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MMA glossary

Guillotine Choke

Guillotine choke: on an opponent's takedown attempt, the chin is caught with one arm, the second hand reaches through to the armpit, the guard is taken, squeezed, the elbow is brought down and the chin is tucked toward the cervical vertebrae.

Explained in Jab Life

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October 5, 2026 · Aldric & Herbi · 39 k views

Is Strickland stalling with Imavov? + UFC 332: Silva crowned and KO fest

« It's my left arm that comes in on a takedown attempt. Catching Alex's chin. Threading my second hand through to the armpit. Then I take the guard, squeeze the guard, bring the elbow down and tuck the chin toward the cervical vertebrae. »

Aldric Cassata · at 6:20

Frequently asked questions

How do you finish a guillotine choke?
After catching the opponent's chin on a takedown attempt, thread the second hand through to the armpit, take the guard, squeeze, bring the elbow down and tuck the chin toward the cervical vertebrae.
When do you set up a guillotine choke?
A guillotine choke is typically set up on an opponent's takedown attempt, using one arm to catch the chin.
Each definition is written from what is said in the show indicated, with the exact sentence spoken and its timestamp. No outside source.