Double Leg From Cage

SubFamily

ダブルレッグ（ケージから）(Daburu Reggu (Kēji kara))

Hybrid

Translation: double leg from cage

Overview

The Double Leg From Cage subfamily covers double-leg takedown entries executed while the opponent is pressed against the cage wall, using the fence as a backstop. ^[1] Unlike open-mat double legs that require a penetration step across distance, the cage double leg starts from a clinch position against the wall, where the attacker drops level and attacks both legs from close range. ^[1],[2] The cage prevents the opponent from circling away or sprawling backward, forcing them to fight the takedown through grip fighting, hip position, and underhooks alone. ^[2] This is a fundamental MMA cage wrestling technique. ^[2],[3]

Also known as

Cage Double LegWrestling^[1]Wall Double^[2]Fence Double LegWrestling^[3]

Used in

MMA

History & Origin

Double legs from the cage evolved as wrestlers adapted their shot-based takedowns to the cage environment in early MMA competition. ^[1] The technique became standard MMA curriculum once fighters realised the fence eliminated most open-mat double-leg defences. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

The double leg from the cage uses the wall to prevent the opponent from sprawling, then drives through both legs to complete the takedown. ^[1] The cage provides a backstop that increases completion rate compared to open-mat double legs. ^[1],[2]

Lineage

The cage double leg was developed by MMA wrestlers who adapted the open-mat double leg for cage fighting. ^[1]

Competition Record

The double leg from the cage is a high-percentage takedown in UFC competition, commonly used by wrestling-based fighters. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Level change and forward drive — penetrating step closes distance, shoulder drives into opponent's hips

Joints Involved — Attacker's knees (deep bend for level change), hips (explosive extension for drive), shoulders (contact point)

Force Vector — Forward and upward — shoulder pressure lifts opponent's centre of gravity while legs drive through

Takedown Mechanic — Disruption of base — clasping both legs eliminates the opponent's ability to post or backstep

Position & Entry

From wrestling stance (outside step) — Set up with jab or collar tie, level change with a penetration step, drive shoulder into opponent's hips, clasp both legs and drive through

From collar tie setup — Snap the opponent's head down, when they react by posturing up, change level and shoot the double

From underhook position — Secure an underhook, use it to clear the opponent's defence, change level and blast into the double leg

Videos

MMA COACH

Double Leg Off Cage With Striking Set Up

Double Leg From Cage·MMA COACH

http://www.mma121.com | In this MMA Wrestling video we show you how to get a Double Leg Takedown off the cage by using y…

1 video

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Moderate4/10

Cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

Restricted

— 2-4 points

UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF

Legal

— 2 points

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match

ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF

— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal

FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

— 2 points

NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDF

Training Notes

✓Drop your level from the cage clinch — you don't need a penetration step because the cage prevents retreat

✓Wrap both arms around the thighs and drive upward, lifting the opponent off the fence

✓Use your shoulder as a shelf under their hips to assist the lift

✓Keep your head on the inside (between their body and the fence) for safety

✓Once you lift them off the fence, step away and deposit them on the mat

✓Combine with a knee tap if they're bracing too heavily on one leg

Common Mistakes

!Taking a penetration step against the cage when the opponent is already pinned — wastes time and telegraphs

!Head on the outside against the cage, where the opponent can guillotine or knee you

!Wrapping too low (around the knees instead of thighs) against the cage — no lifting leverage

!Not maintaining upper body pressure during the level change, letting them pummel

!Lifting straight up without stepping away from the fence

!Trying to run through the cage instead of peeling them off laterally

Related Techniques

Single Leg Takedown — complementary leg attack often used when double leg is defended Underhook — foundational clinch control that enables this takedown entry Sprawl Defence — the primary defensive technique against this takedown

Counter Techniques

Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt Sprawl and Cross-Face — combine hip drop with head push to flatten the attacker Guillotine Choke — wrap the head during the shot attempt and apply front headlock pressure Knee Strike — time a rising knee to meet the incoming level change

