side control armbar is one of those techniques that seems simple until you try to hit it live. Done right, it feels effortless — and unstoppable.
In this issue:
Demian Maia's surgical armbar setup
Cole Abate's real-time transition
What Reddit really thinks
Demian Maia’s Far-Side Armbar
Demian Maia might be the most clinical submission artist MMA has seen. Here he demonstrates a far-side armbar from side control.
Cole Abate vs. Keith Krikorian (ADCC Trials)
In the 2021 ADCC East Coast Trials final, 16-year-old Cole Abate takes on Keith Krikorian. Abate floats to side control and threatens a slick far-side armbar.
Reddit: Armbars from side control
One of the most upvoted threads on r/BJJ this year asks the simple question: are armbars from side control worth the effort?
Comp review: 16 Minutes of Elite Armbars
Packed with competition footage from IBJJF, ADCC, and superfights, this highlight reel features dozens of world-class armbars — including plenty from side control.
Side control armbars don’t always get the spotlight, but they’re clean, tight, and sneaky — especially in no-gi.
Catch you next week.