Submission Techniques: Most Popular Choices in MMA
While knockouts dominate MMA highlight reels, submissions represent the sport’s most technical and strategic elements. These forced surrenders showcase a fighter’s mastery through skill rather than raw power, demonstrating why grappling remains crucial in modern mixed martial arts.
The Rear-Naked Choke continues to reign supreme, accounting for 32-50% of all UFC submissions. This blood choke’s efficiency—rendering opponents unconscious in just 8.9 seconds—makes it the most reliable finish in the Octagon. Recent victories by Anthony Hernandez and Kayla Harrison’s dominant UFC debut prove its continued effectiveness in 2024.
The Guillotine Choke and Armbar round out the “Big Three,” with the Guillotine punishing aggressive takedown attempts and the Armbar serving as the most versatile joint lock. Emerging techniques like Dricus du Plessis’s face crank against Israel Adesanya show how fighters constantly evolve their submission games.
From Charles Oliveira’s 16 UFC submission wins to Islam Makhachev’s title-defending D’arce choke, today’s elite fighters prove that mastering the ground game remains essential for championship success in modern MMA.