Is This Legal?

[Grappling Magic]

This is a very legal move. I am surprised that no one here noted that C-4 has done the exact same thing before reverse spiking Sherron Leggett back in WEC 29. The expression on Leggett's face is priceless.

 

[Lincoln Hawk]

TS - you're probably thinking of spiking an opponent on their head or neck, which is illegal under the unified rules.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/590643-mma-rules-10-illegal-moves/page/7

Apparently this isn't considered spiking, though I'm not exactly sure why other than perhaps because Melvin is holding onto Varner's back.