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Most Common Submissions in UFC: A Deep Dive According to UFC Data
- Austin Jones
- Sep 25, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Understanding MMA Submissions
MMA submissions are a cornerstone of mixed martial arts, offering fighters a swift and decisive way to end a bout.
A submission occurs when a fighter forces their opponent to tap out or lose consciousness through a joint lock or chokehold.
These techniques can be initiated from various positions, whether standing, on the ground, or even against the cage. Understanding MMA submissions involves recognizing the different categories, such as chokes, joint locks, and control positions.
Chokes, like the rear naked choke and guillotine choke, target the opponent’s neck, cutting off blood flow or air supply, leading to a quick tap-out or unconsciousness.
Joint locks, such as the armbar and kimura, focus on hyperextending or twisting joints to the point of submission. Control positions, like the mount or back control, allow fighters to dominate their opponents and set up these finishing moves.
Mastery of these techniques is crucial for any fighter looking to excel in mixed martial arts.
Submissions in UFC: A Game-Changing Weapon
Submissions have long been a crucial element of mixed martial arts (MMA), providing fighters with an alternative path to victory beyond striking.
A well-executed submission can end a fight in seconds, demonstrating the technical brilliance of grappling. Many submissions target specific body parts, which can lead to quicker results if successfully applied.
Fighters who master submissions gain a distinct advantage by forcing opponents into defensive positions and capitalizing on mistakes.
According to UFCStats.com, certain submissions have been dominant throughout the sport’s history, while others remain rare but spectacular when successfully executed.
Fighters must dedicate hours to drilling submission techniques, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety in application. Fighters must practice submission techniques with partners to ensure accuracy and safety during execution.
This article will break down the most common submission techniques and effective submissions in UFC history, emphasizing their significance in achieving victory in fights, while also highlighting some of the rarest and most remarkable finishes ever witnessed inside the Octagon.
The Rear Naked Choke: UFC’s Most Dominant Submission
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) stands as the most successful submission in UFC history, accounting for 585 submission victories—more than double the number of any other technique.
This submission remains a favorite among grapplers due to its effectiveness, simplicity, and versatility in MMA competition. The RNC requires precision but doesn't demand a high degree of physical power, making it accessible for all body types and levels of fighters. But what makes the RNC so dominant?
High Control Factor: The RNC is applied from the back position, widely considered one of the most dominant positions in MMA. Once a fighter secures back control, the opponent has limited options for escape.
Energy Efficiency: Unlike submissions that rely on immense strength, the RNC relies primarily on technique and leverage, allowing fighters of all sizes to execute it effectively.
Versatile Application: Fighters often secure the RNC during grappling exchanges or after stunning their opponents with strikes. It is an excellent technique for both early-round finishes and late-fight submissions when opponents are fatigued.
Legends like Demian Maia, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have demonstrated exceptional skill in executing the RNC, solidifying its reputation as the most effective submission in UFC history.
Breaking Down the Most Common UFC Submissions
While the Rear Naked Choke dominates, several other submissions have proven to be fight-ending weapons inside the Octagon. Here are the most frequently successful submissions in UFC history:
1. Guillotine Choke – 264 Wins
A favorite among submission specialists, guillotine chokes are often used as a counter to takedowns, particularly when an opponent shoots for a double-leg takedown.
Guillotine chokes are versatile and effective during fights, especially against wrestlers who leave their neck exposed during takedown attempts, leading to 264 wins. Fighters like Dustin Poirier and Brian Ortega have secured high-profile victories using this choke.
2. Armbar – 199 Wins
The Armbar is one of the most fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) techniques, targeting the elbow joint. Ronda Rousey famously built her career on this submission, using it to win multiple UFC fights.
3. Arm Triangle Choke – 110 Wins
Executed from the mount or side control, the Arm Triangle Choke involves trapping and manipulating the opponent's arm while compressing the opponent’s carotid arteries, forcing a quick tap-out.
