Top Jiu-Jitsu Submissions of 2022

BJJ reached Brazil from Japan. From the very start, it consisted of submission techniques. Being a submission grappling sport, it pays specific attention to submission techniques.

Submissions in the past were specifically used for self-defense. After the foundation of IBJJF, BJJ was regulated and became famous across borders.

1. Submission in BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a submission grappling combat sport. It focuses on self-defense techniques that can be applied in real-life scenarios. Submission techniques are applied to dominate your opponent and emerge victorious. These techniques are applied to certain parts of the opponent’s body.

Your opponent has to tap out of the submission or else he will get badly injured. There is such a variety of submission techniques in BJJ that there are many ways to apply a single submission technique. For example, there are many submissions applied from the half-guard position.

BJJ submissions are allowed according to the practitioner's rank and the tournament rules. One must have complete knowledge of the legal and illegal BJJ submission techniques.

2. Top Jiu-Jitsu Submissions in 2022

BJJ submissions are not only applied in Jiu-Jitsu but also in various mixed martial arts. MMA fighters especially learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for submission techniques. These techniques are quite helpful to submit your opponent and achieve a sleek victory.

BJJ involves Gi and No-Gi fights. Gi fights include fighting while wearing the traditional attire for the fight, BJJ Gi. Whereas, No-Gi involves fighting while wearing  tight rash guards and shorts. Gi and No-Gi BJJ also differ because of some techniques.

Following are the top Gi and No-Gi BJJ submission techniques that were applied in 2022 by some of the famous BJJ world champions:

3. Gi Submissions

3.1. Straight Ankle Lock

Straight ankle lock is also called “Botinha” and “Achilles Lock”. From the name you can decipher that it is a straight footlock. Mainly Rodrigo Cavaca is credited for the induction of straight ankle lock in BJJ.

“I went to give a seminar in Arkansas at Roli Delgado’s academy, an American black belt that participated in one of the first editions of TUF (The Ultimate Fighter). After the seminar, we were sparring and he sunk in a straight ankle lock holding his lapel. I saw it getting tighter but I didn’t believe he could tap me, he was only 70 kg and I have pretty flexible feet. After we finished sparring, and after he popped my foot (laughs) I asked him how he had done it. He taught me some details and said he learned it from a footlock specialist he knew”.
(Rodrigo Cavaca)

It is an effective move as the chances of bone breakage are slightly greater in straight ankle lock.

Isaac Doederlein Vs. Samuel Nagai

Isaac Doederlein is a BJJ Black Belt under Rubens Charles and was one of the 3 American grapplers who earned the Brazilian Nationals title. Samuel Nagai is a BJJ Black Belt under Keiser Girao. Samuel made his name by winning the IBJJF World Championships.

Isaac is known for the application of deadly footlocker. He spares no time to pound on his opponent and submit him via footlock. The fight started and both grapplers tried to grab their opponent strongly. Isaac immediately went for the footlock and trapped Samuel’s foot in his arm.

Samuel was fully aware of Isaac’s fighting style so in response to Isaac’s footlock, Samuel went for the Armbar. Samuel tried to free himself from Isaac’s footlock but Isaac did not give him any chance. Samuel then went for the footlock and both grapplers were caught in the same vulnerable position. At last Isaac Doederlein submitted Samuel Nagai via a Straight Ankle Lock in 6 minutes and 17 seconds.

3.2. Armbar

Armbar is one of the brutal submissions in BJJ. An immense amount of pressure is applied to the opponent’s elbow and eventually, he taps out. It is applied in both Gi and No-Gi BJJ.

If a practitioner does not tap in time, it can result in the dislocation of his elbow or even a broken arm. Armbar is one of the basic and oldest submissions in BJJ. It is as effective today as it was decades ago. Not only in 2022, but it is also one of the top submissions in BJJ of all time.

Tainan Dalpra Vs. Tommy Langaker

Tainan Dalpra is a BJJ Black Belt under Guilherme Mendes and is famous for the finishing of submission techniques, Armbar, and Choke from Back. Tainan Dalpra is a fascinating fighter with only 1 fight loss via Referee Decision. To this date, Tainan has never lost a fight via submission. His submission fights are breathtaking. Tommy Langaker is a BJJ Black Belt under Jose Carlos and is called the Keylock and Berimbolo Master.

