Top 5: Ryan Spann submissions

Ryan Spann vs. Ion Cutelaba

UFC on ESPN 36
May 14, 2022 | Las Vegas
Spann rebounded from a loss to Anthony Smith when he disposed of the Moldovan marauder with a guillotine choke in the first round of their light heavyweight co-main event at the UFC Apex. Cutelaba bowed out 2:22 into Round 1. Providing support for the Jan Blachowicz-Aleksandar Rakic headliner, Spann conceded three takedowns in the abbreviated affair but managed to regain his footing each time. He eventually kicked away the persistent Cutelaba, stood and cinched the choke when “The Hulk” drove forward in an ill-advised bid for another takedown. Spann then muscled his way into a mounted position, ratcheted up the pressure and completed the submission.

Ryan Spann vs. Ovince St. Preux

UFC 307
Oct. 5, 2024 | Salt Lake City
Spann wasted little time in getting down to business when he swept aside the former University of Tennessee linebacker with a guillotine choke in the first round of their light heavyweight prelim at the Delta Center. St. Preux conceded defeat just 95 seconds into Round 1. Operating in the shadows of the Alex Pereira-Khalil Rountree main event, Spann spun around the Strikeforce veteran with a booming right hand, gave chase and countered a single-leg takedown attempt by targeting the neck. Soon, a high-elbow guillotine was locked in. Spann lowered “OSP” onto his back, climbed to full mount and maximized torque to produce the tapout.

Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski

UFC 318
July 19, 2025 | New Orleans
Spann took care of “The Bull” with a guillotine choke in the first round of their heavyweight prelim at the Smoothie King Center. Submitted for the first time in his 18-fight career, Brzeski capitulated 2:47 into Round 1. Spann executed a takedown, climbed to full mount on multiple occasions and threatened the Pole with arm-triangle chokes. Brzeski was up to the challenge initially. However, in his haste to escape, he left his neck exposed. Spann weaved his arms into place, bit down on his trusted guillotine, bullied the kickboxer into a seated position at the base of the cage and drew out the tap.