Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines, with fighters often excelling in one area such as striking, wrestling, or submissions. Submission specialists, many of whom are versed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or other grappling arts, have carved out legendary careers by mastering the art of forcing opponents to tap out. This article profiles the top 10 MMA fighters known for their exceptional submission skills, highlighting their records, histories, and most epic fights.
1. Royce Gracie
- Record: 15-2-3
- Organization: UFC
- Notable Achievements: UFC Hall of Famer, Winner of UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4
- Epic Fight: UFC 1 Final where Gracie submitted Ken Shamrock with a rear naked choke, proving the effectiveness of BJJ in MMA.
Royce Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family, brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the limelight in the early days of UFC. He dominated the first UFC tournaments, submitting much larger opponents and showcasing the power of ground fighting.
2. Demian Maia
- Record: 28-10
- Organization: UFC
- Notable Achievements: Multiple Submission of the Night Awards
- Epic Fight: His fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 where he secured a triangle choke in the first round.
Demian Maia is known for his high-level BJJ skills in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His ability to control opponents on the ground and secure submissions has made him one of the most feared grapplers in MMA.
3. Fabricio Werdum
- Record: 24-9-1
- Organization: UFC, Strikeforce
- Notable Achievements: UFC Heavyweight Champion, two-time ADCC World Heavyweight Champion
- Epic Fight: Submitting Fedor Emelianenko with a triangle armbar at Strikeforce in 2010, ending Fedor’s unbeaten streak.
Werdum has defeated some of the best fighters in the world with his superior grappling skills. His submission victory over Fedor is considered one of the biggest upsets and most impressive submissions in MMA history.
4. Charles Oliveira
- Record: 32-9, 1 NC
- Organization: UFC
- Notable Achievements: UFC Lightweight Champion, most submission wins in UFC history
- Epic Fight: His fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 262 where he won the UFC Lightweight Championship via TKO after showcasing his grappling prowess.
Charles Oliveira has risen to the top of the lightweight division thanks to his dynamic submission game, which includes an array of chokes and joint locks, making him the UFC’s all-time leader in submission victories.
5. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
- Record: 34-10-1, 1 NC
- Organization: PRIDE, UFC
- Notable Achievements: PRIDE Heavyweight Champion, UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion
- Epic Fight: His comeback win against Bob Sapp at PRIDE Shockwave 2002, where he survived being powerbombed to submit Sapp with an armbar.
“Minotauro” Nogueira was renowned for his ability to withstand punishment and secure wins from seemingly hopeless positions, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest and most skilled submission artists.
6. Frank Mir
- Record: 19-13
- Organization: UFC
- Notable Achievements: Two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion
- Epic Fight: Breaking Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s arm with a kimura at UFC 140, showcasing his lethal submission skills.
Frank Mir has secured numerous victories via submission using his extensive knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him one of the most dangerous heavyweights on the ground in UFC history.
7. Shinya Aoki
- Record: 47-9, 1 NC
- Organization: DREAM, ONE Championship
- Notable Achievements: DREAM Lightweight Champion, ONE Lightweight World Champion
- Epic Fight: His submission win over Kotetsu Boku at ONE Championship: Kings and Champions where he won the lightweight title via rear-naked choke.
Known as “Tobikan Judan” (The Grandmaster of Flying Submissions), Aoki is famous for his creative and often flashy submission techniques, including flying armbars and chokes.
8. Jacare Souza
- Record: 26-10, 1 NC
- Organization: UFC, Strikeforce
- Notable Achievements: Strikeforce Middleweight Champion
- Epic Fight: His submission win over Robbie Lawler in Strikeforce, where he used a rear-naked choke to claim the middleweight title.
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is one of the most decorated BJJ practitioners to transition to MMA, using his world-class grappling to dominate opponents on the ground.
9. Nate Diaz
- Record: 21-13
- Organization: UFC
- Notable Achievements: The Ultimate Fighter 5 Winner
- Epic Fight: His submission win over Conor McGregor at UFC 196, where he used a rear-naked choke after a striking exchange.
Nate Diaz is known for his toughness and his high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie. His submission win over McGregor is one of the most celebrated moments in his career.
10. Rousimar Palhares
- Record: 19-10-1
- Organization: UFC, WSOF
- Notable Achievements: Known for his leg lock submissions
- Epic Fight: His heel hook submission win over Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29, which was both swift and controversial.
Palhares is infamous for his aggressive submission style, particularly his heel hooks, which have both awed and raised concerns due to his tendency to hold submissions for too long.
These fighters have not only proven the effectiveness of their grappling skills in the cage but also inspired countless practitioners to take up Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. They exemplify the technical mastery and strategic depth of MMA, proving that knowledge and skill in submissions can lead to significant success in this complex combat sport.
