Ronda Rousey And Brock Lesnar Are Reportedly Set To Return To The UFC After A Possible WWE Exit
In the world of professional wrestling, where scripted storylines and larger-than-life personas reign supreme, Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar have stood out as two colossal figures. Ronda’s Rocky WWE Journey For Ronda Rousey, her transition from the octagon to the squared circle was nothing short of a seismic shift. Once the “baddest woman on the planet” in the UFC, her journey in WWE was a rollercoaster. Rousey’s initial WWE run had moments of brilliance, but it wasn’t without its hiccups. The MMA sensation found herself locked into a smiling babyface role for too long, leading to some less-than-impressive mic work and bad matches. She was often overshadowed by other WWE superstars, from Becky Lynch to Liv Morgan. The WWE exit and UFC rumours It was widely reported that Rousey’s WWE run was winding down. At SummerSlam, she put over her close friend Shayna Baszler in a match that left many fans disappointed. So, what’s next for the 36-year-old Rousey? If insiders are to be believed, she might be heading back to where her combat sports journey began—the UFC. Although Ronda Rousey hasn’t officially confirmed her return to the UFC, a close confidant spilled the beans to The Daily Mail, stating, “She just had a match at SummerSlam and is looking to wind down her time and commitments with the WWE. She is now focusing on potentially making a run to have one last fight in the UFC and compete at UFC 300 when that presents itself sometime next year.” UFC 300: A Monumental Event The UFC 300 is shaping up to be a landmark event for the organization. Speculation was rife that another WWE star and former UFC fighter, Brock Lesnar, might also be gearing up for a return at this extravaganza. However, UFC President Dana White was quick to quash those rumours, firmly stating, “I think Brock’s done. I don’t think he ever comes back.” Lesnar’s MMA journey had its highs and lows, including a run for the UFC World Heavyweight Title. He retired from MMA after a loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 but returned for a fight at UFC 200 in 2016. His victory over Mark Hunt was later overturned due to a positive drug test. Ronda Rousey’s Possible UFC Comeback If Ronda Rousey does indeed make a comeback to the UFC, it would be a remarkable turn of events. Her initial UFC stint was marked by dominance and a reign as the women’s bantamweight champion. While her WWE tenure had its ups and downs, her transition back to the world of mixed martial arts would undoubtedly be a story worth watching. As for Ronda Rousey, her life beyond combat sports is also taking shape. Besides her potential UFC return, she’s considering her acting career and has plans to expand her family with her husband in the future. Dana White’s Focus on the UFC’s Future For Dana White, the president of the UFC since 2001, his focus remains firmly on the future of the organization. As he prepares for UFC 293, scheduled for September 9, 2023, in Sydney, Australia, he has a marquee fight featuring UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya defending his title against Sean Strickland. While surprises are par for the course in Dana White’s world, one thing is clear: when it comes to safeguarding his home and the MMA world, he knows how to use the power of social media to his advantage. The attempted break-in at his vacation home in Maine showcased the potential of social media to aid law enforcement. As the MMA world eagerly anticipates UFC 300, White’s focus is on delivering an unforgettable event for fans. Fighters will step into the Octagon, creating new moments of greatness. The UFC’s’sontinued evolution and Dana White’s relentless commitment to the sport suggest that this milestone event will be nothing short of extraordinary. In the realm of combat sports, where the lines between scripted drama and real-life action blur, Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar may soon grace the UFC stage once again. Whether it’s inside the squared circle or the octagon, their returns promise to be seismic moments that will captivate fans worldwide.
Top 10 Biggest Fights in UFC History
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has witnessed numerous epic battles that captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide. Here are the top 10 highest pay-per-view (PPV) selling fights in UFC history, featuring some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts.
