Reverse Mount Bottom is a highly defensive position where the practitioner is mounted but facing away from their opponent, with the opponent’s hips on their back or lower torso. This is an extremely vulnerable position that requires immediate defensive action to prevent submissions, particularly rear naked chokes and back takes. Unlike traditional mount bottom, the defender cannot use frames or visual cues as effectively, making this position particularly dangerous.
The primary objective is rapid escape to less compromising positions through systematic hip movement, turning, and re-guarding sequences. This position often occurs during scrambles, failed takedown defenses, or when an opponent successfully transitions from turtle or other positions. The defender’s back is exposed, creating immediate submission threats and eliminating the visual feedback normally available in face-to-face defensive positions.
Understanding the escape hierarchy and maintaining composure under pressure are critical for survival and eventual position improvement from this highly unfavorable state. The defender must balance immediate neck protection with continuous movement toward improved positions, never allowing the opponent to settle their weight and establish complete control.
Position Definition
- Opponent’s hips positioned on defender’s lower back, lumbar region, or glutes with weight distributed downward through their pelvis, creating heavy pressure on the spine and restricting torso mobility
- Defender face-down or on their side with back exposed to opponent, shoulders pressed toward mat, unable to establish visual contact or traditional defensive frames against upper body attacks from behind
- Opponent has access to defender’s back, neck, and arms from behind, with ability to establish hooks or seat belt control points without defender’s direct visual awareness of hand positioning
- Defender’s hips pinned to mat with limited mobility, torso twisted or flattened with opponent controlling from superior position behind and above, eliminating traditional mount escape mechanics
Prerequisites
- Opponent successfully achieved reverse mount through scramble, turtle attack, or failed escape attempt
- Defender’s back is exposed with opponent achieving top position from behind
- Opponent has established hip-to-back contact with weight distribution favoring control
- Defender is unable to face opponent or establish traditional bottom mount defensive structures
Key Defensive Principles
- Immediately protect neck with chin tucked and hands defending collar/throat area to prevent rear naked choke
- Prevent opponent from establishing hooks or seat belt control by keeping elbows tight and hips heavy
- Create movement through hip escapes and shoulder rolls to turn into opponent and establish frames
- Never allow opponent to flatten you completely - maintain some angle and keep trying to turn
- Prioritize survival and escape over attempting sweeps or submissions from this inferior position
- Use explosive bridge and turn movements to create space and opportunities to re-guard or escape to less dangerous positions
- Keep one shoulder off the mat when possible to maintain escape options and prevent complete flattening
Available Escapes
Elbow Escape → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Bridge and Roll → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 35%
Hip Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 20%
- Advanced: 35%
Re-Guard → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 8%
- Intermediate: 15%
- Advanced: 25%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 5%
- Intermediate: 12%
- Advanced: 20%
Rolling to Guard → Butterfly Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 12%
- Intermediate: 22%
- Advanced: 35%
Explosive Bridge → Deep Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 8%
- Intermediate: 18%
- Advanced: 30%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is establishing seat belt control or attempting rear naked choke:
- Execute RNC Defense → Turtle (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Hand Fighting from Back → Side Control (Probability: 30%)
If opponent has not yet established hooks or full control:
- Execute Explosive Bridge and Turn → Half Guard (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Hip Escape to Guard → Open Guard (Probability: 35%)
If opponent is high on back with weight shifted forward:
- Execute Forward Roll Escape → Turtle (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Granby Roll → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 25%)
If opponent attempts to transition to traditional mount:
- Execute Prevent Turn Counter → Defensive Position (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Re-guard During Transition → Closed Guard (Probability: 25%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Fastest escape path
Reverse Mount Bottom → Turtle (via Explosive Bridge) → Half Guard (via Hip Escape) → Closed Guard (via Guard Recovery)
High-percentage defensive sequence
Reverse Mount Bottom → Defensive Position (Neck Protection) → Turtle (via Shrimp) → Deep Half Guard (via Granby Roll) → X-Guard (via Hook Insertion)
Technical escape progression
Reverse Mount Bottom → Side Control (via Bridge and Turn) → Open Guard (via Frame and Shrimp) → Closed Guard (via Hip Movement)
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 15% | 25% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 30% | 40% | 8% |
| Advanced | 45% | 55% | 12% |
Average Time in Position: 15-45 seconds before escape or opponent advancement