The Americana will not always be an "easy" finish, especially if your opponent is defending well. We have the option to either abandon position or better yet, transition into a modified Americana armlock. With this transition we will be extending the arm, shifting the hip pressure to block the escape and posting out with the leg.
Now let's take a look at Arm Triangles from low mount. Here we are still focused on elbow and head control, and connecting them together with strong pressure. Even if you are not able to finish the Arm Triangle because your opponent is "toughing it out", it is a great way to wear your opponent ...
Question: What if I am not able to collect the elbow or my opponent is able to get their elbow back to the mat?
Answer: Then it is time to introduce them to your Mounted Triangle!