Top 10 UFC submission holds and techniques

Submission holds are integral to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) and play a crucial role in determining the outcome of fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Rear Naked choke by Brandon Moreno in a file photo [Image-ufc.com]
By Blesson Daniel | May 22, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Submission holds are integral to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) and play a crucial role in determining the outcome of fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). These techniques allow fighters to force their opponents into a position of surrender, either by inducing pain or causing a loss of consciousness. Here are the top 10 UFC submission holds and techniques:

1. Rear-Naked Choke

The rear-naked choke is a highly effective submission hold that involves positioning oneself behind the opponent and applying pressure to the neck using both arms. By cutting off the blood supply to the brain, this choke can quickly render an opponent unconscious if not defended properly.

2. Armbar

The armbar is a joint lock that targets the opponent’s elbow. The fighter uses their legs or body to control the opponent’s arm while applying leverage to hyperextend or break the elbow joint. It can be executed from various positions, such as the guard, mount, or side control.

3. Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a front choke that targets the opponent’s neck. It involves trapping the opponent’s head while applying pressure with the arms, causing a restriction in blood flow and air supply. It can be executed from standing or when both fighters are on the ground.

4. Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a versatile submission that can be applied from different positions. It involves trapping the opponent’s head and arm between the attacker’s legs in a triangular configuration, creating pressure on the carotid arteries and ultimately causing the opponent to submit or lose consciousness.

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5. Kimura

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that targets the opponent’s shoulder joint. It involves isolating the arm and applying a combination of torque and pressure to force the opponent to submit. The Kimura can be executed from various positions, including side control and the guard.

6. D’Arce Choke

The D’Arce choke, also known as the Brabo choke, is a variation of the guillotine choke. It involves trapping the opponent’s neck while threading one arm under the armpit and applying pressure to the carotid arteries. This choke is commonly used in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

7. Anaconda Choke

The Anaconda choke is another variation of the guillotine choke. It involves trapping the opponent’s neck while wrapping one’s arm around it and then securing the choke by grabbing the opponent’s shoulder or biceps. The Anaconda choke can be executed from various positions, such as the front headlock or turtle position.

8. Kneebar

The kneebar is a joint lock that targets the opponent’s knee. It involves controlling the leg and applying leverage to hyperextend or break the knee joint. This submission can be executed from different positions, including the guard or when the opponent is standing.

9. Heel Hook

The heel hook is a leg lock that targets the opponent’s ankle and knee joints. It involves controlling the leg and applying pressure to the heel, causing immense pain or injury. Due to the potential for severe damage, the heel hook is a highly effective submission hold.

10. Omoplata

The omoplata is a shoulder lock that can be executed from the guard or other positions. It involves controlling the opponent’s arm, using the legs to create leverage, and applying pressure to the shoulder joint. The omoplata can be used to force the opponent to submit or transition to a dominant position.

These top 10 submission holds and techniques are prized by UFC fighters due to their effectiveness in gaining victories and finishing fights. Developing proficiency in these submissions is crucial for both offensive and defensive purposes in MMA, as they provide fighters with a means to control and defeat their opponents on the ground.

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