Michael Bisping’s Title Reign: All the Details
Michael Bisping is among the most well-known personalities in mixed martial arts, and the former UFC middleweight champion is known for his relentless pressure, crisp striking, and excellent conditioning. This article closely examines the Englishman’s title reign, highlighting the number of successful title defenses, notable opponents, and legacy. Michael Bisping’s UFC title reign in the middleweight division began in June 2016 after he defeated Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 via first-round TKO to secure one of the most stunning upsets in promotional history. Despite losing two title eliminators against Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen early on, Bisping’s unwavering determination kept him pushing forward. Notable Opponents Michael Bisping faced several world-class opponents to solidify his status as one of the best middleweight champions in the UFC. Here are some of his most notable opponents: Dan Henderson: Michael Bisping faced Dan Henderson twice in his career. After losing the first bout against the American via second-round knockout at UFC 100 in July 2009, Bisping redeemed his loss over seven years later at UFC 204 in October 2016. In their second outing, Michael Bisping successfully defended his middleweight title for the first time. ‘The Count’s legendary conditioning helped him secure a unanimous decision after five hard rounds. He held on to his middleweight crown and secured the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus as well. Anderson Silva: Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva faced off at UFC Fight Night 84 in February 2016 in one of the most memorable bouts in UFC middleweight history. The highly competitive fight saw Silva displaying his trademark striking style, with Bisping showcasing his relentless forward pressure and stand-up game. Despite being dropped by a brutal flying knee at the end of the third round, Bisping rallied to win the fight via unanimous decision. Georges St-Pierre: Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 in November 2017 in New York City. As the reigning middleweight champion, Bisping attempted to defend his title against a fighter widely considered among the greatest fighters of all time. The two fighters brought fireworks to the octagon, and Bisping displayed his incredible striking and aggression. However, St-Pierre’s legendary grappling helped the Canadian fighter to win the bout via third-round submission. St-Pierre became the new UFC middleweight champion. Legacy Michael Bisping is one of the most inspirational fighters ever to become a champion in the UFC. Michael Bisping’s career is a testament to the warrior spirit, showcasing his unwavering perseverance, determination, and refusal to give up. His accomplishments inside and outside the cage and his outspoken nature have secured his place as one of the most respected and influential fighters in the history of MMA. Conclusion Michael Bisping became the UFC middleweight champion after defeating Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in June 2016 and went on to defend his title once against Dan Henderson. He held on to his title for over a year until faced Georges St-Pierre took it off him at UFC 217 in November 2017. After facing many notable opponents during his career, Bisping transitioned to broadcast duties and remains a widely beloved figure in MMA.
Michael Bisping’s UFC Career: All the Details
Michael Bisping is among the most well-known fighters in mixed martial arts, and the former UFC middleweight champion is widely considered one of the most highly accomplished British fighters of all time. This article looks closer at Bisping’s career in the UFC, his first fight, notable opponents, and his impact on the sport. Michael Bisping’s UFC Debut After making his professional MMA debut in April 2004, Michael Bisping fought across multiple promotions and found considerable success in the British MMA circuit. In April 2006, ‘The Count’ was a contestant in the third installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show. He went on to win the show’s light heavyweight finals by finishing Josh Haynes via TKO in the second round. Bisping made his official UFC debut against Eric Schafer at UFC 66 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in December 2006 in Las Vegas. The light heavyweight contest was slated for the preliminary card and didn’t last too long. ‘The Count’ dominated the fight with his superior stand-up game and secured a statement knockout in just 1:27 mins of the first round. Notable Opponents During his long and illustrious career, Michael Bisping fought numerous notable opponents. Here are some of the most noteworthy fighters he faced: Georges St-Pierre: Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 in November 2017 in New York City. As the reigning middleweight champion, Bisping attempted to defend his title against the mercurial Canadian fighter, who had been on a four-year-long hiatus from the sport. The fight was an intense back-and-forth battle, with ‘The Count’ displaying his striking skills and aggression. However, ‘Rush’s grappling expertise proved too much for Bisping, and he lost the fight via third-round submission. St-Pierre became the new UFC middleweight champion. Luke Rockhold: Michael Bisping faced Luke Rockhold twice in his career. In their first encounter at UFC Fight Night 55 in November 2014, Bisping showcased his excellent striking and caught Rockhold clean several times. However, Rockhold managed to capitalize on a brutal head kick in the second round before submitting the Englishman via one-armed guillotine to secure a victory. In their second meeting at UFC 199 in June 2016, Bisping faced the interim middleweight champion on short notice. Bisping utilized his excellent striking in the first round and secured a first-round KO to become the UFC middleweight champion. Vitor Belfort: Michael Bisping fought Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 7 in January 2013. The fight marked a turning point in the Englishman’s life. Belfort caught Bisping with a nasty head kick followed by brutal punches to win the fight via second-round TKO. However, the leg kick hurt Michael Bisping’s right eye causing a detached retina. While Bisping underwent surgery to repair the injury, the damage was done. Chael Sonnen: Michael Bisping faced Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2 in January 2012 in a middleweight title eliminator. The fight was highly intensive, and Sonnen displayed his superior wrestling pedigree to control most of the fight. After three rounds of action, Chael Sonnen was awarded the unanimous decision victory. Legacy Michael Bisping has one of the UFC’s most fairytale stories, and the Englishman is a testament to the power of unwavering determination and resilience. From winning The Ultimate Fighter to becoming the middleweight champion, Bisping’s journey has captivated fans and inspired countless aspiring fighters. Conclusion Michael Bisping began his UFC journey by winning The Ultimate Fighter before making a statement at his official debut. He consistently faced world-class opponents and seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as a commentator, analyst, and podcaster after retiring. His remarkable achievements, combined with his magnetic personality and outspoken nature, have secured his place in the annals of MMA history.
