A rare submission took place at UFC Vegas 117, as Alice Ardelean finished Polyana Viana with a technique never before seen in the octagon.
Competing in the strawweight division at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Ardelean entered the bout on a two-fight winning streak, while Viana was looking to stop a three-fight skid.
The momentum quickly showed in the opening round.
After a brief pause due to an eye poke, Ardelean regained control of the action.
Although Viana had moments in the clinch, including landing a solid elbow, Ardelean soon took over, pressuring forward and landing combinations consistently as the round progressed.
The fight shifted significantly in the second round when Ardelean brought the action to the ground.
She secured top position early and maintained control from half guard, mixing in strikes while dictating the pace.
Viana attempted to respond from her back, throwing elbows and eventually locking a body triangle in an effort to slow Ardelean down.
And, well, that decision proved costly.
Ardelean capitalized on the position, isolating Viana’s leg and applying pressure to the knee.
The submission forced Viana to tap at 4:36 of the second round.
The finish was officially recorded as a capsule lock, marking the first time the technique has ever been used for a submission victory in UFC history.
Check it out on the video below:
a “Capsule Lock.” Can definitely say I’ve never seen this in MMA. pic.twitter.com/NvZhJAapRM
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 16, 2026
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