Submission Kings & Queens: The Top Grapplers Dominating ONE Championship

 ONE Championship has long been known for its dynamic blend of traditional martial arts and cutting‐edge mixed martial arts (MMA). Among its many hallmarks is a rich tradition of submission grappling. In a promotion where fights are often won on the mat, the art of the submission is not only a decisive weapon but also a showcase of technical brilliance and creative strategy. From lightning‐fast chokes to innovative leg locks, here’s an in‐depth look at some of the top submission artists who have defined—and continue to shape—the grappling landscape in ONE Championship.

A Tradition Rooted in Technique and Innovation

ONE Championship’s roster has consistently featured world‐class grapplers who come from diverse backgrounds: Brazilian jiu‐jitsu, judo, wrestling, and even catch wrestling. The promotion’s ethos values “the gentle art” as much as sheer physical prowess. In many bouts, fighters opt to neutralize their opponents by forcing a tapout instead of relying solely on judges’ decisions. This focus on submissions not only wins titles but also creates unforgettable highlight moments for fight fans around the globe.

Profiles of Submission Masters

Shinya Aoki – The “Tobikan Judan”

Few names in submission grappling are as respected as Shinya Aoki’s.

• Legacy: A Japanese mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu‐jitsu black belt, Aoki has built his career on a myriad of creative finishes—from arm triangles and guillotine chokes to the rare twister.

• Signature Style: Known for his relentless pursuit of the back, Aoki’s ability to transition seamlessly between positions has earned him countless victories. Whether reclaiming world titles or engaging in high‐profile submission super-matches, his technical prowess continues to inspire a new generation of grapplers.

Bibiano Fernandes – “The Flash”

Bibiano Fernandes is a submission specialist whose lightning‐fast finishes have earned him both titles and a revered status in ONE Championship.

• Accomplishments: A former multiple–time World and Pan American Brazilian jiu‐jitsu champion, Fernandes transitioned to MMA with an emphasis on his elite grappling skill. His record title fight wins, including several victories via rear-naked choke and kimura, underscore his dynamic finishing ability.

• Impact: Known for his rapid takedowns and slick transitions, “The Flash” has not only defended his title on multiple occasions but has also set records for the most title fight wins in the promotion’s history.

Marat Gafurov – The Rear-Naked Choke Specialist

Marat Gafurov has carved out a niche as one of ONE Championship’s most lethal submission artists.

• Finishing Moves: With a penchant for the rear-naked choke, Gafurov’s series of consecutive submission wins are nearly legendary. His ability to dominate opponents with pure grappling skill has made him a feared competitor in title bouts and ranked matchups alike.

• Legacy: His work on the mat has not only earned him championship gold but also set new benchmarks in featherweight submission efficiency.

Adriano Moraes – Relentless Finisher

Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes stands as a model of consistency and technical excellence in the flyweight division.

• Technique: Specializing in chokes that range from guillotines to body-triangle variations, Moraes has systematically dismantled opponents by controlling positions and applying relentless pressure.

• Results: His submission wins have propelled him to world title status and continue to highlight the effectiveness of classical Brazilian jiu‐jitsu in modern MMA.

Angela Lee – A Phenomenon on the Mat

In the women’s division, Angela Lee has emerged as a shining example of submission grappling excellence.

• Accomplishments: Despite her youth, Lee has earned an impressive reputation by finishing most of her opponents via submission—often using creative techniques like the twister or unexpected choke variations.

• Style: Her fluid transitions from striking to grappling and her ability to secure dominant positions make her a difficult puzzle for any opponent to solve.

Alex Silva – Smooth Finisher from the Back

Alex “Little Rock” Silva brings a refined touch to submission grappling, with an emphasis on classic BJJ techniques.

• Highlights: With multiple armbar finishes and a reputation as a Brazilian jiu‐jitsu world champion, Silva’s methodical approach ensures that he can neutralize threats even from perilous positions.

• Contribution: His approach not only secures victories but also provides a masterclass in positional control and technical precision that many up-and-coming grapplers seek to emulate.

Mayssa Bastos – Queen of the Roll and Lock

In recent years, Mayssa Bastos has emerged as one of the most dangerous submission grapplers in the women’s division.

• Signature Weapons: Bastos is renowned for her incredible berimbolo—a move that inverts her under an opponent’s hips to secure back control—and her textbook scarf-hold armlock finish.

• Versatility: Whether working from an open guard or passing under pressure, Bastos’ blend of flexibility, speed, and tactical awareness makes her a standout submission artist, capable of finishing fights in spectacular fashion.

The Ruotolo Brothers – Young Phenoms on the Rise

No discussion of ONE Championship submission artistry is complete without mentioning the Ruotolo brothers.

• Emerging Talent: Both Kade and Tye Ruotolo have quickly ascended the ranks with their aggressive yet technical grappling style. They have not only become standout names in ONE’s submission grappling bouts but have also begun making an impact in MMA competition with signature rear-naked chokes and innovative leg lock variations.

• Future Impact: Their blend of youthful energy and technical mastery promises to influence the next generation of submission experts in the promotion.

Garry Tonon – The Lion Killer

American grappler Garry Tonon, once a key member of the famed Danaher Death Squad, has also made significant waves in ONE Championship.

• Specialization: Known for his innovative leg locks and other creative submissions, Tonon’s transition from pure grappling to MMA was marked by devastating finishes that highlight his strategic use of leverage and angle.

• Accomplishments: With multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and a series of dominant grappling victories in the lightweight division, Tonon’s reputation as “The Lion Killer” is well earned and respected across the globe.

The Evolution of Submission Grappling in ONE Championship

From classic Brazilian jiu‐jitsu techniques to modern innovations in leg-lock systems, ONE Championship has provided a stage where the technical aspects of grappling can shine. Whether it’s a championship bout decided in under two minutes or a strategic battle that goes the distance before ending in a tapout, these fighters demonstrate that mastery on the mat is as much a mental and creative endeavor as it is physical.

The submission artists of ONE Championship not only bring a high level of technical ability into the cage but also contribute to the promotion’s unique appeal—where the art of finishing a fight is celebrated as an expression of precision, honor, and respect for the martial arts.

Conclusion

ONE Championship’s commitment to showcasing the best of martial arts is epitomized by its roster of elite submission artists. Fighters like Shinya Aoki, Bibiano Fernandes, Marat Gafurov, and Adriano Moraes have elevated grappling to an art form, while innovators like Angela Lee, Alex Silva, and Mayssa Bastos continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the mat. Meanwhile, rising talents like the Ruotolo brothers and seasoned experts like Garry Tonon ensure that the legacy of submission grappling in ONE Championship is not only preserved but is also constantly evolving. In a world where winning by tapout is both a science and an art, these grapplers stand as living legends—and the future of the sport is as exciting as ever.