MMA Junkie has announced its pick for the 2025 Submission of the Year, honoring Bruno Van Steenis for his stunning victory over Josh Eblen. The bout, which showcased Van Steenis’ technical prowess and composure on the ground, quickly became a highlight of the year within the mixed martial arts community. This decisive submission not only secured Van Steenis a memorable win but also earned widespread acclaim, solidifying its place as the standout grappling moment of the 2025 MMA calendar.
Breakdown of Van Steenis’s Submission Technique That Secured MMA Junkie’s 2025 Honor
Van Steenis’s mastery on the mat was a vivid display of precision and technique against Eblen, ultimately forcing a tap-out that will be remembered for years. From the opening minute, Van Steenis subtly controlled the pace, closing the distance with calculated pressure rather than reckless aggression. His approach was rooted in fundamental grappling principles, setting up the submission with methodical transitions while maintaining positional dominance. The key moment came when he secured a deep arm position, seamlessly moving into a setup for a slick kimura lock that Eblen failed to defend.
- Positional Control: Establishing side control before isolating the arm.
- Grip Adjustment: Executing a quick wrist and elbow lock switch to tighten leverage.
- Pressure Application: Using hips and body weight to prevent escape routes.
- Timing: Recognizing Eblen’s defensive attempts to counter with immediate tightening.
Throughout the submission sequence, Van Steenis demonstrated an impressive blend of technical knowledge and fight IQ, exploiting every minor opening. His ability to remain calm under pressure and fluidly transition between grips highlights why this moment earned MMA Junkie’s 2025 Submission of the Year. The fight stats below further emphasize his dominance in the grappling department during the bout:
| Statistic | Van Steenis | Eblen | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takedown Accuracy | 78% | 41% | |||||||||||||
Submission Attempts It seems the data for “Submission Attempts” is incomplete in the table. Could you please provide the rest of the statistics or let me know how you would like me to assist with this content?Expert Recommendations for Fighters Looking to Master Van Steenis’s Winning StrategyTo emulate Van Steenis’s unparalleled performance, fighters must focus heavily on positional control and grip transitions, which were decisive in his victory over Eblen. Experts stress the importance of drilling smooth chain submissions and reacting fluidly to opponents’ defenses. Incorporating dynamic sparring sessions that simulate high-pressure scenarios will sharpen the ability to maintain composure and capitalize on fleeting openings. Additionally, mental preparation plays a critical role in mastering this approach. Building endurance with specialized conditioning regimes and refining the timing through video analysis of Van Steenis’s bouts can provide invaluable insights. Below is a breakdown of key skill areas prioritized by top coaches:
The ConclusionAs the dust settles on a thrilling year in mixed martial arts, Van Steenis’ masterful submission over Eblen stands out as MMA Junkie’s 2025 Submission of the Year. This pivotal moment not only showcased exceptional skill and timing but also underscored the evolving art of grappling in the sport. Fans and analysts alike will remember this finish as a defining highlight, setting a high standard for submission artistry in the years to come. - Advertisement - Add A Comment |







