Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm recently welcomed YouTuber Jarell Carter, a former NFL athlete, to Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The YouTube video showed an entertaining takedown challenge that showcased the massive gap between professional MMA training and raw athleticism.
Carter, known for attempting fitness challenges popularized by women online, arrived at the legendary gym with confidence in his size and strength advantages. However, that confidence quickly evaporated once Holm began demonstrating basic grappling techniques.
Before the challenge even started, Carter established three rules: say “pineapples” as a safe word, no laughing at him, and if he runs away, don’t chase him.
Holm’s response was perfectly deadpan—she gets hit in the head for a living and might not remember “pineapples,” and laughter can be involuntary.
The video begins with Holm teaching Carter a basic 50/50 position, explaining fundamental grips and takedown mechanics. When she slowly demonstrated a simple takedown technique, Carter immediately realized he was out of his depth, exclaiming, “I don’t want to do this anymore” and “my life actually flashed before my eyes.”
Despite his considerable size advantage—Carter weighs around 200 pounds compared to Holm’s fighting weight—the former champion effortlessly controlled every exchange. She patiently walked him through defensive positions against the cage, explaining concepts like the S-grip, hand control, and the “sumo step” takedown. Each time Carter attempted to use his superior strength, Holm’s technical expertise rendered it meaningless.
The most telling moments came when Holm demonstrated ground control positions. After taking Carter down, she explained the crucifix position and ground-and-pound techniques, prompting multiple “pineapples” safe word calls from the overwhelmed Carter.
At one point, he lamented, “I should be stronger and capable of not letting you hold me against my will,” perfectly capturing the lesson of the day.
Holm’s coaching was patient and thorough, breaking down every movement and explaining why technique trumps strength. She taught Carter proper posture, how to create frames with his arms, and the importance of constant movement when defending takedowns.
The champion even let him practice ground strikes with a heavy bag, demonstrating the difference between standing punches and ground-and-pound mechanics.
