As another thrilling month of MMA action concludes, MMA Junkie takes a moment to spotlight the standout submissions from March 2025. Here, we present the five nominees for the Submission of the Month award, listed in the order they occurred, and reveal who takes home the honor. And at the end of this article, don’t forget to cast your vote to let us know if our pick resonated with you.
Nominees
Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Jalin Turner at UFC 313
Ignacio Bahamondes has been making waves in the lightweight division, and he certainly made a splash when he compelled Jalin Turner into retirement. Bahamondes (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) managed to make Turner (14-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) succumb to his very first career submission loss with a masterfully executed triangle choke from the bottom, wrapping up the fight in mere minutes into the first round.
Carlos Vera vs. Josias Musasa at UFC Fight Night 254
Despite entering the fight as the heavy favorite, Josias Musasa was in for a surprise during his much-anticipated octagon debut. The bantamweight clash started with intense exchanges, each fighter aiming for the highlight reel. Carlos Vera (12-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC), however, stole the show when he landed a devastating head kick that left Musasa (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) reeling. Vera seized the moment, securing a rear-naked choke in the opening round to emerge victorious.
Brendson Ribeiro vs. Diyar Nurgozhay at UFC Fight Night 254
Brendson Ribeiro exhibited his grappling prowess against Diyar Nurgozhay, dismantling the latter’s undefeated record in their light heavyweight showdown. Ribeiro (17-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) executed an impressive kimura in the second round, overwhelming Nurgozhay (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and forcing the tap.
Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar at UFC Fight Night 255
In what looked like a dire situation for Shauna Bannon, she turned the tables dramatically against Puja Tomar. Dropped by a clean left high kick, Bannon (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) rapidly regained her composure and locked in an armbar from her back, ultimately submitting Puja Tomar (9-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in the second round of their strawweight encounter.
The Winner: Sean Brady vs. Leon Edwards at UFC Fight Night 255
Sean Brady accomplished what no man had done before: finishing Leon Edwards on his home turf. Brady (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) delivered a standout performance against Edwards (22-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC), sealing the deal with a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round. The main event at The O2 in London saw Brady utilize relentless pressure, switching from striking to grappling seamlessly. Despite Edwards’ resistance, Brady’s persistence paid off as he controlled Edwards on the ground and ended the fight with a decisive choke at 1:39 of Round 4.
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