Modified Mount from the top perspective represents a strategic decision to trade some of the complete control of standard mount for enhanced base stability and direct submission access, particularly to armbars and triangles. The position involves posting one leg out to the side while maintaining the other knee across the opponent’s torso, creating an asymmetric structure that functions as both a defensive anchor and an offensive launching point. This configuration emerged from high-level competition as a response to opponents with excellent mount escape mechanics - the posted leg provides a stability base that makes explosive bridge-and-roll escapes nearly impossible while maintaining dominant positioning. Modified Mount often appears as a transitional position when advancing from side control to mount, adjusting within mount variations, or deliberately establishing for specific submission attacks. The posted leg should be understood as a structural pillar that allows aggressive submission attempts without fear of position loss, functioning similarly to a kickstand that maintains balance during dynamic movements. The across-body knee maintains the primary control element, pinning the opponent’s torso and limiting their movement options while the posted leg extends the base periphery for stability. From a strategic perspective, Modified Mount sacrifices the ability to apply even weight distribution across both sides in exchange for enhanced stability against specific escape attempts and improved angles for armbar entries. The position’s effectiveness depends on understanding when to use it - against opponents with strong bridge-and-roll escapes, Modified Mount provides insurance, while against opponents with excellent hip escape mechanics, standard mount may offer better control. Modern competition increasingly shows Modified Mount as a deliberate attacking position rather than merely transitional, with high-level practitioners using it to set up armbar and triangle combinations that flow naturally from the asymmetric structure. Mastery requires recognizing the position not as inferior to standard mount but as a specialized tool optimized for specific tactical situations and submission setups.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner posts one leg out to side with foot flat on mat creating stability anchor point
- Top practitioner’s other knee crosses opponent’s torso maintaining downward control pressure
- Asymmetric weight distribution places more pressure through across-body knee than posted leg side
- Top practitioner maintains ability to transition to armbar or other submissions from posted leg side
- Bottom opponent’s back remains on mat with limited mobility due to across-body knee control
Prerequisites
- Understanding of standard mount mechanics and control principles as foundation
- Knowledge of armbar entry mechanics and how Modified Mount naturally funnels to armbar
- Ability to distribute weight asymmetrically while maintaining balance and control
- Familiarity with common mount escape attempts and how posted leg provides stability against them
- Understanding of when to use Modified Mount versus other mount variations tactically
Key Offensive Principles
- Posted leg stability - Extended leg creates base anchor preventing bridge-and-roll reversals
- Armbar access - Position naturally positions body for armbar swing-over mechanics
- Transitional awareness - Often temporary position while advancing or setting up submissions
- Weight through knee - Across-body knee maintains primary control, posted leg provides stability
- Base expansion - Posted leg extends base width making position stable during dynamic movements
- Submission commitment - Position allows aggressive submission attempts without position loss risk
- Strategic deployment - Use when opponent demonstrates strong bridge-and-roll escape ability
Available Attacks
Armbar from Mount → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 80%
S-Mount Transition → S Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Mounted Triangle → Mounted Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to High Mount → High Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 85%
Americana from Mount → Americana Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Kimura from Mount → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Technical Mount → Technical Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 80%
Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to Back Control → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent extends near-side arm to frame or defend:
- Execute Armbar from Mount → Armbar Control (Probability: 75%)
- Execute S-Mount Transition → S Mount (Probability: 65%)
If opponent attempts hip escape toward posted leg:
- Execute Base Posting Against Hip Escape → Modified Mount Top (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Transition to High Mount → High Mount (Probability: 60%)
If opponent keeps arms tight and defends neck:
- Execute Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Americana from Mount → Americana Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent turns to side or turtles:
- Execute Transition to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Transition to Technical Mount → Technical Mount (Probability: 65%)
If opponent creates strong defensive frames:
- Execute Mounted Triangle → Mounted Triangle (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Primary Armbar Sequence
Modified Mount Top → Armbar Setup → S Mount → Armbar Control → Won by Submission
Triangle Chain
Modified Mount Top → Mounted Triangle → Triangle Control → Won by Submission
Technical Mount Progression
Modified Mount Top → Technical Mount → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Americana to Armbar
Modified Mount Top → Americana from Mount → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Gift Wrap to Back
Modified Mount Top → Gift Wrap → Back Control → Submission Position
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 55% | 45% | 40% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 65% | 60% |
| Advanced | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 90 seconds to 2 minutes to submission at intermediate level with active attacks
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Modified Mount represents an intelligent adaptation of mount mechanics that prioritizes stability and submission access over complete control. The posted leg functions as a biomechanical anchor that makes the position remarkably resistant to explosive reversal attempts - when the opponent bridges, your posted leg creates a triangular base structure that is inherently stable. However, this stability comes at a cost: the asymmetric weight distribution creates a directional vulnerability where intelligent opponents can exploit the posted leg side for escapes. Therefore, Modified Mount should be understood as a specialized tool rather than a universal solution. Deploy it when facing opponents with excellent bridging mechanics or when deliberately setting up armbars, as the position naturally funnels into armbar mechanics. The key technical point involves maintaining primary control through the across-body knee while using the posted leg purely for base stability - many practitioners make the error of weighting the posted leg too heavily, which paradoxically reduces overall control effectiveness. Master the timing of transitioning from Modified Mount to S-mount or armbar position, as this transition represents the position’s primary offensive purpose.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, I use Modified Mount primarily as a transitional position when moving toward armbars or when I feel my opponent has a really dangerous bridge-and-roll. That posted leg gives me insurance against getting reversed while I’m working my grips for submissions. The position’s biggest advantage is that it lets me commit more aggressively to armbar setups without worrying about losing position if they defend well - the posted leg keeps me stable even when I’m reaching for grips or transitioning. The key is not staying in Modified Mount too long - it’s a position with a specific purpose, not a destination. If they’re defending the armbar well, I’ll transition to high mount or standard mount where I have more control options. If they’re trying to escape toward the posted leg, sometimes I’ll actually use that momentum to help me get the armbar by swinging over. Train your armbar entries from Modified Mount specifically because the mechanics are slightly different from standard mount armbars, and that difference matters under pressure.
Eddie Bravo
Modified Mount is interesting because it’s like having a kickstand on your bike - you can lean way over to work submissions without falling off. I see it most often when transitioning from side control to mount, people naturally post that leg, and if you know what you’re doing, you can actually use that moment to attack. The armbar is obvious from here, but don’t overlook the mounted triangle - the asymmetric position actually sets up the triangle mechanics nicely if they’re defending their arms well. One thing to watch out for is posting that leg too far - I’ve seen people get their posted leg captured into lockdown or half guard because they overextended. Keep it close enough that you’re stable but not so far that you’re giving up the position. Also, use Modified Mount as a rest position when you need to catch your breath - it’s lower energy than constantly attacking from standard mount, but you’re still dominant and can explode into submissions when you’re ready.