Luis Azeredo vs Tony DeSouza
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DeSouza Special·amtuncurich
Luis Azeredo(Brasil) contra Tony DeSouza(PERU), en el MECA 11. www.tonydesouza.com www.cholitzu.com
DeSouza Special
SubFamilyデソウザ・スペシャル(Desouza Supesharu)
TransliterationTranslation: DeSouza Special — named after a Brazilian fighter who popularised this specific takedown-to-pass transition, where a defended double-leg attempt converts directly into a guard pass
Overview
The DeSouza Special is an MMA-specific technique that converts a defended double-leg takedown attempt directly into a guard pass, bypassing the intermediate step of landing in the opponent's guard. [1] In standard MMA grappling, when a double-leg takedown is defended (the opponent sprawls or posts), the attacker typically either backs out and resets to striking range or continues wrestling from the front headlock/scramble position. [1] The DeSouza Special offers a third option: instead of abandoning the failed shot, the attacker drives through the opponent's defence, threading past the legs directly into a guard pass — arriving in side control or mount without ever entering the opponent's closed guard. [1] BJ Penn documented the technique in The Book of Knowledge (2007) as one of several 'failed shot' recovery options, noting that the transition from the double-leg position to the guard pass uses the opponent's sprawl as an anchor point — the opponent's hips are lowered from the sprawl, and the attacker uses this lowered hip position to drive over or around the legs rather than fighting to complete the original double-leg. [1] The tactical brilliance of the DeSouza Special is that it turns a defensive failure (the shot was stopped) into an offensive success (direct pass to dominant position) — the opponent, having successfully defended the takedown, believes the danger has passed, and the immediate transition to the guard pass catches them mentally unprepared. [1] The technique requires excellent mat awareness: the attacker must recognise in real-time that the double-leg has been defended and IMMEDIATELY convert to the pass rather than continuing to fight for the original takedown. [1]
DeSouza TakedownDeSouza PassFailed Shot RecoverySprawl-to-PassWrestlingDouble Leg to Guard Pass TransitionWrestling
History & Origin
The DeSouza Special was named after a Brazilian fighter who demonstrated the takedown-to-pass transition in MMA competition, showing that a defended double-leg need not result in a reset to striking range. [1] BJ Penn documented the technique in Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (2007) as part of his comprehensive MMA technical system. [1] The concept of converting defensive scrambles into passing opportunities has roots in wrestling (where chain wrestling from failed takedowns is fundamental) and BJJ (where guard passing from standing is a standard transition), but the specific DeSouza Special — converting the double-leg defence directly to a side-control pass — was codified as a named technique in MMA. [1] The technique reflects MMA's unique tactical environment: unlike pure wrestling (where the takedown is the goal) or pure BJJ (where guard play is acceptable), MMA rewards bypassing the guard entirely (avoiding ground-and-pound from bottom guard), making the DeSouza's direct-to-side-control transition particularly valuable. [1]
Effectiveness
The DeSouza Special is effective because it exploits a cognitive gap: after successfully defending a takedown (sprawling), the opponent mentally shifts from 'defending' to 'recovering' — the DeSouza arrives during this mental transition, before the opponent has re-engaged their defensive processing. [1] The technique also eliminates the need to pass the guard entirely: standard MMA grappling often follows the sequence takedown → land in guard → fight to pass → achieve side control. The DeSouza eliminates the 'land in guard' and 'fight to pass' stages, jumping directly from the takedown attempt to side control. [1] In UFC competition, wrestlers and MMA grapplers who develop the ability to chain from takedown attempts to guard passes have a significant advantage because their opponents can never 'relax' after a successful takedown defence. [1]
Lineage
Brazilian MMA fighter (DeSouza) → demonstrated in competition → documented by BJ Penn in The Book of Knowledge (2007) → standard MMA wrestling-to-passing transition technique. [1]
Competition Record
The takedown-to-pass transition concept is used extensively in UFC and MMA competition by wrestlers who chain takedown attempts with guard passes. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Colby Covington, and Daniel Cormier have demonstrated similar transitions where defended takedowns immediately convert to passing attempts without resetting to striking.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — From a defended double-leg position (opponent sprawling or posting with hands), the attacker changes direction: instead of driving forward for the takedown, they redirect laterally and drive OVER or AROUND the opponent's legs to pass directly to side control
Joints Involved — Attacker's arms (transition from double-leg grip around the opponent's legs to a lateral driving position), hips (change direction from forward drive to lateral thread), legs (the attacker's feet and knees navigate past the opponent's legs during the transition), shoulders (drop into the opponent's hip to maintain pressure during the pass)
Force Vector — Initial: forward (double-leg attempt). After the defence: LATERAL (threading past the legs to the side). The direction change is the key biomechanical event — the attacker's momentum converts from forward to lateral in approximately 0.3-0.5 seconds.
