With 2025 coming to a close, it's time to reflect on one of the biggest years in grappling history. 

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Elisabeth Clay's heel hook against Gabi Pessanha - IBJJF No-Gi Worlds

Clay shocked the world by submitting the sport’s most dominant heavyweight with a perfectly executed inside heel hook in the open class finals, delivering the first submission loss of Pessanha's incredible career. The win capped off an eight win, eight submission run from Elisabeth in a legendary run to finish off 2025.

Helena Crevar's ankle lock against Sarah Galvao - CJI 2

In the finals of the highest paid women's tournament of all-time, Helena delivered one of the year's most impactful submissions when she locked up an ankle lock against Sarah Galvão in the finals to deliver the $100,000 victory. It was a technically pristine finish from the young stalwart that helped her become the youngest #1 pound-for-pound ranked athlete in FloGrappling history.

João Bisnaga's Caio Terra Lock against Diego Sodre - IBJJF Worlds

The 22-seed Bisnaga executed a flawless Caio Terra lock in the World semifinals, one of the craziest submissions of the entire tournament. The Caio Terra lock is a De La Riva foot lock that Bisnaga was able to hit with the man himself, Caio Terra, on the call!

Meyram Maquine's armbar against Gabriel Sousa - BJJ Stars 17

Maquine reminded all of us how he's one of the sport's most dangerous black belts when he snapped off this incredible armbar at BJJ Stars 17 in a Grand Prix semifinals. Meyram used a hip toss to break his opponent's balance before launching into the armbar for the emphatic, dramatic victory in front of the raucous Sao Paulo crowd.

Mica Galvão's armbar against Roberto Jimenez - BJJ Stars 15

Mica Galvão's technical precision was on full display in the finals of the BJJ Stars 15 middleweight GP when he locked on one of the most devastating armbars of the year against Roberto Jimenez. Mica has had one of the most surgical armbar attacks for years now and this example against Roberto was one of the best you'll see.

Roberto Jimenez's armbar against Elder Cruz - WNO 26

Roberto Jimenez delivered on the quickest submission of the nominees, flying into an armbar against Elder Cruz in the co-main event of WNO 26. Jimenez's fearless attitude and knack for electric jiu-jitsu were showcased in full in Costa Mesa, CA that night in February.

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