15 Acclaimed Submission Fighters in UFC

The UFC has birthed some of the most lethal submission specialists who have delivered jaw-dropping moments and finishes. These grapplers turn every match into a high-stakes chess game, bending limbs and locking chokes with deadly precision. Here are the top 15 athletes who make submissions more interesting than knockouts.

With a staggering 21 submission victories, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history. His diverse skill set includes six different techniques that showcase his adaptability. Oliveira has submission wins over elite fighters like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer, Royce Gracie won 11 of his fights via submission during the early UFC tournaments. He had a knack for defeating larger opponents with technique over strength and showed that size doesn’t matter. His iconic triangle choke victory over Dan Severn at UFC 4 remains one of MMA’s most historic moments.

In his early career, Miller dominated the regional circuit, winning titles and earning quick submission victories totaling 20. He captured the Reality Fighting Lightweight Championship and defended it successfully. Later, he claimed the Cage Fury Fighting contest before transitioning to bigger stages like the UFC.

With nine submission wins and a legendary kimura against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 140, Frank Mir is a top heavyweight submission artist. Competing in the UFC from 2001 to 2016, he set records for most finishes and submission victories in heavyweight history and showcased his knockout power.

Demian Maia, the third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has 14 submission wins in the UFC. Maia was recognized for his strategic approach, which helped him defeat notable fighters like Chael Sonnen and Nate Quarry. He’s a true submission specialist with a decorated grappling background and two UFC title shots.

Nicknamed “Minotauro,” Antonio Nogueira is recognized for his resilience. Stacking up 20 submission wins, he dominated legends like Mark Coleman and Mirko Cro Cop. As a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion and Pride Heavyweight Champion, he also fought his way to the Pride Grand Prix finals.

As a catch wrestling ambassador, Josh Barnett has 19 career submissions and became the youngest UFC Heavyweight Champion with his win over Randy Couture. His accolades include IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and Metamoris Heavyweight Champion. Barnett excelled in promotions like PRIDE, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Aoki’s slick transitions and submission setups left his opponents with no escape. While not as active in the UFC, he has titles across multiple promotions, such as DREAM and ONE Championship, and 31 submission victories. Aoki’s flexibility and creativity in submissions earned him the nickname “Tobikan Judan” or “The Master of Flying Submissions.”

Often dubbed the “Gracie Hunter,” Kazushi Sakuraba earned his reputation by submitting members of the famous Gracie family. With 19 submissions to his credit, he is a master of catch wrestling with an unorthodox style. Sakuraba holds wins over 15 champions across the UFC, Pancrase, and DREAM champions.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is a decorated grappler with 14 submission victories in MMA. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo black belt, his technical expertise led to impressive wins over fighters like Robbie Lawler. Souza’s ability to transition seamlessly between striking and grappling makes him a threat who comes outta nowhere.

16 of Palhares’ 19 wins were by submission, and out of 16 of those wins, 12 were through his devastating leg locks. Palhares’ stocky, immovable frame and dominant ground game earned him the nickname “Toquinho.” However, his controversial refusal to release holds led to his dismissal from the UFC and WSOF. 

Teixeira’s figure-four choke and arm triangle have become signature moves, allowing him to execute submissions in the heavier weight classes. He holds black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hawaiian Kempo, and Vale Tudo. As UFC’s former light heavyweight champion, he also has 10 submission victories and became the oldest first-time UFC champion.

After shocking everyone by submitting Fedor Emelianenko, Werdum went on to defeat Cain Velasquez to win the UFC Heavyweight championship. Having 12 submission victories as well as four Brazilian jiu-jitsu world titles, Werdum’s elite grappling and triangle chokes make him one of the most feared submission artists in heavyweight MMA history and an ADCC Hall of Famer.

“The Prodigy” B.J. Penn was the first non-Brazilian to win a BJJ world title. His iconic figure-four choke over Matt Hughes at UFC 46 is a highlight reel submission still discussed today. One of the most versatile fighters in history, Penn has six submission wins and is a two-division UFC champion.

Nate Diaz might talk trash, but his submission game speaks louder. Whether it’s his triangle choke on Kurt Pellegrino or his guillotine on Conor McGregor, Diaz has consistently proven he’s a submission specialist. With 12 submission wins, Diaz is as dangerous on the ground as he is standing.