Tommy, known for his quick and aggressive game, gained the top position at the start of the fight. Dalpra fluidly reversed the situation and got the dominant stance. Dalpra went for the blood choke but due to loose grips, Tommy freed himself. Straight after that Dalpra went for the Armbar but Tommy freed himself from the dangerous submission or else he would have lost the match immediately.

Eventually, Dalpra caught Tommy’s arm and submitted him via Armbar in 7 minutes and 37 seconds only.

The benefit of an Armbar is that you don’t even have to apply a lot of pressure. Just a slight tilt in the opposite direction and your opponent submits. Now you know why it is called one of the deadliest BJJ submissions.

Nicholas Meregali Vs. Fellipe Andrew

Nicholas Meregali is a BJJ Black Belt under Mario Reis and Jefferson Adan. Among his 48 submission wins, he has won 7 fights via Armbar. Nicholas has never lost a fight by submission. He is one of the leading grapplers of 2022 who has now entered the ADCC Championship.

Fellipe Andrew is a BJJ Black Belt under the living legend Rodrigo Cavaca. He is renowned for his submission wins via Straight Ankle Lock and Triangle Choke.

Nicholas Meregali, famous for his calm fighting style, did not give Andrew any chance to dominate. Fellipe Andrew went for the footlock but Nicholas immediately submitted Andrew via Ambar. The fight only lasted for 5 minutes and 44 seconds.

3.3. Triangle Choke

Triangle choke is one of the most powerful BJJ chokes. It is a 4-figured chokehold that restricts your opponent’s movements. If applied properly, it takes only 9.5 seconds to make your opponent unconscious. In Judo, this choke is called “Sankaku Jime”. It is one of the oldest chokes that transcended from Judo to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Your opponent’s neck and one arm are trapped in your legs that are in the shape of a triangle. That is why it is called a triangle choke. It is also a blood choke as it restricts the flow of blood from the carotid arteries to the brain.

Tainan Dalpra Vs. Roberto Jimenez

Tainan Dalpra is a BJJ Black Belt under Guilherme Mendes. As mentioned earlier, he has lost only one BJJ fight via Referee Decision. Roberto Jimenez is a BJJ Black Belt under his own father, Raul Jimenez. He won 1st position at the ADCC South America Trials.

Roberto was quite dominant at the start. He even tried to initiate a takedown but Dalpra balanced himself. Roberto then went for the Heel Hook but Dalpra instantly got out of it. Dalpra applied the Heel Hook but did not succeed in it. He then instantly went for the Triangle Choke and submitted Roberto Jimenez in just 2 minutes and 3 seconds.

3.4. Choke From Back

Choke from the back, often mixed with Rear Naked Choke, is a choke applied from the back of your opponent. It differs from the Rear Naked Choke because of the difference in the method it is applied. It is extremely difficult to escape this submission once it is locked.

Mayssa Bastos Vs. Mariana Rolszt

Mayssa Bastos is a BJJ Black Belt under Julio Cesar. She is not only famous for her International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) wins but also because of her astonishing grappling career in the United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF). Mariana Rolszt is a BJJ Black Belt under the guidance of Leticia Ribeiro. She has won many IBJJF and Brazilian Nationals championships.

The fight between Mayssa and Mariana was an intense one. Both the fighters were struggling to get a submission but in the end, Mayssa won the fight via submission. She submitted Mariana via Choke from Back in just 4 minutes.

Meyram Maquiné Vs. Pedro Dias

Meyram Maquine is a BJJ Black Belt under Luiz Guilherme. He is famous for his performance in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation titles. Pedro Dias is a BJJ Black Belt under Douglas Rufino. This spectacular fight was between 2 light featherweight division kings.
Meyram had a tight hold of Pedro’s Gi while Pedro was trying to takedown Meyram. Being a swift fighter, Meyram submitted Pedro via Choke from Back in just 1 minute and 13 seconds. The grappling skills of both fighters were magnificent. This is why Meyram Maquiné is called the “King of the Featherweight Division”.

3.5. Guillotine Choke

Guillotine Choke is a submission technique that can be applied from the standing or the ground position. It is mostly applied from the standing position because of better leverage and chances. It is basically of 2 types because it is not only an air choke but also a blood choke. It depends on you, which area you are targeting.

If you force your forearm against the opponent’s trachea or the windpipe, you get an air choke. And if you put pressure on the opponent’s arteries, you get a blood choke.

