In mixed martial arts, while knockouts capture the spotlight, submissions represent the sport’s most technical and strategic elements. These moments of forced surrender showcase a fighter’s mastery over their opponent through skill rather than raw power. At Ringside Report, we’ve been covering combat sports for years, and with WWE and UFC now operating under the same TKO umbrella, our insights into both professional wrestling and MMA have never been more relevant.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the most effective and frequently used submission techniques in modern MMA, using the latest 2024 data to show what’s working inside the Octagon today.
Understanding MMA Submissions
A submission in MMA forces an opponent to “tap out” or lose consciousness through pain, restricted blood flow, or compromised breathing. These techniques highlight the significance of the ground game in mixed martial arts, where fights can be won through technical precision rather than raw striking power.
The Top Tier: MMA’s Most Dominant Submissions
Rear-Naked Choke – The Undisputed King
The Rear-Naked Choke (RNC) stands as one of the most successful submissions in MMA history. This blood choke cuts off circulation to the brain by compressing the carotid arteries, leading to unconsciousness in an average of 8.9 seconds if not released.
Why It Dominates:
- Accounts for approximately 32-50% of all UFC submissions
- Can be applied from a superior back control position
- Works regardless of size differences
- Offers multiple grip variations (figure-four, clasping hands)
Recent Success Stories:
- Anthony Hernandez’s RNC victory at UFC 298 (February 2024)
- Kayla Harrison’s dominant UFC debut finish over Holly Holm at UFC 300 (April 2024)
The RNC’s continued dominance stems from its efficiency and safety. Blood chokes work faster than air chokes and generally cause less permanent damage if the tap comes late, making them the preferred choice for smart fighters.
Guillotine Choke – The Front-Facing Finisher
The Guillotine Choke ranks as the second most common UFC submission at roughly 18% of all tapouts. This versatile technique can target either the windpipe or, in advanced variations, act as a blood choke.
Key Variations:
- Standard Guillotine
- High Elbow Guillotine (Marcelotine)
- Arm-In Guillotine
The Guillotine punishes aggressive takedown attempts, catching opponents who expose their necks during failed shots. Angela Hill’s mounted guillotine at a UFC Fight Night in May 2024 marked her first career submission victory, proving this technique’s continued relevance.
Armbar – The Classic Joint Lock
The Armbar remains the most common joint lock in the UFC, accounting for about 16% of all submissions. This technique hyperextends the elbow joint, forcing an immediate tap or risking serious injury.
What Makes It Effective:
- Multiple setup positions (mount, guard, knee-on-belly)
- High adaptability across different scenarios
- Can be applied explosively or methodically
Ronda Rousey famously won her first eight professional fights via armbar, making it her signature technique. More recently, Kevin Holland secured an armbar finish at UFC 302 in June 2024, showing its continued effectiveness at the highest levels.
The Supporting Cast: Other High-Percentage Submissions
Arm Triangle Choke
This technique utilizes the attacker’s arms to form a triangle around the opponent’s neck and one arm, typically from a side control or mount position. Brian Ortega’s impressive arm triangle combination was highlighted as one of the top submissions of 2024.
Triangle Choke
The classic triangle utilizes the legs to trap the opponent’s neck and one arm. With 84 recorded instances through 2022, it remains a versatile weapon with multiple variations, including rear, side, and inverted triangles.
D’Arce Choke
Named after Joe D’Arce, this technique threads the choking arm under the opponent’s near arm and across their neck. Islam Makhachev’s title-defending D’arce choke against Dustin Poirier stood out as one of 2024’s premier submissions.
Anaconda Choke
An arm-triangle variation from the front headlock position, often finished with a signature “gator roll.” Although it is less common, with 26 recorded instances through 2022, it remains highly effective when applied correctly.
Emerging Trends: New Weapons in 2024
The Face Crank Revolution
The Face Crank gained massive attention when Dricus du Plessis used it to submit Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, marking Adesanya’s first career submission loss. This pain-compliance technique forces taps when traditional chokes are defended by tucking the chin.
The Buggy Choke Surprise
Mitchell Goode’s “Craziest Come From Behind Submission of 2024” showcased the Buggy Choke, a creative head-and-arm technique executed from bottom side control. This hybrid triangle/arm triangle demonstrates the constant innovation in modern grappling.
Leg Locks: The Declining Trend
Despite their popularity in pure grappling competitions, leg locks have become less prevalent. ADCC 2024 data show that lower limb submissions dropped to 22% from the previous 28-30% share. In MMA, attacking leg locks often sacrifices position control, leaving fighters vulnerable to strikes.
The Submission Elite: Current and All-Time Leaders
All-Time UFC Submission Kings
- Charles Oliveira: 16 submission wins (9 RNCs, 4 Anacondas, 4 Guillotines)
- Jim Miller: 13 submission wins, 51 attempts
- Demian Maia: 11 submission wins (9 RNCs)
- Gerald Meerschaert: 11 submission wins across multiple techniques
2024’s Active Threats
- Islam Makhachev: Reigning lightweight champion with 8 UFC submission wins
- Kayla Harrison: Explosive UFC debut with RNC finish
- Anthony Hernandez: Continued his submission streak in 2024
- Kevin Holland: Showcased versatility with both D’arce and armbar finishes
The Strategic Evolution
Modern MMA submissions reflect the sport’s evolution from single-discipline dominance to well-rounded skill sets. Fighters now blend wrestling takedowns, jiu-jitsu techniques, and striking threats to create submission opportunities. The most successful submission artists aren’t just specialists—they’re complete mixed martial artists who use grappling as one tool in a diverse arsenal.
The data show that upper-body submissions (chokes and arm attacks) continue to dominate, accounting for 78% of finishes, reflecting their higher success rate and safer application in the striking-inclusive environment of MMA.
Why Submissions Still Matter
In an era of explosive knockout artists and dynamic strikers, submissions offer a different path to victory. They showcase problem-solving under pressure, technical mastery, and strategic thinking. Unlike knockouts, submissions can end fights decisively while minimizing long-term damage, representing the intellectual side of combat sports.
The constant evolution of submission techniques—from traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves to innovative adaptations like the Face Crank—keeps the grappling game fresh and unpredictable. Each new technique represents fighters’ endless creativity in finding ways to make opponents tap.
Stay connected with Ringside Report for more MMA analysis, UFC coverage, and combat sports insights. Join our community for live UFC Watch Alongs and engage with fellow fans who appreciate both the striking and grappling arts that make MMA the world’s most complete combat sport.
