Islam Makhachev's Controversial 'Oxygen Cylinder' Choke Sparks Debate

UFC lightweight champion's new submission technique raises questions about legal boundaries in MMA

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:39pm by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an MMA fighter performing a submission hold, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the dynamic motion and technical complexity of the move.Makhachev's innovative but controversial choke technique sparks debate over the evolving boundaries of legal MMA submissions.San Francisco Today

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has unveiled a new submission technique he calls the 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke, which involves covering his opponent's mouth to force a quick tap-out. While the move appears to be within the rules, it has sparked controversy and debate over whether it should be allowed in competition.

Why it matters

Makhachev's innovative approach to submissions could redefine the art of grappling in MMA, but the legality of the 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke raises questions about the boundaries of what's permitted under the Unified Rules. This debate touches on the ongoing evolution of the sport and whether new techniques should be embraced or banned for safety reasons.

The details

In a recent training video, Makhachev demonstrated the 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke, which combines pelvic pressure and mouth restriction to force opponents to tap out almost instantly. While the move doesn't involve illegal techniques like fish hooking, it does raise concerns about potential throat targeting and fighter safety. AI analysis suggests the choke may be legal under current rules, but the debate continues over whether it should be allowed.

  • Makhachev unveiled the 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke in a recent training video from Dagestan.

The players

Islam Makhachev

The UFC lightweight champion known for his innovative ground game and record-breaking title defenses.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The former UFC lightweight champion and Makhachev's teammate, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

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What’s next

The debate over the legality of Makhachev's 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether it will be allowed in future UFC competitions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing evolution of MMA techniques and the need to carefully balance innovation, safety, and the rules of the sport. As new submissions like Makhachev's 'Oxygen Cylinder' choke emerge, the UFC and regulatory bodies will have to navigate complex questions about what should be permitted in the octagon.