5 UFC fighters who have mastered the D'Arce choke
In the UFC, knockouts attract more fans than any other phenomenon. This is a universal truth in all forms of combat sports that feature full-contact striking. Spectators usually reserve most of their thrilling reactions for the sight of a heavy-handed striker crushing their foe under the weight of their punches, kicks, elbows or knees.
Grappling does not receive nearly the same amount of fanfare. Instead, wrestlers and grapplers are often jeered for pursuing takedowns. Submissions, however, deserve the same level of admiration from the fans. There are UFC fighters who take advantage of every grappling exchange they're flung into by actively hunting for submissions.
The most common submissions remain guillotines and rear-naked chokes. However, there are a select few fighters who specialize in more unorthodox submissions, including the D'Arce choke.
This list aims to compile five UFC fighters who have mastered the D'Arce choke.
#5. Dustin Poirier - UFC lightweight
Fight fans have come to know Dustin Poirier as one of the UFC's finest boxers. His ability to shift stances mid-combination enables him to change the alignment of his punches as he blasts opponents on their open side.
Not only does Poirier use his shifting combinations as traditionally intended, he also uses the shift to create openings for takedowns. Against opponents who are intent on countering his shifting combinations with straight lefts, 'The Diamond' fakes his shift to draw out a straight left-counter before ducking under his foe's punch for a well-timed takedown when they square their hips.
Furthermore, he's also become more defensively responsible, using a modified version of the Philly Shell while shoulder-rolling to deflect punches with his shoulders, elbows, etc., while also parrying and countering his opponents with punches of his own.
What many might not know, however, is that Poirier is a skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has mastered the D'Arce choke.
While his defensive grappling leaves a lot to be desired, his offensive grappling is a work of art. Poirier bested two foes, Pablo Garza and Jonathan Brookins, with his D'Arce choke. Against Garza, 'The Diamond' secured a D'Arce mid-scramble as his foe exposed his neck while trying to return to his feet.
Against Brookins, Poirier used his D'Arce choke as a counter to his opponent's ill-timed takedown attempt, first securing a front headlock before transitioning to the choke.