In the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), finishing fights via submission is the ultimate display of technical mastery. Many competitors excel in positional dominance or strategy. However, a select few stand out for their relentless hunt for the tap. As of 2025, the landscape of submission grappling is dominated by elite fighters. Their ability to submit opponents continues to raise the bar in Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

This article highlights the top BJJ submission fighters with the highest finish rates in 2025, based on performance across IBJJF, ADCC, and other high-level professional grappling events. We will also explore how different martial arts influence submission success. Moreover, we wil explore what makes these grapplers so dangerous.

What Makes a Great Submission Fighter in BJJ?

Before diving into the current submission kings and queens, let’s define what it means to be a top submission artist. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a submission victory is not only a win. But it is a statement. It means you controlled, manipulated and forced your opponent to concede using leverage, pressure and precise technique.

The key elements of elite submission fighters include:

• Technical diversity: Ability to submit from top, bottom, and transitional positions.
• Aggressiveness: Willingness to constantly seek the finish.
• Adaptability: Success in both Gi and No-Gi BJJ settings.
• Consistency: High submission rates across multiple matches and tournaments.

Top Submission Artists in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 2025

1- Gordon Ryan – The King of No-Gi Submission Grappling

Though primarily a No-Gi competitor, Gordon Ryan remains one of the most feared submission artists in modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Competing under the Danaher Death Squad lineage, Ryan’s focus on systematic control and pressure passing has made him nearly unstoppable in ADCC and other elite No-Gi events.

2025 Submission Stats:

• Win Rate: 100%
• Submission Finish Rate: 91%
• Notable Subs: Rear-naked choke, inside heel hook, arm triangle
• Highlight Win: Submission victory over Pedro Marinho at ADCC Trials 2025

Gordon’s ability to break down his opponents methodically and force submissions—even against world champions—cements his place as the most dominant No-Gi grappler of the decade.

Read more about Gordon Ryan and why He Is So Popular in BJJ

2- Ffion Davies – Queen of Submissions in the Gi

Hailing from Wales, Ffion Davies continues to rewrite the rulebook for female BJJ athletes. With explosive guard passing and back-taking ability, she dominates the Gi circuit. She has dominated throughout the world particularly in IBJJF competitions.

2025 Submission Stats:

• Win Rate: 94%
• Submission Finish Rate: 83%
• Notable Subs: Bow and arrow choke, triangle from guard, armbar
• Highlight Win: Gold medal at IBJJF Worlds 2025 with all matches won via submission

Her ability to chain submissions and control opponents from the back has made her a fan favorite. And she is a symbol of technical brilliance in Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

3- Mica Galvão – The Submission Prodigy

The Brazilian phenom Mica Galvão continues to impress the BJJ world with his high submission rate and fearless style. At just 21, his transition from junior levels to dominating black belt divisions in both Gi and No-Gi is remarkable.

2025 Submission Stats:

• Win Rate: 97%
• Submission Finish Rate: 88%
• Notable Subs: Armbar, loop choke, triangle from guard
• Highlight Win: IBJJF Pan Ams submission win over Tye Ruotolo

Mica’s hybrid game—mixing old-school fundamentals with flashy modern attacks—makes him one of the most exciting submission fighters in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu today.

4- Tye Ruotolo – The ADCC Finisher

Tye Ruotolo is a standout in the No-Gi submission grappling scene. He has made a name with his dynamic passing and unorthodox submissions. His buggy choke, D’arce, and leg attacks are both creative and effective.

2025 Submission Stats:

• Win Rate: 95%
• Submission Finish Rate: 80%
• Notable Subs: Buggy choke, D’arce, arm-in guillotine
• Highlight Win: Submission win over Nicholas Meregali in WNO 2025

Tye's ability to flow from scramble to submission, combined with an aggressive mindset, continues to keep him on the podium at every major No-Gi event.

5- Elisabeth Clay – Leg Lock Specialist

Known for her incredible leg lock arsenal and powerful base, Elisabeth Clay remains one of the most dangerous submission fighters in both Gi and No-Gi formats.

2025 Submission Stats:

• Win Rate: 89%
• Submission Finish Rate: 78%
• Notable Subs: Straight ankle lock, kneebar, outside heel hook
• Highlight Win: Submission victory at Polaris 25 via kneebar

Her work with leg entanglements and lower body attacks has influenced a new wave of submission-focused BJJ athletes in women's divisions.

The Martial Arts Influence on Submission Styles

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is at the core, many of these elite submission fighters incorporate techniques and philosophies from other martial arts:

• Catch Wrestling: Focus on painful and fast submissions—seen in Gordon Ryan’s pressure-based game.
• Judo: Throws and quick arm locks, evident in Mica Galvão’s transitions.
• Sambo: Leg locks and takedowns, influencing athletes like Elisabeth Clay.
• Wrestling: Positional dominance and top control, which fuels fighters like Tye Ruotolo.

The integration of these martial arts gives BJJ fighters an edge. Thus, allowing them to control pace and create submission chains from unexpected angles.

Gi vs No-Gi: Where Do More Submissions Happen?

An ongoing debate in the BJJ community is whether Gi or No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu produces more submissions. In 2025, data suggests:

• No-Gi BJJ results in quicker submissions due to the slippery nature of movement and fewer grips to stall.
• Gi BJJ sees more strategic battles. But submissions like chokes using the BJJ Gi (lapel, collar) are frequent when setups are successful.

Guide > What is Gi in BJJ? A Complete Guide for Beginners

Top submission fighters like Mica Galvão and Ffion Davies thrive in the Gi due to their precise grip fighting. However, Gordon Ryan and Tye Ruotolo dominate in No-Gi thanks to their explosive setups and positional control.

The Future of Submissions in BJJ

In 2025, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more dynamic than ever. Submission finishes are now prioritized in competition scoring and organizations like ADCC, WNO and Polaris reward aggressive submission hunting with bigger payouts and global attention.

Young athletes are being trained from day one to look for the submission and not just control. Thus, marking a cultural shift in how BJJ is practiced and taught.

Final Thoughts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has always been about leverage over strength and technique over brute force. But in today’s competitive landscape, it is also about who can finish the fight. Whether in Gi or No-Gi, the submission specialists of 2025 continue to elevate the sport with creativity, fearlessness and technical genius.

If you are a fan, practitioner or someone starting your journey in BJJ, studying these fighters and understanding their submission strategies is a great way to sharpen your own game. Equip yourself with a quality BJJ Gi Uniform, drill your finishes, and get inspired by the best in the game.