Top 10 Submission Artists in UFC History

MMA is recognized as an effective fighting sport that combines elements of kickboxing, wrestling, and submission holds. Due to submissions, an opponent is forced to surrender through the use of locks on joints or chokes, and this makes submissions part of the game. In the course of the UFC, the organization has witnessed some of the best individuals in submission techniques that do not require any use of the fists. This article is focused on a description of the 10 greatest submission artists in the history of the UFC, their careers, and the best submission moves.

1. Royce Gracie

Legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In relation to BJJ in MMA, Royce Gracie could be best described as the godfather of BJJ. Gracie competed in the early stages of the UFC and was able to show the efficiency of BJJ by winning three out of the first four UFC tournaments. This was because he was able to surrender much larger and stronger opponents, which indicated that it is not muscle might that wins the fight but technique. In addition to putting his name among the legends of MMA, Gracie contributed to the growth of BJJ on an international level.

Signature Moves

The submission holds that could be commonly associated with Grace were the rear-naked choke and the armbar. His cautious and systematic way of fighting and successful strikes made him the founder of this sport around the world. The fact of staying calm and fluently making the required techniques during the performance reveals the subject’s skill and training.

2. Frank Mir

Heavyweight Submission Specialist

Frank Mir is among the most dangerous submission artists in the heavyweight category. Mir has been accomplished in the field of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has a black belt, and has registered several big wins through submissions. His career is characterized by a set of successful bouts that showcase his skills in exploiting his rivals’ shortcomings.

Signature Moves

Mir has been praised for his diverse skills, but there are two most famous locks: the kneebar, which injured Tim Sylvia’s arm, and the kimura, which dislocated Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s shoulder. That is why he is a true submission artist, as he is able to conduct his bouts from a variety of positions. Submissions are an important factor in the fight, and Mir’s effective use of them has earned him a place as a villain in the world of the heavyweight division.

3. Demian Maia

The Human Backpack

Often, Demian Maia is considered one of the brightest representatives of the grappling style in the history of MMA. His shift from BJJ competitions to the UFC has been characterized by consecutive submission wins. The two strategies of Maia that have served him well and enabled him to counter his opponents have been his superior control and his capacity to dismantle his adversaries’ advantages.

Signature Moves

He has used the rear-naked choke, which is arguably his best move and has been applied to a large number of his counterparts. His tendency to take his opponents’ backs and keep control over them is rather appropriate to nickname him ‘The Human Backpack.” Maia has a remarkable skill in positional grappling, which makes him a persistent threat for opponents and guarantees him numerous submission wins.

4. Ronda Rousey

Armbar Queen

The women’s mixed martial arts were popularized by Ronda Rousey, who gave dominant performances in the UFC. Judo bronze medalist at the Olympics, Rousey’s move to MMA was smooth, and she had one of the best submission skills out there. To sum up, Rousey’s contributions do not limit themselves to mere wins; she also had a lot to do with the institutionalization of women’s MMA.

Signature Moves

Rousey’s submission of choice was the armbar, with which she concluded her first eleven professional bouts and her introductory match in the UFC against Liz Carmouche. The effectiveness of her armbar in particular was rapidly applied, and it made her a dangerous fighter in the bantamweight category. Which, in combination with the astonishing speed of the throws-to-submissions transition, made Rousey stand out of the crowd.

5. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Big Nog

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, ‘Big Nog,’ is one of the best-known fighters in the heavyweight category. Having an outstanding work ethic and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Nogueira has been known to finish most of his fights on the ground. Thus, his tenacity and capacity to endure the storms have leveled up his popularity in mixed martial arts.

Signature Moves

Some of the best-known submission moves by Nogueira are the arm bar and triangle choke. His ability to take the punishment and come out with the victory through submission has made him one of the most successful submission artists in UFC history. Nogueira has the technical skills and a sheer refusal to quit in the cage, which has influenced many fighters.

