Why is the "neck crank" from side mount never attempted?

Question

In cage competitiom why has the "neck crank" from side mount been completely forgotten about?

Answer 1

I think I know which neck crank you mean. Your talking about the one that is almost an arm triangle but from like a judo "scarf hold" position. I think Mark Coleman beat Dan Severn with it in the UFC years ago, if you are talking about the one I'm thinking of anyway. Almost a headlock with the arm across and inside the hold.

I honestly don't know why you don't see more people try it. It isn't terribly difficult to escape, but then again neither are most submissions if you recognize them coming early enough and know the defense for it. And considering that most places that I have seen when they teach the defense against this particular hold they teach you to roll onto your side into your opponent which does relieve the pressure from the neck crank, but also leaves you opened to have your back taken. Hadn't really given it too much thought, but you may be on to something. You most likely won't submit too many people with it, but it may serve well as a set up move.

Good question bro.

Answer 2

The neck is considered a small joint. Small joint manipulation in mma is illegal.

*edit - not sure where you get your information. It is illegal and has been ruled illegal by the NSBC and many other organizations.

Answer 3

I definitely remember reading somewhere that neck cranks were illegal (too much chance of it leading to a broken neck?), don't know who's rules it was ( I thought it was UFC but that don't seem to be so).  

Answer 4

Probably the same reason eye pokes and throat strikes aren't allowed: too much risk for injury.

I mean, do you know what would happen if a guy accidentally cranked it a little too far? Or if you had people like Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie who hold submissions way longer and harder then they need to.