Leverage Principle — The opponent's sprawl CREATES the passing opportunity: when the opponent sprawls (dropping their hips backward and spreading their legs), they lower their centre of gravity and widen their base — this sprawling position makes the double-leg harder to complete BUT also makes the legs easier to pass because they are spread and the hips are low. The DeSouza Special exploits this paradox: the very defence that stops the takedown (the sprawl) creates the conditions for the guard pass.
Position & Entry
From a defended double-leg (standard) — Shoot a double-leg → opponent sprawls → instead of backing out, redirect laterally → thread past the opponent's legs to side control
After a sprawl — Opponent sprawls successfully on the double-leg attempt → attacker maintains contact → drives the shoulder into the opponent's hip → threads over or around the legs → arrives in side control
Against a cage sprawl — In MMA, the opponent sprawls against the cage wall → the cage prevents the attacker from being pushed away → the attacker transitions laterally along the opponent's body to pass → cage-assisted DeSouza Special
As part of a double-leg chain — Double-leg attempt → if the double-leg works, complete the takedown → if the double-leg is defended, immediately DeSouza Special to side control → if the DeSouza is defended, transition to a single-leg → continuous chain
Variants
Standard DeSouza — from defended double-leg, thread laterally to side control
DeSouza to mount — continuing the transition past side control directly to mount
DeSouza to back — if the opponent turtles during the transition, taking the back instead of side control
DeSouza from single-leg — the same transition principle applied from a defended single-leg
Cage DeSouza — using the cage wall as an anchor during the transition (MMA-specific)
DeSouza to guillotine — if the opponent reaches for a guillotine during the transition, countering with a Von Flue choke from side control
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
The DeSouza Special is a positional transition with minimal injury risk. The technique achieves a dominant position (side control or mount) without striking or joint-locking.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part ...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The decision to convert from the double-leg to the DeSouza Special must be INSTANT — the window of opportunity (when the opponent has sprawled but hasn't yet started to disengage) is approximately 0.5-1.0 seconds. Hesitation means the opponent recovers and the opportunity closes (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007). [1] Drill the recognition: have a partner alternate between allowing the double-leg and sprawling — the attacker must decide in real-time whether to complete the takedown or convert to the DeSouza. This decision-making speed is the critical skill. [1] The shoulder pressure during the transition is essential: as the attacker redirects laterally, the near shoulder must drive into the opponent's hip to prevent them from turning and re-establishing guard. If the shoulder pressure is lost, the opponent can hip escape and recompose guard. [1] Chain drilling: double-leg → if completed, congratulations → if defended, DeSouza to side control → if DeSouza is defended, back out to single-leg → if single-leg is defended, DeSouza from single-leg. The continuous chain prevents the opponent from settling into any defensive position. [1] In MMA, practise the DeSouza against the cage: the opponent sprawls against the fence, the attacker transitions laterally along the fence to pass — the cage provides an anchor that prevents the opponent from creating distance. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Continuing to fight for the double-leg when it's clearly defended — the most common error: the attacker stubbornly drives forward for the takedown when the opportunity has passed, wasting energy and giving the opponent time to counter
!Converting too slowly — the DeSouza window is approximately 0.5-1.0 seconds; a slow transition gives the opponent time to disengage or re-establish guard
!Losing shoulder pressure during the transition — the near shoulder must maintain contact with the opponent's hip throughout the lateral thread; losing contact allows guard recomposition
!Not controlling the near leg — during the lateral transition, the opponent's near leg can hook the attacker's body if not controlled; the attacker must clear this leg during the pass
!Ending in a scramble instead of a dominant position — the DeSouza must arrive in a clean side control or mount, not an ambiguous scramble position
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Strong sprawl with immediate disengagement — if the defender sprawls AND backs away quickly, the DeSouza window closesHip escape during the transition — if the defender hip escapes during the lateral thread, they can recompose guardGuillotine attempt — reaching for a guillotine choke during the transition can halt the passTurtle and defend — if the defender turtles (knees and elbows on the mat) during the transition, the attacker cannot easily arrive in side controlUnderhook from the sprawl — if the defender achieves an underhook during the sprawl, they can use it to prevent the lateral transition
Setup Chain
1Striking range → Level change → Penetration step → Double-leg attempt → IF COMPLETED: takedown to dominant position → IF DEFENDED (opponent sprawls): Recognise the defence in real-time (0.5-1.0 second window) → Redirect from forward drive to lateral thread → Maintain shoulder pressure on opponent's hip → Thread past the opponent's legs laterally → Arrive in side control without entering guard → Consolidate dominant position
2IF DeSouza is also defended → transition to single-leg, or back out to striking
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. Failed Shot section (DeSouza Special).pp. Penn 2007, Failed Shot section (DeSouza Special, pp. 40-41 approximately)
description: [1] Penn 2007 Failed Shot section
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3Citation[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. Failed Shot section (DeSouza Special).pp. Penn 2007, Failed Shot section (DeSouza Special, pp. 40-41 approximately)
description: [1] Penn 2007 Failed Shot section
Community
Athletics
Requires good wrestling base (the double-leg attempt must be competent)
Quick decision-making (recognising the defended shot in real-time)
Mat awareness for the lateral transition
Shoulder strength for maintaining hip pressure during the pass
Standard MMA grappling athleticism
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the DeSouza Special work?
