This video is all about escape challenges — something I don’t usually find too difficult, because once I secure a hold properly, getting out isn’t easy. But this time I was curious. Very curious.

Dexter is a big opponent — 184 cm and around 95–97 kg — and I wanted to see how my control would work against someone with that size and strength.

The rules are simple: I apply a technique, and Dexter gets a limited amount of time to escape. If he succeeds, he scores a point. If I keep him trapped, the point goes to me. This creates a dynamic back-and-forth match where every second matters.

We test a wide variety of positions and controls, including kesa gatame, grapevine pin, mount triangle, north-south control, armbar, SG pin, front scissors, back crucifix, reverse scissors, mount, RNC, crucifix, back triangle, turtle control, closed guard, figure four, reverse triangle…

Dexter uses his size and strength to fight his way out, but technique and positioning play a huge role. Sometimes he surprises me, sometimes the hold stays locked in place.

At the end, we switch roles. Now I try to escape from Dexter’s control, making the challenge even more interesting. For this round, we remove scissors and figure-four holds to keep things balanced.