The Arm Triangle Choke has been used to secure 110 wins in MMA, demonstrating its effectiveness when executed from top positions. Fighters like Jon Jones have showcased this move in dominant victories.
4. Triangle Choke – 89 Wins
A classic submission from the guard position, the Triangle Choke traps the opponent’s neck and arm using the legs, cutting off blood circulation.
The Triangle Choke is a popular submission in MMA that can be applied from various positions. Fighters like Tony Ferguson and Anderson Silva have made this move famous with spectacular finishes.
5. D’Arce Choke – 42 Wins
The D’Arce Choke is frequently used during scrambles or when the opponent turtles up.
The D'arce Choke is a submission similar to the Arm Triangle but comes from different angles during scrambles. Tony Ferguson is known for his mastery of this technique.
6. Kimura – 40 Wins
A devastating shoulder lock, the Kimura is a versatile submission used for both control and finishing fights. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira was one of the UFC’s top practitioners of this technique.
7. Anaconda Choke – 30 Wins
Similar to the D’Arce Choke, the Anaconda Choke is often applied when an opponent attempts a takedown.
The Anaconda Choke is a submission that involves wrapping your arm around your opponent's neck and applying pressure to restrict blood flow or air. Fighters lock the choke and roll their opponent onto their side to secure the submission.
8. Kneebar – 23 Wins
A rare but highly effective leg lock, the Kneebar hyperextends the knee joint, forcing immediate taps. Frank Mir famously used this move to win fights in dramatic fashion.
9. Neck Crank – 22 Wins
Unlike chokes that cut off blood flow, the Neck Crank applies severe pressure to the opponent's neck and cervical spine.
Khabib Nurmagomedov used this technique to submit Conor McGregor at UFC 229.
10. Heel Hook – 20 Wins
Considered one of the most dangerous submissions in MMA, the Heel Hook targets the knee and ankle ligaments.
Different submissions, like the Kimura and Armbar, involve targeting and manipulating the opponent's arm to achieve a tap-out. Ryan Hall has demonstrated the devastating potential of this move.
The Rarest Submissions in UFC History
While the above submissions are frequently seen in the UFC, some techniques are so rare that only a few fighters have ever executed them successfully inside the Octagon.
The North-South Choke, for example, is a technique that cuts off an opponent's blood flow by positioning the attacker perpendicular to the opponent, making it effective in both grappling and UFC contexts. These submissions require precise technique, perfect timing, and a high level of grappling skill.
Twister – 3 Wins
A spinal lock that forces the opponent’s body into an unnatural position, the Twister has only been used successfully three times in UFC history. Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung was the first to execute this spectacular submission.
Omoplata – 2 Wins
Although common in BJJ, the Omoplata is difficult to finish in MMA due to the need for precise control. Only two fighters in UFC history have managed to submit their opponents using this technique.
Toe Hold – 1 Win
The rarest submission in UFC history, the Toe Hold attacks the small joints of the foot, forcing an opponent to tap. It has been seen only once inside the Octagon.
Conclusion: The Art of Submissions in MMA
Submission victories remain some of the most technical and thrilling finishes in the UFC. UFC fighters utilize a variety of submission techniques, showcasing both common and rare maneuvers that highlight their skill and expertise.
While the Rear Naked Choke reigns supreme as the most effective submission, every grappling technique requires precision, strategy, and the ability to capitalize on an opponent’s mistakes.
Improper application of a submission can lead to serious injury; fighters must train under supervision. Fighters must also prioritize safety, releasing holds as soon as their opponent taps to prevent injury.
For those looking to improve their grappling game, mastering a variety of submissions is essential for staying unpredictable in fights.
Whether it’s a high-percentage move like the Guillotine Choke or a rare, highlight-reel submission like the Twister, these techniques showcase the beauty of MMA’s ground game.
The Triangle Choke is effective as it constricts circulation, leading to 89 recorded wins when executed properly.
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