Greatest MMA Submissions in UFC History

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has seen hundreds of tapouts, but only a select few rank among the greatest MMA submissions ever witnessed. These fight-ending holds have created legends, shocked fans, and showcased the brilliance of grappling arts in mixed martial arts. In this article we break down the best UFC submissions of all time, highlighting iconic moments and the fighters who pulled them off. Each section below delves into a different angle – from iconic UFC submissions to the influence of jiu-jitsu and the most legendary MMA submissions in history.

Iconic UFC Submissions (Famous MMA Tapouts)

Certain submission finishes have become iconic in UFC lore. One of the most famous MMA tapouts came when Anderson Silva caught Chael Sonnen in a triangle armbar at UFC 117, a stunning comeback after losing four rounds​.
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Fans still recall Silva, bloodied and behind on the scorecards, locking up the triangle choke and forcing Sonnen to tap in the final minutes – a truly greatest MMA submissions moment. Another iconic finish is Nate Diaz’s rear-naked choke over Conor McGregor at UFC 196. Diaz stepped in on short notice and shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round​. That upset win not only humbled a superstar, it also marked Diaz’s ninth UFC submission victory, which at the time was second only to Royce Gracie’s ten​.

When it comes to best tap-out wins, Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II at UFC 52 is often mentioned – Hughes endured a near finish, then famously carried Trigg across the Octagon to slam and choke him out, creating one of the legendary MMA submissions fans still talk about.

Ronda Rousey’s armbar became one of the most iconic UFC submissions in history. She won multiple title fights by armbar and even notched the fastest submission in UFC championship history (14 seconds)​. Her dominance with this famous MMA tapout helped popularize women’s MMA.

Jiu-Jitsu Submissions in MMA (Grappling Finishes UFC)

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) has been at the heart of MMA grappling since the UFC’s inception. In the early days, jiu-jitsu submissions in MMA proved that technique could overcome size and strength. At UFC 1 in 1993, Royce Gracie choked out a boxer (Art Jimmerson), a wrestler (Ken Shamrock), and a karate expert (Gerard Gordeau) in one night – grappling finishes that firmly established BJJ as the dominant art​. Gracie’s run of submission victories (he won UFC 1, 2 and 4 by tapout) opened the world’s eyes to ground fighting. Over time, fighters combined disciplines, but BJJ remains a core skill set for securing the greatest MMA submissions.

Modern UFC stars continue that legacy. Charles Oliveira, a fourth-degree BJJ black belt, holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history with 16​. Oliveira can tap opponents from any angle – he has won by rear-naked choke, guillotine, armbar, anaconda choke and even a rare calf-slicer​. This versatility makes his grappling among the very best. Other renowned BJJ practitioners like Demian Maia and Fabrício Werdum have earned titles and contenders status through grappling finishes UFC fans respect. The most common submission in MMA remains the rear-naked choke – applied from back control – which has earned countless victories including championship wins. No matter how the sport evolves, a slick jiu-jitsu setup can produce the best UFC submissions on any given night.

Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (pictured) is a submission specialist. Known as “Do Bronx,” Oliveira owns the UFC record for submission victories and exemplifies how high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu yields submission victories UFC fans love. He has submitted elite strikers and wrestlers alike, proving that grappling skill can decide fights at the highest level.

Submission Victories UFC (Best Tap-Out Wins)

Many UFC fights have been defined by dramatic submission victories. These best tap-out wins often come in high-stakes bouts or incredible comebacks. A prime example is Miesha Tate’s rear-naked choke of Holly Holm at UFC 196 – Holm was ahead on the scorecards until Tate seized her back in Round 5 and secured the choke, capturing the women’s bantamweight title in a thriller. It was a classic submission victory where persistence paid off. Similarly, Frank Mir’s arm-breaking armbar on Tim Sylvia at UFC 48 stands out. Mir locked an armbar early, and even as Sylvia refused to tap, the pressure snapped Sylvia’s forearm, forcing a referee stoppage. This gruesome finish earned Mir the heavyweight belt and a place among the greatest MMA submissions for its sheer impact.

Come-from-behind subs are especially memorable. Anderson Silva’s triangle of Sonnen (mentioned earlier) and Antônio Nogueira’s guillotine of Tim Sylvia for the interim heavyweight title (UFC 81) both saw fighters snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Even at light heavyweight, champion Jon Jones produced a famous tap-out win by choking Lyoto Machida unconscious with a standing guillotine at UFC 140. Jones letting Machida’s limp body fall to the canvas remains a chilling image of a decisive tapout win. These moments underscore how a fight can completely turn around with one well-timed submission hold. The submission victories UFC fans remember most are those that come with suspense, drama, or historical stakes – where technique meets heart for an unforgettable finish.

Legendary MMA Submissions (Historic UFC Tapouts)

Over the years, certain submissions have attained legendary status due to their uniqueness or historical significance. One such legendary MMA submission is the first (and only) twister in UFC history. In 2011, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung caught Leonard Garcia in a twister – a spinal lock – at UFC Fight Night 24. It was the first time a twister ever finished a fight in the UFC​, immediately making history and earning Jung a place in highlight reels. Another historic tapout is Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s suplex-to-armbar on Ray Borg at UFC 216. Johnson seamlessly transitioned from a wrestling takedown into an airborne armbar, an extraordinary display of skill that is often cited as one of the greatest MMA submissions ever.

Some legendary tapouts are tied to the legacy of great fighters. Royce Gracie’s early UFC dominance, submitting all his opponents, laid the foundation for modern MMA – those historic UFC tapouts by Gracie will forever be celebrated. Ronda Rousey’s 14-second armbar of Cat Zingano at UFC 184 is another historic moment: it set the record for the fastest submission in UFC championship history​ and solidified Rousey’s aura. Rousey compiled nine armbar finishes in her 14-fight career – including eight in a row at one point​ – a submission streak never seen before at that elite level. Frank Mir snapping Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira’s arm with a kimura at UFC 140 (the first time the legendary “Big Nog” ever tapped) also ranks among historic UFC tapouts for its shock value and significance.

From the early days of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to modern showcases of creativity, the UFC’s greatest submission moments continue to captivate. These iconic chokes, armbars, and twists are more than just fight endings – they are pieces of MMA history. The greatest MMA submissions in UFC history remind us that in this sport, it only takes a few brilliant seconds on the mat to create a legend.

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