The Best Jiu-jitsu Fighters in UFC History

Demian Maia's resumé speaks for itself. He has the most submission wins in UFC welterweight history, which comes as no surprise due to his outstanding BJJ skills, which led to him being a two-time ADCC champion. For much of Maia's MMA career, he relied purely on grappling to win fights, and despite being one dimensional, he was a consistent top contender in the UFC's 170-pounds division. 

A prime Demian Maia was a difficult man to beat; the Brazilian had exceptional Jiu-jitsu skills and would most often find his way latching onto his opponents back and trying to lock in a rear naked choke. 14 of his pro MMA victories have come via submission.

Royce Gracie practically owned the UFC in its early years, winning three UFC tournaments and showcasing the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the 90s. After making his pro MMA debut in 1993, he tasted his first defeat in 2000, signifying his remarkable dominance.

For many, Gracie is one of the most iconic figures to ever grace the sport because he shined the light on the discipline of BJJ on a global scale.

Fabrício Werdum holds what is possibly the biggest upset in MMA history when he submitted one of the greatest fighters of all time Fedor Emelianenko, via a triangle armbar in 2010. 

Werdum is regarded as one of the best heavyweight grapplers in history having won six medals in the ADCC World Championships, including two gold medals. He used his excellent submission skills to win the UFC heavyweight title against Cain Velasquez in 2015 via guillotine.

Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson//Getty Images

Charles Oliveira is undoubtedly one of the best Jiu-jitsu artists to ever grace the UFC octagon. Oliveira's outstanding submission skills has seen him rise to the top of the lightweight division, winning the title in 2021 and defending it once before being stripped of the title after failing to make weight for his second defence. 

“Do Bronx” has 21 submission wins in his career, he holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history (17).

Brazil dominates the top five on this list. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was a scary individual in his peak years. He had exceptional BJJ skills to go with his powerhouse style of grappling. Once the Brazilian secured a takedown, you knew it was night night for his opponent; he was so strong at passing his opponents’ guard, he would either ground-and-pound you or submit you.

Although Jacare never won a title in the UFC, he claimed ADCC gold medals and IBJJF medals. He also managed to win the Strikeforce middleweight title in 2010.

Nate Diaz was known for three things: insane toughness, great cardio, and an elite ground game. And all of these things play into each other. Diaz often weathered onslaughts and wore his opponents down before bringing the fight to the mat and choking his opponent out.

He has the fifth-most submission victories in UFC history (10), tied with the legendary Royce Gracie.

Penn punches Clay Guida//Getty Images

BJ Penn was the first American to win a gold medal at the BJJ World Championships before transitioning into a decorated MMA career. The Hawaiian native is the only fighter to win the UFC lightweight title as well as the UFC welterweight title. 

Penn became the second multi-divisional UFC champion in history when he defeated Joe Stevenson via rear naked choke in 2008.

Despite having limited MMA experience, and a patchy career (having a four-year absence and a ten-year absence between his fights), Rickson Gracie posted an undefeated record of 11-0, with nine of those wins coming by submission.

Gracie is very much a father figure for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which is why his legacy and reputation in MMA and BJJ is unmatched.

Frank Mir was a monster in the 2000s going 12-3, winning the UFC heavyweight title in 2004 and the interim title in 2009. Mir was known for breaking arms and finishing fights, Mir’s submissions were devastatingly effective in the heavyweight division, and it comes as no surprise that his two UFC title fight wins ended with submissions.

Mir still holds the record for the fastest submission win in UFC heavyweight history (45 seconds). He also holds the record for the most submission wins in the UFC heavyweight division with eight.