Rafael Paganini Vs. Murilo Santana

Rafael Paganini is a BJJ Black Belt under Master Fabio Gurgel. He is one of the top medium heavyweight champions. Murilo Santana is a BJJ Black Belt under Mario Yamasaki. He not only competes in BJJ but is also a head coach of Unity Jiu-Jitsu.

Rafael is the type of fighter that confuses his opponent with his techniques. During the fight, it looked like Rafael was going for the Heel Hook submission. Instead, he went for the Guillotine Choke and submitted Murilo in just 1 minute and 20 seconds. Murilo tried really hard to get out of the choke but he could not do so.

3.6. Omoplata

Omoplata, also called the ashi sankaku garami, is a leg entanglement choke. It involves the use of your opponent’s legs to expose his shoulder. Now the exposed shoulder is pushed past its normal range of motion and there you get the submission. It can be applied from various positions among which closed guard is the most famous position.

Maria Malyjasiak Vs. Izadora Cristina

Maria Malyjasiak is a BJJ Black Belt under Abmar Barbosa. After having a successful Judo career, she entered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is also a Fight 2 Win Middleweight and Welterweight Champion. Izadora Cristina is also a BJJ Black Belt and has won gold and silver medals in national and international tournaments.

In the beginning, Maria went for the X-Guard with a full collar and sleeve grip. Shortly after that, Maria lifted Izadora over the top from the ground position. Later on, Izadora applied the triangle submission but Maria escaped. Maria got the dominant position and then went straight for the submission. Maria Malyjasiak submitted Izadora Cristina via Omoplata in just 3 minutes and 4 seconds.

4. No-Gi Submissions

4.1. Rear Naked Choke

Not only in 2022 but Rear Naked Choke is also the top and most dangerous submission from day one. It is also called a blood choke as it stops the blood flow to the brain. It is applied from the back position or the back mount. Your opponent can not decipher your move and hence he is trapped in your submission. If the opponent does not tap out in time, he can lose consciousness. It can be applied in both Gi and No-Gi BJJ.

According to a recent study, it is said that it takes only 8.9 seconds to render your opponent unconscious from the choke. Because of its effectiveness and success rate, it is widely used in BJJ. Well not only in BJJ many MMA fighters learn submission techniques to gain instant victory.

Elisabeth Clay Vs. Vanessa Griffin

Elisabeth Clay is a BJJ Black Belt under Osvaldo Moizinho. She is the 2021 Fight 2 Win Heavyweight Champion. Her colored belts achievements are impeccable. She is among those female BJJ grapplers who ferociously defeated BJJ champions despite the lack of experience. Vanessa Griffin is a BJJ Black Belt under Julius Park. She earned the top position in the IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship in 2021.

Clay has previously competed with fighters having taller bodies and different body types. So she had this leverage over Vanessa. Throughout the fight, Clay was physically dominant over Vanessa. On the other hand, Vanessa is known for her perfect passing game. She has previously scored points against her other opponents because of her guard passing. Once Vanessa gains the dominant position, she does not lose it at any cost.

It was Clay’s perfect guard retention that saved her from Vanessa’s guard passing. Clay went for the footlock but Vanessa swiftly escaped. Kimura is one of the best and most handy techniques for Venessa. She tried to apply it but could not tolerate Clay’s submission. Elisabeth Clay submitted Vanessa Griffin via Rear Naked Choke and became the IBJJF Pan No-Gi Champion 2022.

Gordon Ryan Vs. Andre Galvao

Gordon Ryan, the King of BJJ, is a BJJ Black Belt under the legendary John Danaher. Also called “The Iron Dragon”, is one of the most accomplished BJJ fighters. He is the 2022 ADCC Absolute Title Superfight Winner. Andre Galvao is a 4th-degree BJJ Black Belt. He is the owner of Atos Jiu-Jitsu in the USA. He has prepared many BJJ Champions such as Yara Soares, Kade Ruotolo, Tye Ruotolo, and many more.

This was the most anticipated fight. The enthusiasm of the spectators was on another level. It was the greatest fight in the history of submission grappling. Andre Galvao who is a 6-time ADCC Champion versus the 4-time ADCC Champion was the craziest fight ever.

The crowd went mad when Andre took down Gordon. Gordon tried to go for the Heel Hook but Andre saved himself from the submission. Later on, Gordon scored 12 points against Andre and won the match by submitting Andre to a Rear Naked Choke.

