Fastest Submission in UFC History: 9-Second Guillotine
In the UFC, fast submissions are among the most thrilling ways to secure a victory. They highlight a fighter’s skill, timing, and quickness in recognizing openings. Unlike knockouts that depend on strength, submissions such as armbars, guillotines, and heel hooks demonstrate how intelligent grappling can finish a fight in mere seconds. These instances are unforgettable and showcase the true art of MMA. At UFC 6 in 1995, Oleg Taktarov managed to submit Anthony Macias with a guillotine in just nine seconds. The sambo expert went for a swift takedown and locked it in right away. There have been rumors of a fix, but the record for the fastest submission in UFC remains unbroken nearly 30 years later.
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Top 5 Fastest Submission in UFC History
Here are the top 5 fastest submission in UFC history that show how fast grappling can change a fight.
| Rank | Fighter | Opponent | Weight Class | Event | Time | Method |
| 1 | Oleg Taktarov | Anthony Macias | Heavyweight | UFC 6 | 0:09 | Guillotine Choke |
| 2 | Justin Martin | Eric Martin | Light Heavyweight | UFC 12 | 0:14 | Heel Lock |
| 3 | Joe Charles | Kevin Rosier | Heavyweight | UFC 4 | 0:14 | Armbar |
| 4 | Ronda Rousey | Cat Zingano | Women’s Bantamweight | UFC 184 | 0:14 | Armbar |
| 5 | Marcus Aurelio | Ryan Roberts | Lightweight | UFC Fight Night 13 | 0:16 | Armbar |
Oleg Taktarov vs. Anthony Macias(9 seconds)
Event: UFC 6
Date: July 14, 1995
Venue: Casper Events Center, Casper, Wyoming, USA
At UFC 6 in 1995, Oleg Taktarov made a mark in history by achieving the fastest submission in UFC history. Just moments after the fight started, he went for a takedown, secured a guillotine choke. He made Anthony Macias tap out in just nine seconds, a record that has remained unbroken for almost 30 years.
Justin Martin vs. Eric Martin (14 seconds)
Event: UFC 12
Date: Feb 7, 1997
Venue: Dothan Civic Center, Dothan, Alabama, USA
At UFC 12 in 1997, Justin Martin made a memorable debut by tapping out Eric Martin with a heel hook in only 14 seconds. He immediately targeted the leg, applied the submission, and received the quick tap. This remains one of the quickest heel lock finishes in UFC history.
Joe Charles vs. Kevin Rosier (14 seconds)
Event: UFC 4
Date: Dec 16, 1994
Venue: Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
At UFC 4 in 1994, Joe Charles had his first fight against kickboxer Kevin Rosier in an alternate match. Charles didn’t hesitate, quickly going for a takedown, bringing the fight to the ground, and securing an armbar for the win in only 14 seconds. This was one of the quickest submissions in history and a great example of how effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be in mixed martial arts.
Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano(14 seconds)
Event: UFC 184
Date: Feb 28, 2015
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
At UFC 184 in 2015, Ronda Rousey defended her bantamweight title in just 14 seconds, the fastest finish in UFC championship history. Cat Zingano came out flying, literally, with a knee, but Rousey flipped her, scrambled, and locked in a nasty armbar. Zingano tapped almost instantly, proving why Rousey was the queen of quick submissions.
Marcus Aurelio vs. Ryan Roberts(16 seconds)
Event: UFC Fight Night 13
Date: Apr 2, 2008
Venue: Broomfield Event Center, Broomfield, Colorado, USA
During UFC Fight Night 13 in 2008, Marcus Aurelio quickly took action against Ryan Roberts. He struck with a precise right hand, brought the fight to the ground, and secured an impeccable armbar. Roberts tapped out in only 16 seconds, making it one of the quickest submissions in contemporary UFC history and showcasing the lethal nature of Aurelio’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
