Records have been broken and titles have been defended via submission in 2025.
This year, Charles Oliveira finished Mateusz Gamrot to extend his record for the most submission wins in UFC history to a staggering 17.
Four title fights ended via taps while one of the most accomplished grappling specialists on the roster, Mackenzie Dern, became a champion for the first time.
While you won’t find either of those dangerous fight finishers on our top five list, there might be a few of their fellow Brazilians receiving their flowers as 2026 quickly approaches.
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5. Islam Makhachev’s signature technique finishes Renato Moicano
Coming in at the five spot is the first UFC PPV main event of 2025, and the only title fight to secure a spot on the list.
Islam Makhachev’s submission win against Renato Moicano wasn’t a career-defining victory for the lightweight champion at the time.
However, for the Russian to lock up his signature D’Arce choke and make it look easy when facing one of the division’s top grapplers on short notice, this finish oozed class.
The fight is more likely to be remembered for what could have been, with Arman Tsarukyan withdrawing from his highly anticipated rematch with Makhachev before Moicano stepped in.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
4. Jean Silva displays both bark and bite when choking out Bryce Mitchell
“Aura” has been thrown around a lot in 2025 but it’s the best way to describe Jean…
2025-12-26 01:00:00
