MMA Submissions: Royce Gracie won the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, putting mixed martial arts on the map.
Gracie displayed the art of submitting with the grace and composure of a Renaissance master. The MMA legend’s paintbrush was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his canvas was usually a vivid shade of crimson. Decades later, this skill is still regarded as one of the most dramatic ending techniques in combat sports.
5 of the most memorable MMA submissions in history.
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Renzo Gracie
“The Gracie Hunter” is a walking highlight reel of the best Japanese MMA fighter of all time.
Perhaps the most memorable milestone in Sakuraba’s career was his victory over the famous Renzo Gracie at PRIDE 10 in the summer of 2000. The victory was, at the very least, one of the best submissions in MMA history. Although he stunned the world by defeating Royce Gracie in the Pride Grand Prix Opening Round in May of the same year, he did so with vicious leg kicks.
Sakuraba had submitted Royler Gracie in November 1999 before defeating the world’s most famous Gracie brother. But Renzo was not going to face the same fate. At least, such was the general consensus prior to the battle. Renzo was one of the world’s most notable practitioners and looked to be too powerful for the Japanese hero.
But that’s precisely what occurred, and Sakuraba’s patience paid off as he locked in the kimura with more than nine minutes left in the second round. Renzo attempted everything he could to get away, but there was no way out. Instead of tapping, he clung to Sakuraba’s hold until his arm shattered.
You might also be interested in ready this: 10 Best MMA Head Kick Knockouts in the History
Nick Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi
At PRIDE 33, the world was expecting a showdown between Nick Diaz and Takanori Gomi.
After all, both guys were most known for their standup routines. Diaz went on to become a Cesar Gracie blackbelt, but it was his high-pressure boxing style that endeared him to fans all over the world.
When examining the greatest MMA submissions of all time, we simply had to include this one. Diaz’s performance of the super-rare gogoplata was not only smooth and effective, but it also caught many fans and practitioners off guard, given how rare it is. One of the reasons for its rarity inside the cage is that it is one of the most difficult submissions to master in BJJ.
Although challenging to write, this is a really excellent proposal. As shown in the video below, the “go-go” is effectively accomplished from the rubber guard by placing the shinbone over the opponent’s throat. The goal is to exert pressure to the windpipe, effectively cutting off the opponent’s airflow.
Diaz nailed it, earning a spot on the list of the greatest MMA submissions of all time. Even though the battle was deemed a no-contest because the Stockton boxer tested positive for drugs, it is nonetheless remembered fondly.
Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg
Johnson’s flying armbar in October 2017 was his final UFC victory before joining ONE Championship in 2019. As one of the best MMA fighters of all time, the American has had a career full of dramatic finishes inside the cage. The finest of them all, though, came against Ray Borg at UFC 216, when he landed the most spectacular submission.
After working Borg over for most of the battle, it appeared like the fight would reach the distance. Johnson, on the other hand, grabbed Borg’s back and pulled him into the air, switching from suplex to armbar before landing on the ground.
If this isn’t the most stunning submission ever, it has to be among the very best.
Fedor Emilianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum
When discussing the greatest MMA submissions of all time, one should discuss this.
Sure, the size of the victory was large enough to pierce the earth. The technical brilliance behind Fabricio Werdum’s amazing submission win, on the other hand, was seismic. It demolished the commonly held idea that high-level jiu-jitsu had no place in the heavyweight division.
Many things changed when Werdum overthrew the invincible “Last Emperor” in less than a minute. For example, it ended Russia’s long winning streak, which was approaching nine years. It was also the start of the end of his elite career. You might also claim that it knocked out more strikers than any other triumph in the early to late 2000s.
It’s tough to duplicate the awe of seeing the deadliest guy on the planet tap to Werdum’s triangle choke but to say it was a surprise would be an understatement. Although the Russian great was able to escape the first one, when Werdum caught him in the middle of his second try, his technical brilliance carried him through.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen
The bout that had it all was Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen. This was an action-packed fight that appeared destined to finish in one of the greatest upsets in UFC history. Silva, who was widely regarded as unstoppable at the time, was overwhelmed by Sonnen over the course of five rounds.
The underdog was seconds away from becoming the next UFC middleweight champion and left the Octagon as a hero. The dream quickly turned into horror as “The Spider” caught Sonnen in a triangle like a fly in a funnel web.
So these are the 5 of the most memorable MMA submissions of all time. Do let us know your views in the comment section below.
