5 most lethal submission specialists in the UFC right now

C. Naik
Charles Oliveira [Image via @espnmma on Instagram]
Charles Oliveira [Image via @espnmma on Instagram]

#2. Paul Craig – UFC light heavyweight

Paul Craig's resurgence in the UFC light heavyweight division has been incredible to watch. Three years ago, he was on the cusp of being released from the promotion after back-to-back defeats to Khalil Rountree Jr. and Tyson Pedro.

Craig was then booked to face undefeated Russian prodigy Magomed Ankalaev in his next outing and came in as a massive betting underdog. After getting picked apart throughout the fight, the Scot pulled off a jaw-dropping triangle choke in the dying seconds of the bout, forcing his Dagestani counterpart to tap. This remains the only blemish on Ankalaev's record.

'Bearjew' is unbeaten in his last six fights. In his most recent outing, the grappling phenom took on Nikita Krylov at the O2 Arena in London, England. He added yet another submission win to his record as he forced Krylov to tap to a triangle choke in the very first round.

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Paul Craig's professional record stands at 16-4, with 13 career wins coming via submission. His all-action approach makes him incredibly entertaining and he has emerged as a fan-favorite in recent times as a result.

Craig is one of only a handful of fighters who boasts a 100% finish rate. Now ranked in the top ten of the 205-pound division, he will be eyeing a few more notable scalps en route to a title shot. The Scotsman will turn 35 later this year and is targeting one final run at UFC gold. With his menacing ground game, 'Bearjew' can never be counted out.

Watch a compilation of Paul Craig's submissions below:

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#1. Charles Oliveira – UFC lightweight

Charles Oliveira is the best submission specialist in UFC history, period.

Oliveira is not only the most lethal grappler in the promotion, but the best finisher as well. Since joining the organization way back in 2010, the Brazilian has racked up 21 submissions and 30 finishes overall. 'Do Bronx', with all his accolades and records, is undoubtedly a future Hall of Fame inductee.

For over a decade, Oliveira endured a tumultuous run in the promotion that culminated in breathtaking fashion against Michael Chandler last year. He became the UFC lightweight champion with his win over Chandler and subsequently defended his belt against Dustin Poirier seven months later.

Adding to his record for most submission wins and finishes in promotional history, 'Do Bronx' sunk in a rear-naked choke in the third round of the bout against Poirier, forcing 'The Diamond' to tap. In his next outing, Oliveira secured a first-round submission win over Justin Gaethje.

Watch a compilation of Charles Oliveira's finishes below:

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Edited by Dave
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