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Submissions have always played a pivotal role in mixed martial arts (MMA), offering fighters an alternative path to victory that doesn’t rely on strikes. According to data from UFCStats.com, some submission techniques dominate the landscape, while others are rare but spectacular when they occur. Let’s break down the most common submissions in UFC history, analyze the techniques behind them, and take a look at some of the least common submissions ever pulled off inside the Octagon.
The Rear Naked Choke: UFC’s Most Efficient Submission
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) stands as the most successful submission in UFC history, accounting for 585 submission victories—more than twice the number of any other technique. Why is the RNC so effective?
One reason is its versatility. The RNC is executed from dominant positions, particularly from the back, where the opponent’s defense is severely limited. Fighters like Demian Maia, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have mastered the art of taking their opponent's back, a position from which the RNC is practically inevitable once locked in. From this vantage point, the fighter applying the choke has control not only over the opponent's neck but often over their entire body, which limits any escape options.
The RNC is efficient in both grappling exchanges and after striking exchanges when an opponent is weakened. It's a move that requires precision but doesn't demand a high degree of physical power, making it accessible for all body types and levels of fighters. It's also highly effective against tired opponents who may lack the energy to defend or escape.
Breaking Down the Top Submissions in the UFC
Guillotine Choke (264 wins)The Guillotine is one of the most popular submission moves after the RNC. It often arises from failed takedowns or scramble situations, where the opponent leaves their neck exposed. It's especially effective when catching wrestlers, as they often shoot for a single or double-leg takedown, leaving themselves vulnerable to a quick counterattack. Fighters like Dustin Poirier have secured high-profile wins with this technique.
Armbar (199 wins)The Armbar is a fundamental submission taught in the early stages of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and MMA training. It targets the opponent’s elbow joint, applying pressure until the opponent taps out. Ronda Rousey is perhaps the most famous example of a fighter who built her legacy on the Armbar, scoring numerous victories by hyperextending her opponents’ elbows.
Arm Triangle Choke (110 wins)Typically executed from the mount or side control, the Arm Triangle Choke involves trapping the opponent's arm against their neck while applying pressure to the carotid arteries. This choke cuts off the blood supply to the brain, forcing the opponent to submit. Fighters like Jon Jones have used this move to devastating effect, demonstrating how effective it is against even the toughest competitors.
Triangle Choke (89 wins)The Triangle Choke is a classic submission that often comes from guard. The fighter on the bottom wraps their legs around the opponent’s neck and arm, cutting off circulation until the opponent taps. Fighters like Tony Ferguson and Anderson Silva have used this submission in high-stakes fights, showing how dangerous it can be, even from an inferior position.
D’arce Choke (42 wins)The D’arce Choke is similar to the Arm Triangle but comes from different angles, often in scramble situations or when the opponent turtles up. It’s a favorite among BJJ specialists who thrive in transitions. Fighters like Tony Ferguson have become known for their ability to lock in the D’arce during wild exchanges.
Kimura (40 wins)The Kimura is a shoulder lock that torques the opponent’s arm backward, creating immense pressure on the shoulder joint. This move is often used to control or transition to other dominant positions, but when applied correctly, it leads to painful and fast submissions. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira is one of the most notable UFC fighters who mastered the Kimura, using it to submit multiple opponents.
Anaconda Choke (30 wins)Similar to the D’arce, the Anaconda Choke is another blood choke that targets the neck, often applied when the opponent attempts a takedown. The fighter sprawls and locks in the choke, rolling the opponent onto their side while squeezing for the tap. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that often leads to a sudden finish.
Kneebar (23 wins)The Kneebar is a leg lock that hyperextends the knee joint, much like an Armbar does to the elbow. It’s a more specialized submission but has been used effectively by fighters like Frank Mir to force quick taps in moments of high tension.
Neck Crank (22 wins)The Neck Crank doesn’t involve choking the opponent but instead puts severe pressure on the cervical spine, forcing the opponent to submit from pain. Khabib Nurmagomedov famously used a neck crank to defeat Conor McGregor in their UFC 229 bout.
Heel Hook (20 wins)A highly dangerous submission, the Heel Hook targets the ligaments of the knee and ankle. Once applied, it can cause significant damage if the opponent doesn’t tap quickly. Fighters like Ryan Hall have used this submission to great effect, demonstrating the dangers of leaving your legs unprotected.
The Rarest Submissions in UFC History
While the submissions listed above are relatively common in the UFC, some are so rare they’ve only been seen a handful of times in the promotion's history.
Twister (3 wins)The Twister is an exceptionally rare submission, used only three times in UFC history. It’s a spinal lock where the fighter’s body is contorted, with pressure applied to the opponent’s spine. Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung was the first to pull off this submission in the UFC, and it remains one of the most iconic finishes in the sport.
Omoplata (2 wins)The Omoplata is a shoulder lock that is notoriously difficult to finish in MMA. While it's a common submission in BJJ, only two UFC fighters have managed to submit their opponents with it. This move requires precision and patience, and its rarity speaks to the difficulty of executing it in live combat.
Toe Hold (1 win)The Toe Hold submission attacks the small joints of the foot, twisting the foot and ankle to extreme angles. It has only been successfully applied once in UFC history, a testament to how difficult it is to secure this move in an MMA bout.
Conclusion
Submission victories in the UFC represent some of the most technical and exciting finishes in the sport. While the Rear Naked Choke reigns supreme as the most common and efficient submission, every submission move requires skill, timing, and the ability to capitalize on your opponent's mistakes. Whether it's a common submission like the Guillotine or a rare and flashy Twister, submissions add a layer of artistry and unpredictability to the sport, making MMA one of the most dynamic forms of combat in the world. Fight.TV is here for it!
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