The DeSouza Special is an MMA-specific technique that converts a defended double-leg takedown attempt directly into a guard pass, bypassing the intermediate step of landing in the opponent's guard. In standard MMA grappling, when a double-leg takedown is defended (the opponent sprawls or posts), the attacker typically either backs out and resets to striking range or continues wrestling from the front headlock/scramble position.
Where does the DeSouza Special come from?
The DeSouza Special was named after a Brazilian fighter who demonstrated the takedown-to-pass transition in MMA competition, showing that a defended double-leg need not result in a reset to striking range. BJ Penn documented the technique in Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (2007) as part of his comprehensive MMA technical system.
Is the DeSouza Special legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; IJF: legal — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part of newaza; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the DeSouza Special?
Danger rating 2/10. The DeSouza Special is a positional transition with minimal injury risk. The technique achieves a dominant position (side control or mount) without striking or joint-locking.
How do I set up the DeSouza Special?
The standard setup chain: Striking range → Level change → Penetration step → Double-leg attempt → IF COMPLETED: takedown to dominant position → IF DEFENDED (opponent sprawls): Recognise the defence in real-time (0.5-1.0 second window) → Redirect from forward drive to lateral thread → Maintain shoulder pressure on opponent's hip → Thread past the opponent's legs laterally → Arrive in side control without entering guard → Consolidate dominant position → IF DeSouza is also defended → transition to single-leg, or back out to striking.
How do I defend against the DeSouza Special?
Standard counters include: Strong sprawl with immediate disengagement — if the defender sprawls AND backs away quickly, the DeSouza window closes / Hip escape during the transition — if the defender hip escapes during the lateral thread, they can recompose guard / Guillotine attempt — reaching for a guillotine choke during the transition can halt the pass / Turtle and defend — if the defender turtles (knees and elbows on the mat) during the transition, the attacker cannot ….
What are the variants of the DeSouza Special?
Common variants: Standard DeSouza (from defended double-leg, thread laterally to side control); DeSouza to mount (continuing the transition past side control directly to m…); DeSouza to back (if the opponent turtles during the transition, taking the…); DeSouza from single-leg (the same transition principle applied from a defended sin…); Cage DeSouza (using the cage wall as an anchor during the transition (M…); DeSouza to guillotine (if the opponent reaches for a guillotine during the trans…).
How effective is the DeSouza Special in competition?
The takedown-to-pass transition concept is used extensively in UFC and MMA competition by wrestlers who chain takedown attempts with guard passes. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Colby Covington, and Daniel Cormier have demonstrated similar transitions where defended takedowns immediately convert to passing attempts without resetting to striking.
What are common mistakes when doing the DeSouza Special?
Top errors to watch for: Continuing to fight for the double-leg when it's clearly defended — the most common error: the attacker stubbornly dr… / Converting too slowly — the DeSouza window is approximately 0.5-1.0 seconds; a slow transition gives the opponent tim… / Losing shoulder pressure during the transition — the near shoulder must maintain contact with the opponent's hip thro… / Not controlling the near leg — during the lateral transition, the opponent's near leg can hook the attacker's body if….
What are other names for the DeSouza Special?
The DeSouza Special is also known as Desouza Supesharu, DeSouza Takedown, DeSouza Pass, Failed Shot Recovery, Sprawl-to-Pass.