The variety and scope of elements that distinguish a fight ending knockout from a fight ending submission are varied and numerous at best. The former tends to be fast, powerful, brutal, and decisive; it sends the message that the fight is over as the recipient can no longer make the conscious decision to continue on with the fight. On the other hand, the submission seems to be more elegant, graceful, and a cerebral work of art unfolding in front of an audience in real time. Submissions take time to set up and everything from hand placement to hip positioning to proper pressure need to align for the maneuver to be successful.

Here we are taking a look at the five of the fastest submissions in mixed martial arts. All less than ten seconds and all happening quicker than their opponent can comprehend what is going on, these feats of excellence, beauty, and grace are nothing short of amazing! (Note: although there are nearly 30 submission documented under 10 seconds in mixed martial arts competition, this is a compilation of five of the most exciting).

5) Jason King vs Scott Brinkley (7 Seconds)

This clash between heavyweights took place on the 13th of April, 2013 at Spartyka Fight League XI in Hampton, VA. Taking advantage of a poorly executed takedown, Jason King secured his first mma submission victory in just seven seconds with a guillotine choke.

4) Steve Reeks vs Unknown (7 Seconds)

In Australia back on May 28, 2011 at Glory MMA Fight Night Steve Reeks threw one of the most pathetic looking kicks to ever have been attempted in the cage; his opponent catches the lumbering limb and unfortunately for him, Steve is pretty slick with his jiu jitsu and catches his opponent in a triangle merely seven seconds into the bout.

3) Eric Attard vs Tony Valera (7 Seconds)

At The Beatdown on the Bay in Erie, PA two amateur athletes make their mixed martial arts debut. Taking full advantage of the clear inexperience of Valera, Attard attacks and submits his adversary with a well-timed rear naked choke seven seconds after the opening bell.

2) Tommy Allen vs Konrad Jaskiewicz (5 Seconds)

This contest took place in Norwich, Norfolk, England and is the most recent on our list occurring on May 2, 2015. Just FIVE seconds into the opening frame Jaskiewicz renders his opponent unable to continue with a perfectly timed heel hook.

1) Rumina Sato vs Charles Diaz (6 Seconds)

Although not the fastest submission on our list, at six seconds it is still pretty damn quick and is by far one of the most beautiful submissions in the history of the sport of mixed martial arts thus earning it the top spot. Nearly two decades ago on January 15, 1999 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan at a Shooto event Rumina Sato pulled off one of the most graceful, elegant, and beautiful submissions of all time – the flying armbar.