5 rarest finishes in UFC history
In the UFC, the sheer variety of fighters has lent to a series of different finishes throughout the promotion's history. Few will ever forget Anderson Silva inspiring future generations to improve their kicking technique by recording the first front kick knockout in the UFC, paving the way for the likes of Marlon 'Chito' Vera.
Similarly, Yair Rodriguez's stunning last-minute rising elbow knockout over Chan Sung Jung will be forever etched in the pages of MMA's storybooks. Submissions like Frank Mir's toehold against Tank Abbott have not been replicated since the heavyweight legend's once-in-a-generation win.
This list covers 5 of the rarest finishes in the UFC, whether they're unique variations of existing maneuvers or wholly unique in terms of the technique itself.
#5. Demetrios Johnson's suplex-armbar combo
Combinations are phenomena predominantly seen in striking. Fighters chain together punches and kicks for various purposes. Recently, Leon Edwards used a right jab-straight left combination to dupe former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman into slipping on the outside of his straight left — and into the path of a left high kick.
However, the inventiveness of Demetrious Johnson is such that he implemented grappling combinations.
After 3 days and 3 rounds of FAN voting, @MightyMouseUFC's incredible armbar (UFC 216) has been voted the Greatest Submission of All-Time!! #BlackBeltWeek https://t.co/ywHYVBld9M
When 'Mighty Mouse' faced Ray Borg at UFC 216, he left the event's spectators awestruck when he combined a suplex and armbar to finish his foe. As he stood behind Borg, Johnson secured a rear bodylock before vaulting his foe into the air for a suplex.
While Borg was airborne, 'Mighty Mouse' let go of his opponent's waist and hooked his arms around Borg's flailing left arm. Before his foe ever landed on the mat, Johnson threw his legs over Borg's torso.
Once 'The Taxmexican Devil' was grounded, the armbar was secured. While Ray Borg resisted, Johnson extended his trapped arm until he could no longer endure the pain and tapped out. There's never been a submission like this before its appearance, and there hasn't been one like it since.