The **Double-Leg Takedown** is a fundamental wrestling technique and one of the most widely used methods for bringing a fight to the canvas in mixed martial arts. It involves shooting under an opponent's guard, wrapping both arms around their legs (usually behind the knees), and driving forward or lifting to force them onto their back.

## Mechanics & Execution

A successful double-leg takedown requires explosive speed, correct timing, and proper body mechanics. Doing it incorrectly exposes the attacking fighter to counter strikes or submissions.

**The four core mechanics:**

1. **Set Up and Distraction:** Before shooting, a fighter must set up the takedown with strikes (e.g., throwing a jab to make the opponent block high) or level changes to bypass the opponent's guard.
2. **Level Change & Penetration Step:** Drop your hips lower than the opponent's hips. Explode forward with a penetration step, driving your lead knee between the opponent's feet.
3. **Grip & Placement:** Wrap both arms around the back of the opponent's thighs or knees. Crucially, your head must be placed firmly against the side of the opponent's hip/ribs—never look down or tuck your head inside, as this exposes you to guillotine chokes.
4. **Drive & Finish (Cutting the Corner):** Drive off your back leg. Do not try to lift with just your lower back; instead, pull the opponent's knees toward you while pushing your head and chest across their body to drive them diagonally onto the mat (often called "cutting the corner").

## MMA Adaptations: The Cage Walk

In wrestling, double-leg takedowns are finished out in the open. In MMA, fighters frequently drive their opponent back against the cage fence. Once pinned against the cage in a standing [clinch](clinch.md), the attacker can transition from a double-leg grip to single-leg variants, trip finishes, or lift-and-dump throws using the cage wall to trap the opponent's hips.

## Finishes & Variations

- **High-Crotch Transition:** A variation where the penetration step goes outside the leg, often starting as a single-leg and finishing with a double-leg lift.
- **Blast Double:** An aggressive variation where the attacker drives their forehead directly into the opponent's sternum, driving them straight back without needing to cut a corner.
- **The Lift (Flair Finish):** Lifting the opponent off the ground completely, rotating their hips in mid-air, and throwing them to the side to land in a dominant side control or mount position.

## Defending the Double-Leg

Standard defense relies on reaction speed and keeping the hips away from the shooter:

- **The Sprawl:** Instantly throw your legs back and drop your hips/pelvis heavily onto the attacker's neck and shoulders to crush their posture (see [The Sprawl](sprawl.md)).
- **Underhooks:** Dig your arms under the attacker's armpits to prevent them from locking their hands around your thighs or waist.
- **Head Framing:** Push the attacker's face away to prevent them from driving their head across your hips, neutralizing their driving angle.

### Authority Citations

1. [United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules](https://uww.org/governance/rules-regulations) - United World Wrestling
2. [Double Leg Takedown Mechanics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takedown) - Wikipedia