Rare 'Banana Split' Submission Has Only Been Used Three Times in UFC History

The ultra-rare banana split submission has only been used three times in UFC history, with a former UFC champion pulling it off inside the Octagon.

The submission game in the UFC has evolved since Royce Gracie gained fame for his success, winning UFC 1 and UFC 2 in the 1990s.

Several submission practitioners have shone in the UFC, including the likes of Demian Maia and Charles Oliveira, who is still active, having defeated Mateusz Gamrot via a face crank.

Despite their prowess on the mat, Maia and Oliveira have never executed a banana split submission - also known as the Suloev Stretch - in the UFC.

But three fighters, including ex-UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, have successfully pulled off a banana split submission to devastating effect.

What is a banana split submission?

The banana split submission typically involves controlling both of the opponent's legs and pulling them apart in opposite directions - like the dessert name implies.

It targets the hips, groin and/or hamstrings rather than just the knee joint.

Zabit Magomedsharipov defeated Brandon Davis via a banana split at UFC 228. Image: Getty

Who has performed the banana split submission in the UFC?

Aljamain Sterling vs. Cody Stamann

Sterling was matched against wrestler Cody Stamann at UFC 228.

And he emerged victorious following a perfectly executed banana split.

Sterling launched Stamann to the ground then advanced his position before taking his opponent's back.

He rained down punches before completing a banana split, forcing the tap.

Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Brandon Davis

Magomedsharipov, who retired from MMA in 2022, produced a banana split submission when he defeated Brandon Davis at - funnily enough - UFC 228.

Just three fights after Sterling defeated Stamann via a banana split, Magomedsharipov performed the same submission in his UFC 228 bout.

He cradled Davis' back before yanking his opponent's left leg then tightened the lock, forcing the tap.

Kenny Robertson vs. Brock Jardine

Robertson also delivered a banana split submission inside the famed Octagon as he managed to compromise Jardine while hanging off his upper body.

He hyper extended his opponent's knee, prompting the referee to intervene. Robertson bagged the Submission the Night award following his impressive submission victory.