Single leg defense variation, against the cage ..
0
Single Leg From Cage·Lyubomir Kumbarov
Wrestling for MMA & BJJ by Lyubo Kumbarov
Single Leg From Cage
SubFamilyシングルレッグ（ケージから）(Shinguru Reggu (Kēji kara))
HybridTranslation: single leg from cage
Overview
The Single Leg From Cage subfamily covers single-leg takedown entries executed while the opponent is pressed against the cage, targeting one leg from the clinch position. [1] The attacker drops level and captures one of the opponent's legs while maintaining chest-to-chest pressure against the wall. [1],[2] Single legs from the cage are often preferred over double legs because they require less space to execute and can be initiated from various clinch positions including underhook, overhook, and collar tie. [2] The cage provides the control surface that prevents the opponent from hopping away on the free leg. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
The cage single leg was adapted from freestyle wrestling's single leg by MMA fighters who recognised the cage's tactical advantages. [1]
Competition Record
The single leg from the cage is one of the most frequently attempted takedowns in UFC competition. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
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 27PDFRestricted
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 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓Target the leg closest to you — from the cage clinch, it's the one you have better access to
✓Drop your level and scoop behind the knee while keeping your shoulder pressed into their hip
✓Elevate the captured leg and step away from the cage to clear space for the finish
✓Use an inside trip on the standing leg if the opponent tries to hop and balance
✓Keep your head tight to their body — the cage prevents them from sprawling effectively
✓Chain to the other leg or a body lock if the single leg stalls
Common Mistakes
!Reaching for the far leg across the opponent's body — creates terrible leverage against the cage
!Letting the captured leg go when the opponent hops — keep it elevated and keep driving
!Dropping your head below the opponent's waist, inviting a guillotine
!Not stepping away from the cage with the captured leg, so the opponent can brace against the fence
!Attacking the same leg repeatedly without chaining to alternative attacks
!Forgetting to maintain upper body pressure with the opposite shoulder
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptWhizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angleCross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignmentLimp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away
Setup Chain
1Level Change — lower your stance to penetrate below the opponent's arms
2Penetration Step — drive the lead knee between the opponent's feet
3Head Position — place head on the inside of the opponent's hip for control
4Grip the Leg — clasp hands behind the thigh or knee for a secure hold
5Drive and Finish — drive forward or angle off 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Single Leg From Cage work?
The Single Leg From Cage subfamily covers single-leg takedown entries executed while the opponent is pressed against the cage, targeting one leg from the clinch position. The attacker drops level and captures one of the opponent's legs while maintaining chest-to-chest pressure against the wall.
Where does the Single Leg From Cage come from?
Single-leg attacks from the cage wall developed alongside the broader MMA cage wrestling system, as fighters found that isolating one leg was often more accessible than shooting for both in the confined space against the fence. The technique became a staple of UFC wrestling exchanges.
Is the Single 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 Single Leg From Cage?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure
How do I set up the Single Leg From Cage?
The standard setup chain: Level Change → Penetration Step → Head Position → Grip the Leg → Drive and Finish.
How do I defend against the Single Leg From Cage?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Whizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angle / Cross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignment / Limp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away.
What are the variants of the Single 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 Single Leg From Cage in competition?
The single leg from the cage is one of the most frequently attempted takedowns in UFC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Single Leg From Cage?
Top errors to watch for: Reaching for the far leg across the opponent's body — creates terrible leverage against the cage / Letting the captured leg go when the opponent hops — keep it elevated and keep driving / Dropping your head below the opponent's waist, inviting a guillotine / Not stepping away from the cage with the captured leg, so the opponent can brace against the fence.
What are other names for the Single Leg From Cage?
The Single Leg From Cage is also known as Shinguru Reggu (Kēji kara), Cage Single Leg, Wall Single, Fence Single Leg.