The UFC has some of the greatest submission specialists of all time. MMA fans have witnessed several unique and brutal submissions throughout UFC history. There are many fighters who are masters of submission, as they specialize in one or two specific holds and win most of the matches by using them. However, unique submissions can be incredibly beneficial too, but it is possible that many fans may have missed those or never seen them due to either their overall lack of usage or unsuccessful use. In this article, we will tell you about some incredible and rare submissions that are not frequently used in the UFC.
10. Calf Slicer
The calf slicer is one of the most popular moves but is rarely used in the UFC, thanks to famous WWE wrestler AJ Styles. This is one of the most excruciating submission holds that a fighter can ever be put into. Its grip causes immense pain, which is why it is given the name Calf Slicer. The hold is complex and difficult to lock into, making the victim feel as if someone is cutting his calf muscles with a knife.
9. Banana Split
Banana Split might seem like a silly name for a submission hold, but the damage it causes is far scarier than the name suggests. The hold is specifically designed to stretch the muscles within the opponent’s waist. In addition to the crotch damage, the hold can inflict serious damage to the fighter’s hips. Although this move is very effective, it is not easy to actually put your opponent in. Many practitioners suggest switching from a calf slicer to a banana split, but pulling out of a calf slicer mid-match is already difficult.
8. Hammerlock
One of the most important aspects for the fighters during a bout is maintaining control of their bodies. It is their awareness of where all of their appendages are at any given time, regardless of where the fight is, that makes the ground game one of the most intense parts of the fight. This is why a hold like hammerlock is so difficult for anyone to execute. This vicious move can result in permanent damage to the fighter faster than many other holds. There have been some instances where fighters were screaming in pain due to the hammerlock.
7. Flying Armbar
Its name already suggests how difficult it is to lock one in this hold. If you look online, this submission hold has been used a few times for the graceful grip, but it is quite rare to see it used at a high level. There are several reasons why its use is so rare, ranging from the difficulty of removing it to the potential negative consequences if one is willing or able to cope with the move.
6. Omoplata
Omoplata can be a dangerous hold if a fighter manages to pull it off. The problem with actually using this move is that the conditions that must be met in order to easily land a hold on an opponent are far from optimal. While fighters can transition from a triangle choke to an omoplata, a skilled wrestler will be aware of it. The most likely way to achieve a hold is from a closed guard, but even the fighter has to deal with an opponent who may have a plan to render the omoplata attempt ineffective.
5. Gogoplata
Gogoplata has been used in the MMA world, but this submission hold is rare for several different reasons. This move can be incredibly effective when pulled off, but if something goes even slightly wrong, the fighter gives his opponent free rein to capture any appendage of his choice. This move can be an option while on guard, but with many other options that offer less risk, it is generally best to avoid Gogoplata. Former UFC fighter Nick Diaz won with this move, but that victory was eventually overturned.
4. Japanese Necktie
The Japanese necktie provides an excellent way for fighters to attack fighters that have covered up on the ground, but that does not mean it is the best option. This hold is a sneaky way to choke an alert opponent. The risk simply comes from attempting to get a hold on the opponent so that he or she does not suffer as much damage as a fighter had thought. There are many other options that may be more advantageous for many fighters based on the holds and attacks they already know.
3. Flying Scissor Heel Hook
This move is very risky and also difficult to trap the opponent. It will come as a surprise to many MMA fans that Anderson Silva once fell victim to this submission hold, although it was outside of the UFC. If you watch the video, you may wonder why Silva was so quick to tap on the move, but a simple heel hook is actually one of the most dangerous leglocks in MMA. The move can end the career of anyone who doesn’t submit quickly.
2. Bicep Slicer
While the calf slicer is more popular among the slicer submission holds, the Bicep Slicer is equally dangerous. The concept of this move is similar to the Calf slicer, with a lot of pressure applied to the opponent’s bicep. The overall goal is to make an opponent touch his shoulder with his hand, but not that much pressure is needed.
1. Leg Scissor Choke
Leg Scissor choke is very rare in MMA and the biggest reason behind this is the practicality of the move. This hold requires some interesting maneuvering. Although this move is likely something to have kept as a plan B, if a top-level fighter has the opportunity to get a hold on their opponent’s head, they are probably going to go for a more reliable hold that can be done in most situations.
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