In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it’s not just about punches and kicks.
Fights often end up on the ground—in a technical, tactical battle for that decisive moment when an opponent is forced to tap out. Submissions are therefore essential tools in every MMA fighter’s arsenal.
In this article, we break down the most important submissions to learn as an MMA practitioner, step-by-step:
Why are these submissions valuable?
What makes them stand out?
How do you execute them correctly?
What technical details make the difference?
Why are they so popular in the MMA cage?
Examples: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s signature submissions.
Positionally dominant
Submissions force your opponent to respond—often putting them at a disadvantage before the actual hold is even fully applied.
Tactically effective
Even without a finishing grip, you create threats, tire out your opponent, and can force mistakes or create sweeps.
Mechanically reliable
Submissions rely on technique over brute force. Fight after fight, they remain effective—no matter how strong the opponent is.
A psychological weapon
A crushing takedown followed by a tight submission sends a clear message. It causes lasting mental pressure on your opponent.
Why it’s used:
A powerful choke with maximum control, widely used after takedowns or during scrambles.
Technique:
Take the back—hooks in, apply hip pressure.
Slide one arm under the chin and around the neck.
Grab your bicep with the opposite hand.
Lock with both hands.
Squeeze and lift the shoulder to cut off both air and blood supply.
Value:
Defines positional dominance—control meets submission.
Safe and low-risk—ideal during half-cage scrambles.
High success rate, especially against fatigued opponents.
Why it’s used:
Ideal against double-leg takedowns, highly effective during scrambles or counter pressure.
Technique:
Catch the opponent’s head/neck during the entry.
Wrap one arm under the chin and around the neck.
Lock with the other hand (using the hand webbing).
Pull upward, drive hips and torso up—focus pressure on neck/esophagus.
Value:
Works between defense and offense.
A small opening can create a fight-ending grip.
Easy to learn, effective both standing and on the ground.
Why it’s used:
Effective from guard—creates distance, can lead to control or sweeps.
Technique:
Pull one arm inside, extend the other.
Place your leg across the opposite side of the neck.
Bring your other leg over and lock behind your knee.
Angle the hips, pull the leg down, and squeeze.
Value:
Counters power with technique.
Allows choice: choke or transition (e.g., sweep).
Strong guard weapon against explosive opponents.
Why it’s used:
A finesse submission from top positions like mount or side control—applies pressure in two zones.
Technique:
Move to side control or mount.
Wrap your arm around your opponent’s neck and one of their arms.
Press the opponent’s head into the mat.
Squeeze with your arm while driving your shoulder down.
Lift hips for extra pressure.
Value:
Safe and effective from dominant positions.
Can lead to a tap or open up transitions.
Why it’s used:
A versatile shoulder lock usable both standing and on the ground.
Technique:
Grab the opponent’s wrist with one hand.
Push the elbow up and out.
Thread your other arm under the opponent’s arm and through.
Lock your grip around their wrist.
Lift and rotate toward their back, using shoulder and hip pressure.
Value:
Offers control and potential sweep opportunities.
Can lead into other submissions if the opponent defends.
Works from guard, top, and standing positions.
One of the most dominant figures in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov, used several of these techniques as part of his ground-heavy game plan:
Arm-Triangle Choke
Khabib used this submission against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. From side control, he applied precise shoulder and hip pressure, leading to clean, quiet finishes—an absolute showcase of technical dominance.
Guillotine During Scrambles
He often caught opponents during their takedown attempts, immediately setting up a guillotine. His approach was structured: “takedown → repetition → grip → finish.” A system, not a gamble.
Heel Hook (in training)
While not frequently seen in his fights, Khabib also focused on leg locks during grappling sessions. His philosophy: “heel hook for pain, snap for training.” Though underused in MMA, it was part of his broader submission knowledge and positional control.
Step-by-step progression
Learn each step independently—positioning, grip control, timing.
Positional training
From scrambles to transitions, look for moments of leverage, space, or imbalance.
Structured drilling and sparring
Use specific sparring rounds: 5 minutes positional control + 2 minutes submission attempts.
Mix and match
Example: failed guillotine → transition to arm-triangle
or kimura attempt → sweep → back take → RNC
Control wins fights—submissions begin with dominance.
More options—gives you choices beyond striking.
Helps reclaim momentum—after knockdowns or failed takedowns.
Technique beats power—every time.
Start practicing some of the drills from this article. Focus on 10 core scenarios where these submissions can be applied.
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Train consistently:
Add 2–3 submission-focused drills per week. Complement your work with strength and mobility sessions.
Submissions are more than just ways to end a fight—they’re tools of control. When combined with positional awareness, timing, and technical understanding, they become weapons that create constant danger across all phases of the MMA game.
Master the mechanics of the RNC, guillotine, triangle, arm-triangle, and kimura—and make them a part of your DNA. As Khabib showed time and again: real power lies in control... and patient violence.
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