Top 10 Global Submissions of 2014
In a 'Flash'
One FC 23 “Warrior's Way”
Dec. 5 | Manila, Philippines
James Goyder: Bibiano Fernandes is a BJJ black belt, but despite his impeccable grappling credentials, he hasn’t been submitting many opponents of late. That all changed at One FC 23, when the Brazilian showcased the sort of slick skills which saw win the BJJ world championships earlier in his career. After going the distance four times in his four previous One FC fights, Fernandes had a point to prove when he took on undefeated South Korean upstart Dae Hwan Kim.
The decisive moment came when the Korean made the mistake of turning his back slightly while defending a double-leg takedown early in the second round. The reigning One FC bantamweight champion capitalized ruthlessly by leaping onto Kim’s back, sinking in the hooks and flattening him out. The tap was inevitable and it was a particularly sweet moment for Fernandes because not only was it his first finish inside the One FC cage but it came at the expense of a very good up-and-coming opponent who had never previously tasted defeat.
Jordan Breen: Fernandes' bit of artistry actually reminds me of Paddy Pimblett's flying triangle armbar on Conrad Hayes, in that the real magic is in the transition and the set-up. I mean, if you want a brutal rear-naked choke, watch this death strangle that Stephanie Essensa puts on Jennifer Stumborg at Havoc FC 4 from last January. But, the best RNC finishes are all about what happens beforehand, like when Genki Sudo knocked our hair back and blew our socks off by breakdancing bellydown on Leigh Remedios to take the back, then sinking the choke in one fell swoop.
Fernandes was nicknamed "The Flash" eons ago and despite the fact he's going on 35, you can still see why. He instantly recognizes that Kim is turning his hips to defend the takedown and he's there to meet him, leaping onto his back with one deep hook, sinking the other before Kim even realizes what's happening, then going to work. As James mentioned, Fernandes is not necessarily a great fight finisher, but he still has sneaky punching power and devastating takes of the back. Even if he doesn't always fight in a way to accentuate them, the slightest gaffe against Fernandes can still get you finished in… well, a flash.
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