The triangle choke, once a staple in jiu-jitsu and MMA, has become rare in modern MMA due to its risky nature and the evolution of fighting strategies favoring top control and striking, with only 11 out of 211 submission finishes in 2025 being triangles across major organizations.
The triangle choke, a classic in jiu-jitsu, has given us unforgettable MMA moments. Think Royce Gracie, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. Legendary, right?
But times are changing. Triangle chokes are becoming rarer in the sport.
In 2025, the UFC hosted 495 fights. Only two triangle submissions. Ignacio Bahamondes and Joseph Morales pulled it off.
RIZIN? Zero triangles in 110 bouts. PFL had three, while ONE Championship saw two. KSW recorded four.
Across the five major organizations, just 11 of 211 submissions were triangles. Surprising, isn’t it?
Joseph Morales, one of the few, was shocked. “I wish Dana knew,” he joked, hoping for a bonus.
Vinicius Cenci explains the challenge. “It’s risky,” he says. “Being on the bottom isn’t ideal in MMA.”
Cenci’s own experience shows the gamble. He tried a guillotine, then transitioned to a triangle. Success!
Fabio Prado, a veteran coach, sees the shift. “Few true guard players now,” he notes. Wrestlers dominate.
Prado advises young fighters: focus on wrestling. “The guard loosens under pressure,” he laughs.
Morales agrees. “The sport evolved,” he says. Striking and top position are now the focus.
Roberto Satoshi, a RIZIN champ, calls triangles tough. “You’re often at a disadvantage,” he explains.
Morales loves the triangle, though. He even taught it to kids before his big fight. Full circle moment!
Despite its decline, the triangle remains a beloved technique. But, as Prado says, it’s more of a “Plan B” today.