As the adrenaline settles from another electrifying month in mixed martial arts (MMA), fans and analysts alike reflect on the stunning performances and jaw-dropping techniques showcased throughout November 2024. Highlighted by a series of exceptional submissions, this month has reiterated the prowess of fighters who can expertly navigate the grappling aspects of the sport. Here, we explore the standout performances that earned nominations, culminating in the much-coveted Submission of the Month award.
Youssef Zalal, a fighter who has experienced a renaissance in his career, delivered an exceptional performance against Jack Shore. This fight marked a significant turning point for Zalal (16-5-1 MMA, 6-3-1 UFC), showcasing an evolution in his skill set and fight strategy. Capitalizing on an explosive knee strike that sent Shore to the canvas, Zalal proceeded to secure a victory with an impressive arm-triangle choke at just 59 seconds into the second round. This victory represents not only Zalal’s third consecutive win since returning to the UFC but also cements his reputation as a formidable submission artist. It’s important to note how this win reinforces the notion that a well-timed strike can create openings for elite grappling techniques.
Canadian fighter Jasmine Jasudavicius (12-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) has certainly made her mark in the women’s flyweight division with her recent defeats of Ariane da Silva. In a match characterized by strategic ground control and aggressive striking, Jasudavicius’s ability to execute a D’Arce choke at 2:28 of the third round showcased her grappling acumen and adaptability under pressure. This victory not only maintained her perfect record in 2024 but also established her as a rising contender with the potential to challenge for higher honors. The way Jasudavicius balanced ground-and-pound and submission attempts serves as a textbook example for fighters seeking a well-rounded skill set.
Despite his extensive career, Jim Miller (38-18 MMA, 27-17 UFC) demonstrated that age is merely a number in the world of MMA. Submitting Damon Jackson with a guillotine choke just 2:44 into the first round, Miller secured his status as a record-holder for all-time wins in the UFC. This performance not only underscored Miller’s seasoned grappling skills but also raised questions about his opponents’ preparedness when facing a veteran who remains as hungry as ever. With Jackson seemingly retiring post-fight, this submission win serves as a poignant reminder of how the MMA landscape continuously evolves, although some fighters persist and set enduring benchmarks.
Denis Goltsov (36-8) triumphed in spectacular fashion at the PFL heavyweight championships, grappling his way to a title and a $1 million prize. A back-and-forth contest with Oleg Popov saw Goltsov swiftly reverse an initial setback, locking in a triangle choke that culminated in a technical submission at 2:55 of Round 1. Goltsov’s ability to maintain composure and showcase superior grappling under pressure not only earned him a championship belt but also disrupted Popov’s impressive 17-fight winning streak. This victory could signal the start of a new era for Goltsov, who evidently possesses the skill set and mentality to contend with the best in the heavyweight ranks.
Gabriella Fernandes (10-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) provided fans with an unexpected twist by submitting Wang Cong (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) with a rear-naked choke at the 3:49 mark of Round 2. Overcoming a substantial betting line that had her as the underdog, Fernandes demonstrated that sheer determination and technical polish can defy expectations. The sequence leading to her victory began with a powerful left hook that dropped Cong, showcasing the importance of striking in creating openings for grappling transitions. This win not only rejuvenated Fernandes’s career trajectory but also marked a significant lesson in making the most of opportunities in the unpredictable world of MMA.
November 2024 served as a testament to the incredible skill and strategic depth in MMA. Each of the fighters featured exemplified the art of submission fighting, reinforcing the notion that grappling is as critical to success in the octagon as striking. As competitions continue, fans are left eager to see what new heights these talented athletes will reach in the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts.