As we look back on the exciting month of August 2024 in the world of MMA, there were several impressive submissions that caught the attention of fans and experts alike. From comeback victories to technical headlock finishes, the submissions showcased a range of skills and strategies employed by the fighters. Let’s take a closer look at the top submissions from August 2024 and analyze what made them stand out.
Toshiomi Kazama’s Triangle Choke
One of the nominees for the Submission of the Month award was Toshiomi Kazama’s stunning triangle choke win against Charalampos Grigoriou. Despite facing adversity and being knocked down in the second round, Kazama showed resilience and craftiness in turning the tables on his opponent. By controlling his opponent’s posture and smoothly transitioning into a triangle choke, Kazama secured a remarkable victory. The technical execution and composure displayed by Kazama in a critical moment of the fight highlight his skillset and determination.
In another nominee-worthy performance, Serghei Spivac impressed with a lightning-fast armbar finish over Marcin Tybura. The heavyweight main event saw Spivac seizing an early opportunity to snatch Tybura’s arm and force the tap in under two minutes. Spivac’s decisive move not only secured the victory but also made UFC history by being the first armbar finish in the heavyweight division in several years. His awareness and quick submission skills showcased his proficiency on the ground and his ability to capitalize on openings during the fight.
Jesus Aguilar’s technical submission due to a guillotine choke against Stewart Nicoll earned him a spot among the top submissions of the month. Despite facing criticism for missing weight before the fight, Aguilar delivered a strong performance with a well-executed choke that ended the bout swiftly. Aguilar’s ability to transition from a disadvantageous position to a fight-ending move demonstrated his resilience and grappling expertise. The submission victory showcased Aguilar’s determination to overcome setbacks and emerge victorious in the octagon.
Gerald Meerschaert’s record-setting arm-triangle choke against Edmen Shahbazyan was a highlight of his career and a standout submission in August 2024. Meerschaert, known for his comeback abilities, showcased his resilience in weathering a storm of strikes from Shahbazyan before securing the fight-ending submission. The victory not only added another impressive finish to Meerschaert’s resume but also set a new record for the most finishes in the divisional history. Meerschaert’s determination and submission skills were on full display in this memorable performance.
The winner of the Submission of the Month award, Dricus Du Plessis, delivered a thrilling rear-naked choke victory over former champion Israel Adesanya in the UFC 305 main event. In a back-and-forth war, Du Plessis secured the title with a well-timed submission in the fourth round. The fight showcased Du Plessis’ versatility in mixing striking and grappling techniques to wear down his opponent and eventually secure the decisive choke. The victory solidified Du Plessis’ position as a top contender in the middleweight division and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes fights.
Overall, the submissions from August 2024 provided fans with exciting moments and demonstrated the diverse skills and strategies employed by MMA fighters. From come-from-behind victories to technical grappling finishes, the submissions showcased the versatility and tenacity of the athletes competing at the highest level of the sport. As we look ahead to future events, the bar has been set high for fighters looking to leave their mark with impressive submission victories in the octagon.