In 2023, the UFC showcased a range of impressive finishes that captivated fans. Although knockouts often receive the most attention, submissions can be equally exciting. High-level grapplers providing masterful performances in matches cater to both hardcore fans and casual viewers, particularly when a submission is achieved. There have been instances where a fighter, considered an inferior grappler on paper, manages to outperform their more accomplished opponent. One such example is the bout between Leon Edwards and the more experienced Colby Covington, where a submission was not achieved.
However, there have been other matchups in 2023 where reputedly inferior grapplers submitted more renowned opponents. Some fighters who had never lost through submission were forced to tap out for the first time. At UFC 296, Shavkat Rakhmonov submitted Stephen Thompson, making Thompson’s first submission loss. Rakhmonov managed to achieve what even skilled opponents like Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns could not, bringing about a new milestone in his career.
Another pivotal moment for Rakhmonov occurred at UFC 285 when he defeated Geoff Neal, stunning him in the clinch before executing a standing rear-naked choke. This rare standing submission maintained Rakhmonov’s 100% finishing rate. Another surprising outcome took place at UFC 291 when Bobby Green, who typically prefers boxing, submitted Tony Ferguson through an arm-triangle choke. This marked Ferguson’s third submission loss in 35 fights, and it was particularly unexpected given Green’s preference for boxing.
One of the most anticipated events of the year was Jon Jones’ UFC 285 heavyweight debut against former interim heavyweight titleholder Ciryl Gane. Fans were eager to see Jones’ performance in a new weight class. In the end, Jones quickly secured a rear-bodylock, dragging Gane to the ground before submitting him with a guillotine. Jones became the first person to finish Gane inside the octagon, earning the undisputed heavyweight champion title.
In a massive upset at UFC 285, Alexa Grasso submitted dominant women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso was considered a significant underdog, but she proved to be a formidable opponent. The bout was unexpectedly competitive, with Shevchenko struggling against Grasso’s speed and boxing. Grasso eventually forced Shevchenko to tap out with a face crank, earning her the title of women’s flyweight champion.
