WhatCulture UFC Awards: Best Of 2019
4. Submission Of The Year - Demian Maia Vs. Ben Askren
Poor Ben Askren. It had already been a rough year for him following his fight with Jorge Masvidal (we'll get to that later), but his match-up with Demian Maia only confirmed that he wasn't good enough to compete in the UFC. Although Askren was only finished by a rear naked choke - which isn't the most flamboyant of submissions - it was everything leading up to the finish that helped Demian Maia secure this year's award.
The jiu-jitsu specialist put on an absolute clinic against Askren, proving to everyone that even when pitted against an elite wrestler, Maia's grappling game is just another level. During the third round of their UFC Fight Night 162 main event, Askren scored a trip takedown that sent Maia to the floor. Usually this would be Askren's domain, but he'd never faced a jiu-jitsu specialist like Maia before.
The Brazilian used a heel hook attempt to sweep Askren, before eventually turning away and giving up his back. From that very moment, the fight was over, as Maia locked in a body triangle and relentlessly pursued the rear naked choke. Eventually he locked it in, tightened the submission and put Askren to sleep.