UFC submission of the month for November 2024: Gabriella Fernandes' stunning rear-naked choke handing Wang Cong her first-ever MMA loss
The UFC Macau card witnessed Gabriella Fernandes stun Wang Cong with a terrifying submission stoppage. Their fight served as one of the much-awaited matchups at the event, which transpired at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, on Nov. 23, 2024.
While the Fight Night card as well as other UFC events throughout Nov. 2024 consisted of various exciting clashes ending in finishes, this submission truly was the cream of the crop. That's not only due to the sequence and maneuver, but also owing to the build-up, hype, and element of upset.
As such, Fernandes' submission is our pick -- deservingly so -- for the month's best submission.
UFC submission of the month for November 2024: Gabriella Fernandes vs. Wang Cong
Brazil's Gabriella Fernandes entered the fight with a 1-2 UFC record, and many viewed her as the expected second fighter Wang Cong would handily beat inside the octagon. Meanwhile, Cong's previous fight was her UFC promotional debut in Aug. 2024, wherein she dominantly defeated Victoria Leonardo via first-round KO.
Another key factor at play, which served as a mammoth boost to Cong's hype, was that she held a points victory over Valentina Shevchenko in the sport of kickboxing. Incidentally, Shevchenko, who's beheld as a Muay Thai and MMA legend, is the reigning UFC women's flyweight champion.
'The Joker' had been campaigning for a rematch against Shevchenko, this time under MMA rules. Cong consistently warned that she'd beat 'Bullet' if they were to clash inside the octagon.
On that note, many believed that a win over Fernandes would add to her momentum en route to a possible grudge match against Shevchenko.
Well, Gabriella Fernandes had other plans! In round one of their women's flyweight showdown that took place on the main card portion of the UFC Macau event, Wang Cong seemed to be outpointing her by landing the better strikes and utilizing greater ring generalship.
Round two seemed to have Cong continue the same trend, forcing Fernandes toward the fence and outpointing her with her technical striking prowess. However, 'Gabi' appeared to time an entry and land a left head kick. That said, she lost her balance and fell to the mat, with Cong following her.
They swiftly returned to their feet and continued exchanging, with Fernandes dodging Cong's strikes and then knocking her down with a sniper-like left hand. The Brazilian combatant sensed that she was on the cusp of bagging a stoppage and immediately pounced on Cong.
Fernandes craftily took the Chinese fighter's back and locked in a rear-naked choke. Cong tried to defend and break free but to no avail. Fernandes eventually flattened her out, and it looked as though Cong tapped and then lost consciousness.
Referee Marc Goddard stopped the bout at the 3:49-minute mark of round two, and Fernandes was declared the winner via technical submission.
During her post-fight octagon interview, Fernandes shed light on the hardships she's lately faced on the personal front, including the passing of some of her loved ones. She earned widespread praise from the MMA community, with many deeming her victory over Cong a major upset.
Furthermore, Cong, who's now 6-1 in MMA, took to social media and vowed to return stronger from her very first defeat in the sport.
Watch the finishing sequence and submission below (1:33):