6. Fabricio Werdum

Vai Cavalo

Fabricio Werdum is a Brazilian MMA fighter and former UFC heavyweight champion recognized for his BJJ skills. Werdum, for instance, has at various points in his career displayed his strength in executing submission moves. His striking and high-level grappling provided him with a bizarre mix that makes him a dangerous fighter.

Signature Moves

His most famous submission is the triangle choke he applied to Fedor Emelianenko, one of the most famous MMA fighters. His submission base also comprises the guillotine choke and the arm bar; thus, he is a balanced wrestler. Werdum’s performance in applying the tactic in crucial fights has placed him as one of the greatest BJJ practitioners.

7. BJ Penn

The Prodigy

BJ Penn is a former UFC two-division champion and also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. One of the most versatile fighters of the present generation, Penn has faced a myriad of fighters in his career and submitted many of them. Penn has been able to fight in different weight categories, and for this reason, he has been able to bring out the best in him.

Signature Moves

Rear-naked choke is one of the submissions that Penn uses most often. This has seen him clinch several of his fights, especially the one whereby he defeated Matt Hughes to clinch the welterweight champion title. Penn, with his striking and grappling skills, has made a very balanced fighter and a lethal one at that.

8. Charles Oliveira

Do Bronx

Charles Oliveira is the current UFC lightweight champion, and he is also recognized for having the record for having the most submission wins in UFC history. His striking aggression and explosive fighting performance have made him one of the most dangerous submission fighters in the sport. Looking at the number of fights that he has submitted, one cannot argue that Oliveira is not a hard worker when it comes to submitting his opponents.

Signature Moves

Guillotine choke, rear-naked choke, and anaconda choke are the major submission holds in the gym of Oliveira. His work rate in searching for submission and his willingness to finish fights in all sorts of positions have made him stand out. One of the biggest assets that I have seen in Oliveira is the way he switches from one submission attempt to the next, thus putting constant pressure on the rival.

9. Nate Diaz

The Stockton Slugger

Nate Diaz is an example of a tough, striking, and submission fighter. Diaz, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie, has had some of the most sensational submissions in the UFC. Thus, the American Top Team representative establishes himself as a complete fighter due to the fact that he possesses both an efficient stand-up game and a lethal submission arsenal.

Signature Moves

The most popular of Diaz’s submissions is the rear naked choke on Conor McGregor during their first fight. He is defensively strategic because he can endure adverse situations and locate opportunities to submit papers. Thus, pressure and cardio become impressive tools in Diaz’s hands as he tires out and eventually submits his opponents.

10. Khabib Nurmagomedov

The Eagle

Khabib Nurmagomedov was a force to be reckoned with in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he retired after winning all 29 fights. Although widely regarded for his stifling top control and heavy leather, Khabib possesses a very good submission offense. Thus, Nurmagomedov’s control and pressure on the ground make an opponent uncomfortable and become a nightmare for them.

Signature Moves

Khabib’s most favored submission move is the rear-naked choke that he employed to knock out Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje in his last two title tussles. His grip and his flow from control to submission are among the best in MMA, and that is why he is among the best grapplers. This has made Khabib a legend in the sport due to his capability of controlling the fight on the ground and at his preferred pace.

The way submissions are done in cage MMA is clear evidence that this type of fighting is very tactical and technical. What the fighters mentioned in this article were able to accomplish pushes the techniques and strategies related to grappling forward. These are some of the people who have contributed immensely to the sport and have left a very big mark in the UFC. That’s why future submission artists will definitely find inspiration and ideas in these legends of the sport.

These submission artists have explained the fact that the capability of ending a fight on the floor is crucial in MMA. Thanks to that, they are now considered among the best grapplers in the UFC and in the history of this sport. From the technical and calculating applied by Royce Gracie to the fierce offense of Charles Oliveira and the stifling pressure of Khabib Nurmagomedov, these fighters have shown just how strong submissions are in MMA. Their teachings will go on helping and motivating future fighters to keep the tradition of submissions alive and thriving.