Named after legendary Japanese judoka Masahiko Kimura, the reverse ude-garami “kimura” arm lock has become one of the more popular submissions in MMA.
When in side control, the kimura has been a great option for fighters that have mastered that technique. Once your opponent’s arm is torqued, they’re left with two options: They either tap or their arm breaks. Or, in some cases, both.
That’s what happened when Frank Mir became the first man to submit Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira as he mounted an incredible comeback just seconds after finding himself in survival mode after being badly rocked by “Big Nog.”
From comeback wins to title defenses to arm breaks, check out the latest video compilation published by the UFC showcasing the top kimura finishes in promotional history. For those who haven’t seen these finishes, we won’t spoil who won – but the compilation includes:
- Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira – UFC 140 (Dec. 10, 2011)
- Michael Johnson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov – UFC 205 (Nov. 12, 2016)
- Nick Diaz vs. Josh Neer – UFC 62 (Aug. 26, 2006)
- Matt Hughes vs. Joe Riggs – UFC 56 (Nov. 19, 2005)
- Tim Boetsch vs. Luke Rockhold – UFC 172 (Apr. 26, 2014)
- Michael Chiesa vs. Carlos Condit – UFC 232 (Dec. 29, 2018)
- Joe Lauzon vs. Curt Warburton – UFC on Versus 4 (June 26, 2011)
- Carlos Newton vs. Pete Spratt – UFC 40 (Nov. 22, 2002)
- Jimmy Crute vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – UFC Fight Night 168 (Feb. 23, 2020)
- Stephan Bonnar vs. James Irvin – UFC Fight Night 3 (Jan. 16, 2006)
- Tim Boetsch vs. Ronaldo Souza – UFC 208 (Feb. 11, 2017)
- Chris Cariaso vs. Demetrious Johnson – UFC 178 (Sept. 27, 2014)
Relive the top kimura finishes in UFC history, including Frank Mir's legendary finish of 'Big Nog'