Toby Imada giving an inverted triangle to Jorge Masvidal in the Bellator 5 back in 2009, is still regarded as one of the most remarkable submission moves ever in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event.

Masvidal, although still in his early 20s, was far from being an easy opponent then. Imada managed to bring out one of the most celebrated moves against him to come back from the jaws of defeat.

Jorge Masvidal had almost beaten Toby Imada

The fight was never actually being dominated by its eventual winner. His sheer determination to stay in the fight and his timely presence of mind saw Imada pull off one of the best moves in MMA.

By the end of the third round, nobody in the crowd felt Imada would even make it to the final round. And of course, he did not need to. Imada’s face was beaten, his body language was down and adrenaline low.

Even mere seconds before his downfall, Masvidal looked in absolute control over Imada. Masvidal grabbed Imada’s shin in an attempt to lift him. But mid-air, Imada managed to grab his opponent’s neck in between his legs with an inverse triangle. Seconds later, Masvidal was lying down and Imada was celebrating an incredible victory.

Toby Imada later retired in 2013, having featured in 49 MMA fights. His 30 wins in that period contains 20 submission victories, but the moment when he grabbed Masvidal’s neck would be cherished forever.

Masvidal will enter the 17th year of his pro MMA career. He has a win-loss record of 35-13, and only two of those losses have come via submission.

Top Stories

Patrick Mahomes’ Dad Faces 10-Year Prison Sentence After Chiefs QB’s Father Reportedly Violated Probation Terms

PGA Tour Split Into Two as Scottie Scheffler Confirms Stance on Patrick Reed’s Return

Multiple PGA Tour Pros Stopped from Playing as WM Phoenix Open Round Is Canceled Over Recurring Problem

Scottie Scheffler Faces Scrutiny After Taking Out Anger on Golf Club at WM Phoenix Open: ‘Washed’

“Stay Right There on the Bench”: LSU’s Grace Knox Faces Backlash After Heated Moment in 64-77 Loss vs Texas

Justin Jefferson Makes Final Decision on Joining Buffalo Bills After Further Damaging J.J. McCarthy Relationship

Although the submission remains the most remarkable turnarouds, Masvidal never actually admitted of it being one of the craziest moments of his life.

“Life at the age of like 12/13 had hit me way harder, choked me out way harder than anything I had come in contact with in the sports world,” he had said on his defeat against Imada.