May's Top Submission in MMA: The Emergence of the Capsule Lock

The month of May 2026 has wrapped up, and MMA Junkie is highlighting the most impressive submissions from the past month. Among the nominees for the coveted Submission of the Month award, five standout performances caught the eye of fans and analysts alike. Here’s a look at the nominees, with the winner’s achievement set apart.

Starting off the list is Kody Steele, who faced Dom Mar Fan at UFC Fight Night 275, where he executed a stunning kneebar to secure an early victory. Following this, Jim Miller went head-to-head with Jared Gordon at UFC 328, while Yaroslav Amosov took on Joel Alvarez at the same event, both showcasing their grappling prowess. Additionally, Song Yadong delivered an impressive performance against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Fight Night 277.

The highlight of the month, however, was Alice Ardelean’s victory over Polyana Viana at UFC Fight Night 276. Ardelean submitted Viana with a unique maneuver known as the "Capsule lock," a term that had rarely been discussed prior to this fight. The match concluded at 4:36 of the second round, when Viana, while attempting a body lock from the bottom position, inadvertently created a situation that forced her to tap. This submission move showcased the unexpected dynamics of grappling in MMA.

With this win, Ardelean extended her winning streak to three fights, having previously triumphed over Rayanne dos Santos and Montserrat Ruiz. As the world of mixed martial arts continues to evolve, submissions like the Capsule lock are gaining recognition and adding excitement to the sport.

What do you think of our selection? Be sure to vote for your favorite submission from May!