Sunday, Dec. 11, Chael Sonnen and FloSports present their second event, Submission Underground 2, streaming live on FloGrappling. 

The event is headlined by a submission-only grappling match between former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Pride middleweight and welterweight champion Dan Henderson. Submission Underground puts on grappling matches inside an MMA cage using a modified set of the Eddie Bravo Invitational Rules. The Eddie Bravo rule set, in which a grappler can only win by submission during the regulation time period, has resulted in very exciting grappling matches and is the most used rule set in the submission-only grappling movement.

The headlining match is an interesting one, as it marks Henderson's first bout in a submission grappling format since 1997. Henderson was a standout international Greco-Roman Wrestler, medaling at multiple international events, including a Pan American Championship in 2000. He also represented the United States twice in the Olympic games. 

As such, Henderson brings a wrestling-focused game to grappling matches, with his primary area of strength being the clinch. Additionally, the fact Submission Underground takes place in a cage helps, as cage grappling is a strength of Henderson's as well.

Henderson's takedown game centers largely around getting to a body lock on the feet. To get there, Henderson will have to hand fight at range, something we've not seen him do in competition in quite some time. Once there, however, his chain wrestling is very difficult to stop. On the mat, Henderson boasts smothering top position, puts down terrifying pressure while riding, and is extremely difficult to submit.

Across the cage from Henderson, Jones is a JUCO National Champion, in addition to being one of the most accomplished light heavyweights in MMA history.  Jones has a diverse grappling game based in his collegiate and Greco-Roman wrestling roots. Many MMA fans will remember the high amplitude throws Jones favored from the clinch early in his UFC career, and his long limbs gives him fantastic and tricky leverage in those positions.

Jones has done several exhibition submission grappling matches in the last six years, adapting his wrestling to fit the demands of no-gi submission grappling. He plays low on the feet looking to hand fight to set up shots on the legs. Once on the mat, Jones has dangerous front head lock attacks and kimura grip chains. As a result, Jones does his best work against the turtle, hunting for guillotines and flowing in side control, using the knee-on-belly to try to expose an arm.



Henderson's offensive submission game is the big unknown here. He has been in and around the fight game long enough that he has undoubtedly developed personal submission preference, but in his MMA fights, he trends so hard toward striking--with usages of position grappling only when needed--it is difficult to determine what that preference might be.

Jones, on the other hand, has a multitude of factors working in his favor: youth, athleticism, experience in submission grappling competition, and a more submission-grappling-adapted game, to name a few.

Henderson's most likely path to success is riding out the regulation time and then winning in the overtime format on escape time. In MMA, Henderson's wrestling has proven to be top notch, but as he tires later in matches, his defensive wrestling deteriorates. So, while Henderson likely will give Jones trouble early, expect Jones to take over as Henderson flags.

Prediction: Jon Jones by Submission

​​By TP Grant 

How to Watch Submission Underground 2

On TV: Now Available on Roku & Apple TV 4
STREAMING: Available only on FloGrappling.com. Sign up today for $20 monthly or $150 yearly. Yearly FloPRO access gets you premium content and events from ALL FloSports sites, including FloCombat, FloWrestling, and FloBoxing.

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NOTE: For existing monthly subscribers on FloCombat, upgrade to a yearly subscription in Account Settings or by clicking here to watch Submission Underground 2 on FloGrappling.com AND all premium content across FloSports' network of sites.