Clinch Takedown - Turning the Corner from Over Under Position - Firas Zahabi
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Spin Around Cage Escape·Tristar Gym
Whether you are in a real street fight, MMA Match, or BJJ tournament the over under position will happen every so often.…
Spin Around Cage Escape
SubFamilyスピン・Around・ケージ・エスケープ(Spin Around Cage Escape)
Translation: spin around cage escape
Overview
History & Origin
MMA escape technique. [1]
Effectiveness
Essential MMA survival skill. [1]
Lineage
MMA escape methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Escape mechanics for Spin Around Cage Escape
Position & Entry
From bottom position — Execute spin around cage escape
Variants
Standard Spin Around Cage Escape
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Defensive escape technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive/transitional technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill under pressure (Penn et al., 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Giving up position
!Panicking
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Under attack → Spin Around Cage Escape → Recovery
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
Community
Athletics
Explosive hips
Determination
Notes
The spin-around cage escape uses the wall to pivot — the bottom fighter rotates around the opponent using the cage surface for support, ending up in a standing position or reversed angle. An MMA-specific technique. (MMA training manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I do the level change in a spin around cage escape?
According to Firas Zahabi, you should not do the level change right away. Instead, practice spinning and turning your opponent first to get a good angle and flank position before dropping your level.
What should I do with my armpit when my opponent has an underhook?
Firas Zahabi explains that when your opponent's underhook is lifting you, connect your armpit to their wrist to neutralize the lift and prevent them from blocking your leg grab.
Which leg should I step up with first in this technique?
Step up first with your left leg, as Firas Zahabi notes that stepping with your right leg first allows your opponent to grab and lift your leg, potentially leading to a counter.
How do I finish the takedown once I've spun my opponent?
After turning your opponent to flank him and get an angle, drive your hips underneath his body and lift with your hips and back to complete the takedown, as demonstrated by Firas Zahabi.
How does the Spin Around Cage Escape work?
The Spin Around Cage Escape uses the cage to pivot and turn away from a pinning opponent, creating space to stand up or reverse position.
Where does the Spin Around Cage Escape come from?
MMA escape technique.
Is the Spin Around Cage Escape legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive/transitional technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal; IJF: legal — Legal; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Spin Around Cage Escape?
Danger rating 2/10. Defensive escape technique
How do I set up the Spin Around Cage Escape?
The standard setup chain: Under attack → Spin Around Cage Escape → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Spin Around Cage Escape?
Standard counters include: Maintain control / Submission finish.
What are the variants of the Spin Around Cage Escape?
Common variants: Standard Spin Around Cage Escape.
How effective is the Spin Around Cage Escape in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Spin Around Cage Escape?
Top errors to watch for: Giving up position / Panicking.
What are other names for the Spin Around Cage Escape?
The Spin Around Cage Escape is also known as Spin Around Cage Escape, Wall Spin Escape, Cage Turn Escape.