In a thrilling display of skill and intensity, Jean Silva has been awarded the 2025 Submission of the Year by Uncrowned. This recognition comes after his decisive victory over Bryce Mitchell during a highly publicized match earlier this year. Silva’s performance, marked by a dramatic choke that left Mitchell defeated, has captured the attention of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community and beyond.
The match took place in April, against a backdrop of controversy surrounding Mitchell, who had made headlines for inflammatory comments on his podcast. His remarks, which included a desire to go fishing with Adolf Hitler, drew widespread criticism. UFC CEO Dana White condemned Mitchell’s statements, calling him “literally one of the dumbest human beings,” yet he recognized the promotional value in showcasing Mitchell’s fights. White stated, “That’s the beautiful thing about this business. For all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television.”
Silva’s Unforgettable Victory
Silva, known for his unpredictable and energetic style, embraced the role of the underdog. His relentless barking and chants during the lead-up to the fight created a unique atmosphere, unsettling Mitchell. Just weeks before their bout, Mitchell claimed to be battling “demons and beautiful women” in his sleep, which he attributed to Silva’s supposed influence. This psychological warfare added to the intrigue surrounding their matchup.
As the fight unfolded, it became a classic grappler versus striker scenario, with many believing Mitchell had the advantage on the ground. However, early in the second round, Silva landed a powerful right hand that shifted the momentum. Mitchell attempted to grapple, but Silva’s elbows proved punishing. In a moment of desperation, Mitchell left his neck exposed, allowing Silva to secure a tight ninja choke that forced the tap-out.
This submission, while not the most technically intricate, was brutal and resonated deeply with fans. The raw emotion displayed in the fight underscored the nature of combat sports, where the stakes are as high as the adrenaline. Silva celebrated his victory by barking in Mitchell’s face once more, a fitting exclamation point to a dramatic encounter.
Notable Performances of the Year
While Silva’s submission earned top honors, several other remarkable performances shaped the MMA landscape in 2025. Costello van Steenis stunned Johnny Eblen in their middleweight title bout. With just seconds remaining in the fifth round, van Steenis managed to execute a rear-naked choke, rendering Eblen unconscious and securing the title.
In another highlight, Merab Dvalishvili submitted Sean O’Malley using a rare north-south choke, further solidifying his position in the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili’s victory demonstrated his technical prowess, as he decisively ended the contest in the third round.
Youssef Zalal also made headlines with a swift submission victory over Josh Emmett in just 98 seconds at UFC 320. Zalal’s technique was impressive, transitioning from an arm triangle to a triangle choke before securing an armbar.
Finally, the year also featured an unexpected moment of brilliance from Henrique Madureira, who executed an inverted triangle choke against Eriglent Prizreni during Oktagon 80. This unusual submission showcased the creativity that can emerge in the sport, even from lesser-known fighters.
As the MMA community reflects on 2025, the submissions and performances of fighters like Silva and van Steenis remind fans of the sport’s unpredictable nature and the extraordinary talent within its ranks. With the end of the year approaching, discussions about the next season’s predictions and potential matchups are already heating up, promising another thrilling chapter in the world of MMA.
