Two of the top jiu-jitsu representatives in MMA did the art proud this weekend at UFC 198 in Brazil, although one noted grappler forgot his roots and got knocked out as a result. 

Demian Maia put on a near-flawless showcase of the arte suave in his three-round mauling of the very durable Matt Brown. Maia's exceptional control and rear naked choke finish was a fantastic display of the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu.

The submission – Maia’s eighth during his time fighting for the UFC, and his eleventh career submission – put Maia into joint third place for the most submission finishes in UFC history. Only Royce Gracie with 10 (wins racked up in the proto-MMA era of early 90’s no holds barred fights) and Nate Diaz (with nine submissions) are ahead of him. Maia is tied with Frank Mir and Charles Oliveira. 

Most Submissions in UFC History 

• Royce Gracie: 10 
  
• Nate Diaz: 9 
  
• Demian Maia: 8 
  
• Frank Mir: 8 
  
• Charles Oliveira: 8 
  

List updated May 14, 2016. 




Another former jiu-jitsu champion whose world class ground game ensured victory was Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza. His first-round TKO of the always-dangerous Vitor Belfort may have been a result of his ground 'n pound, but his unshakeable base is a direct result of his years of experience on the mat. 

With 23 wins and 16 submissions in his career, Jacare has been one of the best representatives for jiu-jitsu in MMA since making the switch back 13 years ago. He continued to dabble in jiu-jitsu competitions, winning the 2005 ADCC no-gi submission wrestling world championship in the 77kg and openweight divisions, and winning again at ADCC in 2009 in a super fight against Robert Drysdale. 

Equally as impressive as Jacare’s finish skills is his versatility. Of his 16 career submissions, they’ve come via seven different methods. Maia’s 11 submissions came via five different methods. 

Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza Submissions in MMA 

16 Total submissions 

• 4 arm-triangle chokes 
  
• 3 armbars 
  
• 3 rear naked chokes 
  
• 3 submissions via punches 
  
• 1 kimura 
  
• 1 guillotine
  
• 1 triangle choke
  

Demian Maia Submissions in MMA 

11 Total submissions 

• 6 rear naked chokes 
  
• 2 triangle chokes 
  
• 1 guillotine 
  
• 1 armbar 
  
• 1 neck crank
  

If only Fabricio Werdum had relied more on his black belt than his substandard stand-up. His first round KO loss to Miocic was an awful anticlimax that left many wondering why Werdum decided to flip the script in such an important fight. 

With 50% of his 20 wins coming via submissions, fans thought it a no-brainer Werdum would look to entangle Miocic up on the mat, but no. It’s almost baffling, when you consider some of the amazing names that Werdum has tapped out, including: 

• Cain Velasquez (guillotine)
  
• Antonio Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira (armbar) 
  
• Fedor Emelianenko (triangle armbar) 
  

At least Maia and Jacaré reminded UFC fans that the flag of jiu-jitsu still flies high, and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.

All photos by Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports