UFC submission of the month for December 2024: Vicente Luque's killer anaconda choke that put Themba Gorimbo to sleep in under a minute

Vicente Luque has long been a staple of the UFC welterweight division. The Brazilian-American is 2-3 in his past five fights. However, he's still counted among the toughest matchups for any 170-pounder, owing to his well-rounded skill set, thunderous KO power, and slick submission skills.

'The Silent Assassin's' most recent fight served as a terrifying reminder about why he simply cannot be overlooked at 170 pounds. Luque scored a spectacular submission stoppage that put his opponent to sleep and sent fight fans into a tizzy. His incredible win is our pick for the best UFC submission for the month of December 2024.

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UFC submission of the month for December 2024: Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo

Vicente Luque had been linked to a potential fight against MMA legend Nick Diaz for several months through 2024, but that matchup fell apart twice. Luque subsequently suggested that he'd like to move on from the same. The 33-year-old even sent his thoughts and prayers to Diaz in the wake of the latter's alleged substance abuse issues that reportedly affected their fight.

Luque hadn't competed since getting knocked out by Joaquin Buckley in March 2024. His second booking against Diaz was for the UFC 310 event, but Diaz withdrew. Themba Gorimbo then stepped in on short notice to fight Luque at the event, which transpired at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., on Dec. 7, 2024.

Gorimbo previously made waves in the combat sports realm and beyond, courtesy of his association with WWE and Hollywood megastar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

Their welterweight bout didn't last long, as Luque soon gauged the range after trading a few punches and kicks with his foe. 'The Silent Assassin' appeared to hurt and knock Gorimbo down with short-range punches. That knockdown was swiftly followed by him latching on to the dazed Gorimbo's neck and attempting a choke.

The Zimbabwean tried to wriggle out of the hold but to no avail. Referee Mark Smith realized that Gorimbo had been choked unconscious and waved the fight off just 52 seconds into Round 1. Luque was thereby declared the victor via first-round submission (anaconda choke).

Check out Vicente Luque's killer submission win over Themba Gorimbo below:

Thankfully, Gorimbo soon regained consciousness. On the other hand, Luque seemed elated about returning to the win column in style. 'The Silent Assassin' proceeded to outline his plans for 2025, calling out the inaugural BMF champion and MMA legend Jorge Masvidal.

Luque alluded to the UFC's expected event in Masvidal's native Miami in 2025 and underscored that he'd love to fight 'Gamebred' on that card. During his post-fight octagon interview, Luque hit back at those who counted him out. He also alluded to now boasting the second-most finishes in UFC welterweight history (14), behind only the retired Matt Brown (15), and he promised to break that record.

Furthermore, Luque implied he's looking for a top 10-ranked opponent next but is willing to make an exception for Jorge Masvidal, who retired in 2023 but recently announced his plans to return in 2025:

"I'm looking for the top 10. I want to go up. But I'll give room for Masvidal. He's coming back. I want to go out there."

Check out Vicente Luque's comments below (0:20):