The art of submission is one of the most fascinating aspects of MMA. In 2024, UFC fighters showcased their prowess on the ground, delivering some of the most iconic submissions in recent memory. From lightning-fast finishes to high-stakes main event wins, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 UFC submissions of 2024 and what made them unforgettable.

1. Khamzat Chimaev Submits Robert Whittaker via Face Crank (3:34, Round 1)

Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling supremacy was on full display as he faced former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Chimaev transitioned seamlessly to a face crank after controlling Whittaker from top position.

The submission showcased Chimaev’s raw strength and technical acumen, earning him a pivotal win in his journey towards the title. The early finish against a fighter of Whittaker’s caliber was a testament to Chimaev's undeniable dominance in the octagon.

2. Paddy Pimblett Triumphs Over King Green via Triangle Choke (3:22, Round 1)

Paddy Pimblett, known for his charisma and slick grappling, delivered a highlight-reel submission against King Green. After a swift scramble, Pimblett locked in a picture-perfect triangle choke. This win solidified Pimblett’s claim as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division. The crowd erupted as "The Baddy" proved he’s more than just a showman.

3. Islam Makhachev Defeats Dustin Poirier via D’Arce Choke (2:42, Round 5)

In a high-stakes, back-and-forth battle, Islam Makhachev showcased his championship heart and technical mastery. Late in the fifth round, Makhachev trapped Dustin Poirier in a tight D’Arce choke after a beautifully executed takedown. The submission was a culmination of Makhachev’s relentless pressure, cementing his status as the most dominant lightweight of his era.

4. Dricus Du Plessis Submits Israel Adesanya via Rear-Naked Choke (3:38, R4)

Dricus Du Plessis shocked the MMA world by submitting Israel Adesanya, the middleweight kingpin. In a grueling fourth round, Du Plessis took Adesanya’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing the tap. This monumental upset demonstrated Du Plessis’ well-rounded skill set and solidified his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

5. Brian Ortega Overcomes Yair Rodriguez with an Arm-Triangle Choke (0:58, Round 3)

“Brian T-City” Ortega returned to form with a stunning arm-triangle choke victory over Yair Rodriguez. Known for his submission artistry, Ortega capitalized on a brief opening during a scramble to secure the choke. This win marked Ortega’s resurgence in the featherweight division and reminded fans why he’s one of the best submission specialists in UFC history.

6. Anthony Hernandez Submits Roman Kopylov via Rear-Naked Choke (3:23, Round 2)

Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez once again proved his grappling chops with a clinical rear-naked choke against Roman Kopylov. Hernandez’s relentless pace overwhelmed Kopylov, and the submission came after he softened him up with ground-and-pound. This victory underscored Hernandez’s potential to climb the middleweight rankings.

7. Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Asakura via Rear-Naked Choke (2:05, Round 2)

Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja showcased his elite grappling in a masterclass against Kai Asakura. After dominating the stand-up exchanges, Pantoja took Asakura’s back and secured a rear-naked choke. This win cemented Pantoja’s reign as the undisputed flyweight champion, proving his versatility and tactical brilliance.

8. Kayla Harrison Submits Holly Holm via Rear-Naked Choke (1:47, Round 2)

In one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Kayla Harrison made a statement by submitting the legendary Holly Holm. Harrison’s Olympic-level judo transitioned beautifully into MMA as she took Holm to the mat and locked in a rear-naked choke. This emphatic win highlighted Harrison’s seamless adaptation to high-level competition.

9. Felipe Lima Submits Muhammad Naimov via Rear-Naked Choke (1:15, Round 3)

Felipe Lima’s victory over Muhammad Naimov was a showcase of persistence and grit. Despite being tested in the early rounds, Lima’s relentless pressure paid off as he secured a rear-naked choke in the final round. This win demonstrated Lima’s potential to become a serious contender in his division.

10. Jaqueline Amorim Submits Cory McKenna via Armbar (1:38, Round 1)

Jaqueline Amorim delivered one of the quickest and most technical submissions of the year with an armbar finish over Cory McKenna. The Brazilian prospect wasted no time, transitioning from guard to armbar in seconds. This victory not only highlighted Amorim’s grappling pedigree but also positioned her as a rising star in the strawweight division.

Each of these submissions represents a blend of technical brilliance, strategic execution, and high-stakes drama. From championship bouts to rising stars making their mark, these moments captured the essence of MMA’s unpredictable nature.