4.2. Inside Heel Hook

Inside Heel Hook is a leg submission that is used to twist or turn your opponent’s foot the other way, causing him to submit. Initially, it was called illegal by the IBJJF because of its greater chances of injury, but now IBJJF has allowed it for Brown and Black Belts. It is a dangerous move as it quickly induces sudden dorsal pain in the knee and pelvic region.

Kade Ruotolo Vs. Mica Galvao

Kade Ruotolo is a BJJ Black Belt under Andre Galvao. He is known as the youngest ADCC Champion ever. Mica Galvao, who is a BJJ Black Belt under Melqui Galvao, gave Kade a tough time.

Mica applied a brutal takedown but due to Kade’s strong balance, he survived it by spinning out. Kade gained the top position and tried to apply the Darce Choke but Mica escaped it.

Kade, who is famous for his foot-stomp passing, used it to attack Mica. Kade was dynamic with passing counters and back takes. Kade submitted Mica in just 8 minutes and 10 seconds by applying an Inside Heel Hook and won the championship.

4.3. Outside Heel Hook

As mentioned earlier Heel Hook is a dangerous submission but its success rate is always high. If applied properly, you can submit your opponent in seconds. But if your opponent reverses the submission then it’s you who might be going to tap. So stay extremely cautious while applying this submission.

There are different variations of applying a heel hook, outside heel hook, and inside heel hook.

Gordon Ryan Vs. Roosevelt Sousa

Roosevelt Sousa is a BJJ Black Belt under Iuri Alves. He is famous for competing and winning many championships in the ultra-heavyweight division. Gordon Ryan on the other hand is called the King in BJJ.

At the start of the match, Gordon tried to initiate the single-leg takedown but Souza somehow dodged it. Sousa pushed Gordon back and Gordon immediately went down to get a good grip on Sousa’s heel. After that in seconds Gordon submitted Sousa via an inside Heel Hook.

4.4. Twister

Twister is basically introduced by Eddie Bravo, the founder, and owner of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He was the one who defeated Royler Gracie by using 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu techniques.

Twister is a spine lock and is executed by controlling the legs and neck of your opponent. For that purpose, the opponent's legs are locked down, and then his head is pulled down by grabbing his arms. It creates pressure on the spine, thrusting the opponent into submission. IBJJF has banned all spine locks and Twister is one of them.

Angela Lee Vs. Natalie Hills

The fight between Angela Lee and Natalie Hills is basically an MMA fight as it was conducted by ONE Championship. It was the first time Twister submission was used outside of No-Gi BJJ, more accurately in ONE Championship.

It was an intense fight as both fighters did not leave any chance to throw pouches at their opponent. The brutal kicks by Natalie shook Angela. Natalie dragged Angela to the ground and got on top of her. Ground fights of Angel are not as strong as the standing ones. But her swift sweep turned the tables in her favor and she submitted Natalie via Twister in just 2 minutes and 39 seconds.

5. FAQs

5.1. Which is the most Powerful Submission?

Rear Naked Choke is the most potent submission as long as it is locked perfectly. The chances to escape it are one in a hundred. In BJJ it is called the killer submission.

5.2. Which was the most Applied Submission in 2022?

Rear Naked Choke is the most applied submission in 2022. Not only in BJJ, but it was also successfully applied in MMA. UFC fighters especially go for this submission because of its effectiveness.

5.3. Is Armlock an Effective Submission?

It is a dangerous submission as it can immediately rupture your muscle, tendon, and even the ligament.

5.4. What is the Difference Between Armbar and Armlock?

Armbar and Armlock are 2 different BJJ submissions. Armlock is basically a joint lock. It hyperextends the elbow or the shoulder joint. Armbar, on the other hand, targets only the opponent’s elbow joint.

6. Conclusion

Submissions are not only applicable in BJJ but now they are truly acknowledged in other martial arts too. Submissions are the true essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They have always been the top priority for BJJ practitioners. In the year 2022, these BJJ submissions were applied the most.

Rear Naked Choke is still the top applied BJJ submission. Along with Rear Naked Choke, Armbar, Heel Hooks and many more stayed on the top of the chart. The main goal of submissions is to force yourself over your opponent and make him tap out.

Photo Credit: @flograppling