Top 7 Amazing Benefits Of Learning MMA | Read All Facts

In the chaotic world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the clinch game can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. One position fighters often encounter, yet sometimes overlook, is the overtie. This position occurs when both competitors have a collar tie on the same side—each with one hand gripping the back of their opponent’s neck.

While commonly considered a neutral or 50/50 position, fighters who master a few select techniques can turn the overtie into a highly advantageous platform to launch takedowns, transitions, and submissions. Whether you are an MMA athlete, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, or a wrestler, learning how to attack effectively from the overtie can greatly enhance your clinch game.

Here are ten effective and proven attacks you can launch from the overtie position to dominate in the cage or on the mat.

1) Overtie To Single-Leg Takedown

A staple in both wrestling and MMA, the single-leg takedown flows naturally from the overtie. Disrupt your opponent’s balance by pulling their head downward while stepping back slightly. Clear their collar tie with your free hand, then shoot for the single leg on the same side. Once you secure the leg, drive and pivot to finish the takedown efficiently. This move can put your opponent on their back with minimal energy expenditure.

2) Overtie Slide-By To The Back

The slide-by works well against opponents who aggressively pressure in the clinch. After pulling their head down to break posture, secure their elbow with your free hand to prevent counters. Drag your opponent forward while sliding to their back. This maneuver grants you immediate access to one of the most dominant positions in grappling—back control, opening doors to submissions or ground-and-pound.

3) Overtie To Modified Double-Leg Takedown

This variation differs from a traditional double-leg as it capitalizes on your opponent reacting to the constant collar tie pressure. Snap their head down repeatedly, prompting them to posture up. Time their posture change and shoot for their legs, using your near hand to grab the ankle and your far hand to attack the thigh. Drive forward to complete the takedown, or transition into a low single if your initial entry fails.

4) Overtie Arm Drag To Back Take

By dragging your opponent’s attacking arm across their body, you can swiftly transition to their back. This opens up follow-up options such as pulling them to the mat or sinking in a rear-naked choke. Should your opponent turn with you to defend, you can seamlessly switch to a low single leg to maintain control.

5) Overtie To Ankle Pick

A precision-based takedown that works exceptionally well from the overtie. Control your opponent’s free arm with your near-side hand and drop to a knee while snapping their head down. Release the free arm and grab behind their ankle, then push their upper body backward as you pull their ankle forward to bring them down.

6) Overtie Near-Foot Sweep

A low-risk, high-reward attack that can surprise even seasoned grapplers. Secure your overtie and use your free hand to reinforce the grip on your opponent’s neck. Step laterally to the outside while sweeping their near leg using your far leg, causing them to fall backward. Executed with timing and finesse, this technique requires little strength.

7) Overtie Slide-By To High Crotch Takedown

This attack blends the slide-by with a high crotch shot. Create diagonal movement by pulling your opponent toward your near side. Once off-balanced, shoot deep for a high crotch entry. Drive upward and finish with a lift or turn to secure the takedown. The angle created by the slide-by significantly reduces your opponent’s defensive options.

8) Overtie Snap To Low Single

Force your opponent’s right hand across their centerline to set up this chain attack. If they turn to face you, immediately shoot for a low single. Target both ankles if possible, pulling them out from under your opponent to bring them down. This move works well as a reaction-based counter when your opponent anticipates an arm drag.

9) Overtie To Fireman’s Carry

A classic wrestling maneuver adapted for MMA. Maintain a collar tie with your overtie hand and level change as you drop their head. Control their thigh and execute the fireman’s carry by lifting them across your shoulders. This explosive takedown transitions seamlessly into side control or dominant ground positions in MMA.

10) Reverse Arm Drag From Overtie

When your opponent defends regular arm drags, surprise them with the reverse variation. Grab their near wrist, then swim your other arm underneath to hook their triceps or upper arm. Pivot to the outside while dragging them forward to expose their back. This move is particularly effective against opponents who tend to square up during clinch battles.

Why You Should Master The Overtie

The overtie position is a staple of clinch fighting, and while often seen as neutral, it offers countless offensive options to those who dedicate time to mastering it. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned professional, understanding how to create off-balances and execute precise takedowns from this position can be the difference between controlling a fight or constantly defending.