Under normal circumstances, he'd be able to take that sweep, but being on his feet was actually a disadvantage to him in some regards. So he went down, but he didn't let go of her hair, so she'd be coming with him.

His bleeding leg was good for something, though. He swung it out from the hip, trying to get it on her so he could get on top. He also sliced out with his knife trying to get what he could reach.