I've been dissecting Nate Diaz's triangle choke, and must say this kid has the most technically sound BJJ we've seen in some time. I aruge, even better from the technical aspect of it than his brother Nick. I think Nate is a little more patient with his sub game.
By that I mean of course that he secures position first and does not apply the submission until he's absolutely locked into position. He also times well when the throws it and lulls you into thinking he can't get it, then BOOM, aka baiting.
I really enjoyed before he tapped out Pelligrino, when you watch (no video available yet). When you watch that he secures his leg triangle first, then realized Pelligrino is totally stuck and flips the camera off and then he applies the submission. That's a fighter with outstanding knowledge of the position chess match that is BJJ.
I was always taught to break the Triangle down by my Machado instructors this way
Swivel hips and get into 45 degree angle, posture your leg toward the back of their shoulder at this angle, use your leg sort of like an arm and pull the shoulder down while simultaneously pulling the arm across as you secure the other leg into "lockdown" in a triangle position. Once caugh, grab the head with the other arm and pull down thus choking the guy.
It was always stressed to me that if you do not get that 45 degree angle? You will not secure the choke.
Here's a video of Diaz Triangle from a few months ago, and notice how subtly he maintains exactly that 45 degree angle before he "locks down" the choke
It's just a thing of beauty.
Pls add your observations in other aspects of Nate's ground game you noticed. Because I love to break down truly great technical fighters.
Excuse the language in the background music. I didnt make the video.