Underhook Meaning in Mixed Martial Arts

An underhook is a grappling grip where a fighter slides an arm. The athlete places their arm inside the opponent’s armpit to gain control. This move provides a massive advantage for takedowns and overall body leverage. Having an underhook allows the fighter to lift and turn the adversary. It is a fundamental skill for both offensive wrestling and defensive clinch. The person with the underhook can often dictate the direction of movement. Without an underhook, a fighter is vulnerable to being thrown or pushed. Many athletes use double underhooks to secure a very powerful body lock. This grip is essential for maintaining a strong position against the fence. An athlete secures an underhook to defend against a deep single leg. Driving the shoulder upward increases the pressure and stops the opponent’s drive. Keeping the feet wide provides the stability needed to maintain the underhook. This simple yet effective control is a fundamental part of all grappling.