5 Legendary MMA Moves That Changed the Game

MMA is a sport where evolution is constant. What worked a decade ago might not work today. Fighters and coaches are always tweaking, innovating, and sometimes completely flipping the script. But there are certain moves — iconic techniques — that have stood the test of time and, at some point, shifted how fighters approach the game.

Whether it’s a technique that left a lasting imprint or something that became a staple in every fighter’s toolkit, these moves didn’t just end fights — they changed the sport. Let’s take a look at 5 legendary MMA moves that altered the trajectory of MMA as we know it.

1. The Rear Naked Choke – The Ultimate Equalizer

Let’s kick things off with a classic: the rear naked choke (RNC).

It’s one of the most basic submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but in MMA, it’s the great equalizer. The RNC has been responsible for countless finishes, from early UFC tournaments to modern title fights.

One of the most legendary RNC moments? Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg 2 at UFC 52. Hughes, after surviving a low blow and a near-finish, scooped Trigg up, sprinted across the Octagon, slammed him, and sunk in a rear naked choke to end the fight in dramatic fashion.

The RNC is so dangerous because it can end a fight no matter how tired you are or how much damage you’ve taken. It’s taught in every gym worldwide and remains one of the highest-percentage submissions, from amateur circuits all the way to championship bouts.

Even in 2025, the RNC is still closing out fights, and it’s part of why grappling-heavy fighters like Islam Makhachev and Alexa Grasso have been so successful.

2. The Leg Kick – Chop the Tree, Win the Fight

It might not be flashy, but the leg kick has been a game-changer for MMA.

Originally borrowed from Muay Thai, the leg kick is now one of the most critical weapons in a striker’s arsenal. Fighters like José Aldo made it famous by chopping down opponents round after round. Aldo’s devastating leg kicks against Urijah Faber at WEC 48 left Faber’s leg looking like it went through a car crash.

Why did it change the game? Because once fighters realized that a few well-placed leg kicks could shut down an opponent’s movement and power, the entire meta shifted. Suddenly, fighters who were fast and elusive on the feet became sitting ducks if they didn’t know how to check or counter leg kicks.

Fast forward to today, and we’re now seeing advanced versions like calf kicks, made famous by fighters like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, who use them to shut down opponents within minutes.

3. The Superman Punch – From Comic Book to Cage

Who doesn’t love a good Superman Punch?

Leaping off the lead leg and throwing a punch while in mid-air? It sounds like something from a superhero flick, but in MMA, it became a highlight-reel staple, especially in the 2000s.

One of the OGs to land it successfully was Georges St-Pierre, who blended wrestling and striking beautifully. GSP’s Superman Punches were timed to perfection, often setting up takedowns or catching opponents off guard.

It became legendary because it was one of the early signs that creativity matters in MMA. You can’t just be a brawler or a wrestler — you need to be able to disguise your attacks and create openings.

To this day, you’ll see fighters using Superman Punches, sometimes even off the cage (yes, Anthony Pettis and Israel Adesanya have played with that variation).

4. The Armbar – Ronda Rousey’s Signature Move

If you’re talking about legendary submissions that shifted MMA, the armbar deserves its flowers, especially thanks to Ronda Rousey.

Before Rousey’s meteoric rise, women’s MMA was still fighting for mainstream respect. Rousey didn’t just win fights — she was tearing arms off in under a minute. Her run of first-round armbar finishes made the move iconic and helped put women’s MMA on the global map.

The classic judo-style armbar from the clinch or ground became something every fighter feared. The way Rousey blended her Olympic judo background into MMA was seamless, and soon every gym was drilling armbars like their life depended on it.

Even today, fighters like Mackenzie Dern and Rose Namajunas still use the armbar to devastating effect. It’s proof that with the right timing and execution, a “basic” technique can be fight-ending, even at the highest levels.

5. The Spinning Wheel Kick – When Flash Meets Fury

You can’t mention game-changing strikes without giving love to the spinning wheel kick (also known as the spinning heel kick).

Sure, spinning kicks have roots in Taekwondo and traditional martial arts, but in MMA, they weren’t always common — until Edson Barboza spun and landed that picture-perfect wheel kick on Terry Etim at UFC 142. That knockout was so clean, Etim was out before he hit the mat, and it instantly went viral.

The move changed the perception of spinning attacks. They weren’t just wild, Hail Mary strikes anymore. When timed properly, they could end fights instantly.

Today, fighters like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Zabit Magomedsharipov have incorporated spinning kicks into their regular game plans. Even heavyweights like Ciryl Gane have used them, showing that spinning kicks aren’t just for the flashy guys — they’re legitimate fight-ending tools.

Why These Moves Matter

Each of these moves didn’t just help win fights — they shifted strategies and forced the sport to evolve.

Before leg kicks were mainstream, fighters could dance around for five rounds. Before spinning kicks were popularized, fighters felt safe at kicking range. Before Rousey’s armbar run, submissions weren’t always front and center in women’s MMA.

These moves forced fighters to adapt and level up, making MMA the dynamic chess match it is today.

Honorable Mentions

• Flying Knee – Made famous by Jorge Masvidal’s 5-second KO of Ben Askren.
• Triangle Choke – Think Anderson Silva tapping Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
• Cage-Walking Kicks – Thanks, Anthony Pettis!

Final Thoughts: MMA’s Constant Evolution

What makes MMA beautiful is its unpredictability. Sure, fundamentals like a solid jab or a good double-leg takedown will never go out of style. But it’s these legendary moves — moments of brilliance and creativity — that remind us why we watch.

And as MMA continues to grow into 2025 and beyond, new fighters will take old techniques, remix them, and give us even more jaw-dropping moments.

So next time you see a leg kick, a sneaky armbar, or someone attempting a Superman Punch, you’ll know — you’re witnessing techniques that helped shape the very sport we love.