In mixed martial arts, the position of advantage is always at the top of the opponent. When one is under one’s opponent, one is rendered vulnerable and can get kicked, choked, elbowed, and inevitably knocked out. The butterfly guard is a movement to make when one is trapped under one’s opponent. The subdued competitor must work to sweep the aggressor from his position of advantage.
The subdued opponent must position his legs inside the aggressive opponent’s thighs. The former should anchor his legs to the opponent’s body, clamp them tightly, and use the movement to wrestle control. The subdued opponent should move his arms and use them as under the opponent’s arms.
From his position on the floor as he in on his back, the subdued competitor must push back slightly against his opponent and then bring down his chin on top of the opponent’s head. This action will force the opponent’s head down so he cannot move or make a defensive posture. Wherever the head goes, the body follows, but with the opponent's head pulled down, the once subdued athlete can move his legs quickly, hook his rival's shin, and get upright.
After gaining the upright position, the subdued can become the aggressor by continuing to push his chin down on his opponent’s head and then wrapping his arms around the latter’s neck and torso. The subdued opponent will try to break the grip, so the aggressor should make a counter-movement of bringing his leg inside the opponent’s things. He should bend his knees so it will push against the opponent’s groin. The aggressive competitor should keep his grip around the neck and back of his opponent, and his chin down on the opponent’s head.
The next action is flipping the opponent over. The aggressive competitor should push his foot against the body of his opponent from the inside, then use his arms to force him over to fall on the mat. The Butterfly guard is a defensive action that develops into an offensive movement because of the swiftness of the transition from one body position to another. The opponents grapple with one another, and the one at the bottom can use the butterfly guard to gain a dominant position.