ONE Championship is home to some of the world’s best martial artists across all different disciplines, including grappling.
Canvas-based stars have been mixing it up on the global giant’s MMA roster for some time, and a new focus has been put on submission finishes through the inclusion of submission grappling contests in ONE events over the last few years.
Before the world’s largest martial arts organization showcases its next star-studded lineup of fights at “ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham” on Prime Video on September 29, we’ve picked out submission wizards that fans should keep their eyes on in the near future.
Mikey Musumeci
ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci has shown why he is regarded as one of the best grapplers on the planet in his ONE tenure so far.
The American star is undefeated in five outings in the promotion, and he most recently defended his crown against strawweight MMA king Jarred Brooks at ONE Fight Night 13 in August.
“Darth Rigatoni” holds a phenomenal grappling record of 62-5, including four IBJJF world titles, and he has shown that he can submit his opponents from any position.
He’ll next look to show that size is no barrier to his submission skills when he takes on Japanese legend and former ONE lightweight MMA world champion Shinya Aoki in a blockbuster openweight submission grappling showcase at ONE Fight Night 15 on October 6.
Garry Tonon
Multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Garry Tonon is one of the most decorated grapplers to ever make the switch to MMA – and he has brought every one of his skills with him.
“The Lion Killer” has reeled off six submission wins under the ONE banner so far, and the thrilling finishes haven’t been limited to his signature leg lock game.
While the 31-year-old did use a kneebar to hand Russian sensation Shamil Gasanov his first professional loss this past July, his success has come via a mix of chokes and even a kimura back in against American star Johnny Nunez in January.
Along with his ability to submit at will, Tonon has an evolving all around MMA game that has earned him No. 2-ranked contenders spot in the featherweight division, and he could be on the verge of another world title shot very soon.
Danielle Kelly
Danielle Kelly is another grappler that is yet to taste defeat on the global stage.
After being held to a draw by Mei Yamaguchi in her debut in March 2022, the 27-year-old phenom showed her talent with a lightning-quick submission of former sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova in her sophomore bout at ONE Fight Night 4 last November and a dominant decision win over Itsuki Hirata this past February.
Kelly will look to continue America’s dominance on the ONE grappling world when she vies for the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world title against former foe Jessa Khan at ONE Fight Night 14.
