"You have to expose yourself" - Demetrious Johnson suggests how to make guard-pulling more exciting in BJJ matches

Even to this day, the aspect of pulling guard in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is still a touchy subject.

Given his dedication to 'The Gentle Art' as of late, MMA GOAT candidate Demetrious Johnson recently weighed in and gave his two cents.

While guard-pulling is practically a foundational technique in BJJ, it has gotten some flak since it's not as flashy as takedowns or throws.

Moreover, some link it to stalling which often leads to a lull in action.

However, when done right, guard-pulling brings out the beauty of jiu-jitsu and sets up millions of possibilities from sweeps to submissions.

Appearing on the JAXXON Podcast, the intuitive Johnson recently gave his take on how guard pulling could be more exciting in sport jiu-jitsu:

"People pull guard and they go right to leglocks and they start attacking. For me, if you pull guard and you can't do anything in 30 seconds, you have to stand up and you cannot pull guard. Then, if the other person stands up, he has 30 seconds to make things happen."

'Mighty Mouse' continued:

"Can't achieve anything? Stand up. You have to wrestle. I shoot and I take you down. That's two points for me. Now you're behind. You have to expose yourself and do something to get the game going."

Do you agree with Demetrious Johnson's sentiments?

Watch the full JAXXON podcast interview:

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Demetrious Johnson says he could compete in ONE's submission grappling divisions

Demetrious Johnson has been loving the gi, as we've seen in his conquests in the IBJJF scene.

While 'DJ' is enjoying donning the traditional kimono, he's not closing the door on wearing the rashguard and possibly competing in ONE's burgeoning submission grappling sphere. He said in the same interview:

"If I want to do jiu-jitsu [in ONE], who knows? It might happen down the line. [Right now], I just enjoy the tournament style. 30 motherf***ers show up, only one champion can win. I don't want to be like, 'I'm fighting you in six months for jiu-jitsu.' Who knows. Maybe one day my tune will change."