Michael Bisping’s Eye Injury: All the Details
Michael Bisping is undeniably among MMA’s most well-known personalities, and the former UFC middleweight champion’s career achievements were impressive enough to earn him a spot in the promotion’s Hall of Fame. This article examines Bisping’s career-changing eye injury, the ill-omened fight, and his legacy. Michael Bisping’s Eye Injury Michael Bisping’s career has seen him go through numerous brutal scraps in the octagon, but his fight against Vitor Belfort is one that changed the course of his life forever. During the calamitous fight, Bisping suffered a brutal eye injury that caused his right retina to detach. This caused ‘The Count’ to eventually lose vision in his right eye, and the Englishman was forced to wear a glass eye for the rest of his life. The Fight Michael Bisping faced Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 7: Belfort vs. Bisping in January 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The middleweight contest was a high-stakes affair for both fighters vying for a title shot against the then-champion Anderson Silva. After a back-and-forth first round, Belfort threw a brutal head kick in the second round, dropping Bisping. Belfort then proceeded to barrage the Englishman with some brutal ground-and-pound punches that won him the bout via knockout. While the loss was undoubtedly bad for Michael Bisping, matters got worse when it was later revealed that the head kick had caused the Englishman’s retina to detach. The injury went unnoticed by both doctors and Bisping for several months, which ultimately contributed to the seriousness of the injury. Not only did Bisping lose the fight, but it changed him and his career forever. Post-Injury Career Despite having a 20/200 vision, the bare minimum requirement for MMA fighters, Michael Bisping continued his career in MMA. While doctors advised ‘The Count’ to call it a career after his he was legally blind in his left eye, Bisping decided to keep on keeping on. Michael Bisping not only continued fighting, but he also faced some of his most formidable opponents with one damaged eye. Following the loss to Luke Rockhold in November 2014, Bisping went on the best run of his career. After back-to-back wins over C.B. Dolloway and Thales Leites, Bisping faced Anderson Silva in February 2016. ‘The Count’ outstruck the Brazilian MMA legend over five brutal rounds to win a unanimous decision. He went on to beat Luke Rockhold in their rematch to win the middleweight title. Legacy Michael Bisping’s career-changing eye injury and subsequent comeback to become the UFC middleweight champion is undoubtedly one of the greatest stories in MMA. The story of his journey serves as a testament to his unwavering determination to overcome challenges and his resilience in the face of adversity. Conclusion Michael Bisping suffered a gruesome injury that left him with a permanently damaged eye during his fight against Vitor Belfort. Despite being legally blind in one eye, the Englishman demonstrated immense resolve by undergoing a long recovery process before returning to action. He defeated several world-class opponents with one functioning eye and cemented himself as an MMA legend.
When was Daniel Cormier’s last UFC fight?
Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly among the greatest fighters to ever compete in mixed martial arts. The Louisiana native is widely known for captaining the 2008 American Olympic Wrestling team and being a simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC. After a storied career spanning over seven years in the world’s biggest MMA promotion, Daniel Cormier announced his retirement in August 2020. This article closely examines his last fight, his opponent, and the legacy he left behind in the UFC. Daniel Cormier’s Last Fight After Stipe Miocic knocked Daniel Cormier out in the fourth round of their second meeting at UFC 241 to reclaim the heavyweight title, ‘DC’ was given the opportunity to redeem himself almost exactly a year later. Cormier fought Miocic in their trilogy fight at UFC 252 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas in August 2020. The two legendary heavyweights put on a show for the fans as they slugged it out for a full five rounds, showcasing their skills and determination. The fight primarily took place on the feet, with Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic exchanging brutal punches, hard kicks, and clinical clinch work. Their wrestling pedigree was on full display in their grappling exchanges against the cage. At the end of the fifth round, Miocic emerged victorious via unanimous decision and retained his heavyweight title. Daniel Cormier used the post-fight octagon interview to announce his retirement from the sport. He left the UFC with a professional record of 22-3. His Legacy While his retirement left a void in the heavyweight division, his impact on the sport and his legacy as a two-division champion and respected ambassador of MMA remains intact. Beyond his fighting career, Cormier continues his journey with the UFC as a commentator and analyst. His ability to connect with fans, commentators, and fellow athletes endeared him to a wide audience, making him one of the most beloved figures in MMA. Conclusion From his humble beginnings to becoming a two-division UFC champion, Daniel Cormier’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent, sportsmanship, and immense popularity among fans worldwide. While his impact on the sport extends far beyond his octagon achievements, he also embodies the essence of a true sportsman, displaying integrity, charisma, and genuine humility. He continues to be one of the most beloved fighters in MMA.
