A modern example of the classic striker vs grappler theme, knockout artist Mark Hunt takes on submission specialist Frank Mir at UFC FightNight 85.
As a 15 year UFC veteran who holds the record for most bones broken in submission victories, here’s a look at five of Frank Mir’s most notable submission victories in his UFC career.
5) Frank Mir vs Tank Abbott
Tank was back. After several years away from mixed martial arts (or no holds barred back in his era) due to his pro wrestling career, David ‘Tank’ Abbott was welcomed back at UFC 41 by young prospect Frank Mir.
With Tank coming out swinging, Mir pulled guard on the brawler working for an armbar, only to switch to a painful toe hold submission forcing the tap at 0:45 of round 1 and holding the distinction of being the only toe hold win in UFC history.
4) Frank Mir vs Pete Williams
After a successful debut at UFC 34: High Voltage over Roberto Traven, 3-0 prospect Frank Mir was matched up with Lions Dens fighter and former title challenge Pete Williams.
After tagging Williams on the feet, Mir tied up with him against the cage and got taken down by the veteran, from the open guard Mir latched onto Williams right arm and applied an inside shoulder crank now known as the ‘Mir Lock’. This would be Williams last professional MMA fight.
3) Frank Mir vs Brock Lesnar
It was the WWE vs the UFC when Brock Lesnar made his highly anticipated UFC debut, and the fighter welcoming him to the octagon was none other than now former champion Frank Mir who vacated his title due to a motorcycle accident.
Immediately flooring Mir and landing heavy blows, the bout was met with controversy as Steve Mazzagatti paused for strikes to the back of Mirs head resulting in a point deduction. With the fight resumed Lesnar got the mat to the floor again smothering Mir with ground and pound, but an opening presented itself with Mir sweeping a standing Lesnar off his feet into a kneebar, signalling the tap at 1:30 of round one.
2) Frank Mir vs Tim Sylvia
With 5 victories inside the octagon for the BJJ black belt, Frank Mir was granted a title shot against reigning heavyweight champion Tim ‘The Maine-iac’ Sylvia. After standing for a short period Sylvia surprisingly took the submission specialist to the floor, from here Mir was able to secure an armbar and wrench on an armbar snapping Sylvia’s forearm and winning himself the heavyweight title.
Though Sylvia originally protested the stoppage, slow motion replay made it very clear the arm had indeed been broken.
1) Frank Mir vs Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira
Submission of the century was how of Dana White described Frank Mir’s comeback victory at UFC 140.
On the brink of a TKO loss, Frank Mir managed to turn the tide by capitalizing on a guillotine attempt by Minotauro Nogueira and gaining dominant position. In a display of technique meeting horsepower Frank Mir locked in a kimura on the former Pride Champion who resisted to tap and proceeded to break his humerus bone and became the first fighter to ever submit the Brazilian legend.
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