Setup Chain

1Setup with Strikes or Feint — use a jab or level-change feint to hide the shot

2Level Change — drop hips below the opponent's hands

3Penetration Step — explosive forward step between the opponent's legs

4Head in Chest — drive forehead into the sternum while wrapping both legs

5Lift and Drive — elevate the hips and drive through to complete the takedown

Sources & References

Primary Source

Japanese MMA standard terminology

1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology

Japanese MMA standard terminology

2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology

Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords

3CitationJapanese MMA standard terminology

Katakana transliteration used in Japanese MMA/Shooto

Community

Athletics

Requires

explosive lower body power, level change speed, forward drive

Favours

stocky build with strong legs and low centre of gravity

Key muscles

quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, core, shoulders

Sub-techniques

Standard Double Leg From Cage

Genus

The Standard Double Leg From Cage executes the fundamental cage-wall double leg where the attacker drops level from a clinch position, wraps both arms around the opponent's thighs, and drives upward and forward to lift or trip the opponent to the mat. [1] The attacker typically uses an underhook or collar tie to control the opponent against the wall, then drops the level by bending the knees and shooting the arms to the legs in a single motion. [1,2] The wall prevents the opponent from sprawling, so the primary defence becomes hip position and underhook fighting. [2] The finish involves lifting the opponent's legs while driving the chest forward to topple them. [2,3]

Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I focus on technical perfection when shooting a double leg from the cage?

No—when shooting a double leg from the cage, prioritize a quick, dynamic snatch rather than the most technically perfect version. The MMA Coach emphasizes that proficiency matters less than speed and getting a clean result from there.

What's the key to finishing a double leg takedown from the cage?

Maintain good posture throughout, execute a quick pass with your legs once you have hold, and immediately establish solid ground position. The MMA Coach stresses being dynamic rather than overly technical at this stage.

How do I set up a double leg from the cage?

First get your opponent to lift their hands by disengaging and attacking upstairs, then perform a level change while maintaining good posture. Once you force their legs together and stretch them off the wall, pass as quickly as possible.

How does the Double Leg From Cage work?

The Double Leg From Cage subfamily covers double-leg takedown entries executed while the opponent is pressed against the cage wall, using the fence as a backstop. Unlike open-mat double legs that require a penetration step across distance, the cage double leg starts from a clinch position against the wall, where the attacker drops level and attacks both legs from close range.

Where does the Double Leg From Cage come from?

Double legs from the cage evolved as wrestlers adapted their shot-based takedowns to the cage environment in early MMA competition. The technique became standard MMA curriculum once fighters realised the fence eliminated most open-mat double-leg defences.

Is the Double Leg From Cage legal in competition?

IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)

How dangerous is the Double Leg From Cage?

Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure

How do I set up the Double Leg From Cage?

The standard setup chain: Setup with Strikes or Feint → Level Change → Penetration Step → Head in Chest → Lift and Drive.

How do I defend against the Double Leg From Cage?

Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Sprawl and Cross-Face — combine hip drop with head push to flatten the attacker / Guillotine Choke — wrap the head during the shot attempt and apply front headlock pressure / Knee Strike — time a rising knee to meet the incoming level change.

What are the variants of the Double Leg From Cage?

Common variants: Blast double (high-impact forward drive through the opponent without ch…); Snatch double (pulling both legs together and driving laterally); Run-the-pipe double (running through the opponent in a linear drive); Low double (deep penetration step attacking below the knees).

How effective is the Double Leg From Cage in competition?

The double leg from the cage is a high-percentage takedown in UFC competition, commonly used by wrestling-based fighters.

What are common mistakes when doing the Double Leg From Cage?

Top errors to watch for: Taking a penetration step against the cage when the opponent is already pinned — wastes time and telegraphs / Head on the outside against the cage, where the opponent can guillotine or knee you / Wrapping too low (around the knees instead of thighs) against the cage — no lifting leverage / Not maintaining upper body pressure during the level change, letting them pummel.

What are other names for the Double Leg From Cage?

The Double Leg From Cage is also known as Daburu Reggu (Kēji kara), Cage Double Leg, Wall Double, Fence Double Leg.

double leg from cage daburu reggu k ji kara takedown clinch takedown wall takedown mma cage double leg wall double fence double leg