Daniel Cormier’s Title Reign: All the details
Daniel Cormier is widely known as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA and one of the UFC’s greatest champions ever. Daniel Cormier’s legendary title reign in the UFC spanned two weight classes – Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight. This article closely examines Cormier’s incredible title run, notable opponents, and the significance of his accomplishments in the sport. Daniel Cormier’s Title History Daniel Cormier first achieved champion status when he won the vacant light heavyweight title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in May 2015. ’DC’ defeated the deadly knockout artist via third-round submission to be crowned champion. Cormier defended his light heavyweight title thrice before vacating it in December 2018. Daniel Cormier won his second title in the heavyweight division after beating Stipe Miocic in a surprise upset at UFC 226 in July 2018. He defended the heavyweight crown once against Derrick Lewis before Miocic reclaimed it via fourth-round knockout at UFC 241. Notable Opponents Daniel Cormier faced several world-class opponents during his time as a UFC champion. Here are some notable opponents that Cormier faced during his title reign: Jon Jones: The intense rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones is widely considered the UFC’s most legendary feud. The two MMA juggernauts faced off twice as light heavyweights in their careers, with ‘Bones’ winning their first contest at UFC 182 via unanimous decision. Jones reclaimed the light heavyweight title in their second meeting at UFC 214 via knockout but had his victory overturned into a no-contest due to a steroid violation. Anthony Johnson: Daniel Cormier fought Anthony Johnson twice in his career. ‘DC’ and Johnson went head-to-head for the first time at UFC 187 in May 2015, with both fighters vying for the light heavyweight title left vacant by Jon Jones. In the fight, Cormier relied on his wrestling skills to secure a third-round submission to become the light heavyweight champion. In their second outing at UFC 210, Cormier once again submitted the Arkansas native to defend his light heavyweight title. Alexander Gustaffson: The fight between Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson will forever be remembered as a classic encounter in the light heavyweight division. Gustafsson challenged Cormier for the title at UFC 192 in October 2015 and posed a significant challenge to ‘DC,’ thanks to his exceptional striking and height advantage. While their epic five-round fight was a back-and-forth battle, Cormier’s wrestling pedigree proved too much to Gustafsson. His relentless wrestling helped him secure takedowns and maintain top control as he ultimately won via unanimous decision. Legacy Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly among the UFC’s greatest fighters ever, and the former two-division champion is a certified legend. Cormier displayed excellent striking skills as a fighter apart from his untouchable wrestling. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Daniel Cormier was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in June 2022. Conclusion Daniel Cormier’s legacy extends far beyond his championship titles and accolades. The Louisiana native will always be remembered as a true ambassador for the sport, a role model for aspiring fighters, and a beloved figure in the MMA community.
Daniel Cormier’s UFC career: All the details
Daniel Cormier is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of MMA. The highly accomplished athlete is also the second champion to hold two titles simultaneously in the UFC. This article takes a closer look at Cormier’s UFC debut, notable opponents, and legacy. Daniel Cormier’s UFC Debut After graduating from college, Daniel Cormier enjoyed a successful run as a freestyle wrestler and was even named captain of the American Olympic Wrestling team in 2008. After the 2008 Olympics, ‘DC’ transitioned to MMA and made his professional debut in September 2009. Daniel Cormier made his UFC debut against Frank Mir in a heavyweight contest at UFC on Fox 7 in San Jose in April 2013. Cormier put on a wrestling clinic and controlled the fight with his relentless grappling skills. At the end of three rounds, he won the fight via unanimous decision to announce his arrival in the promotion. Daniel Cormier faced many world-class opponents during his time in the UFC, and the former two-division champion featured in some of the UFC’s most unforgettable bouts. Daniel Cormier’s Most Notable Opponents Jon Jones: The rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones is legendary and arguably remains the most fierce feud in UFC history. The two men faced off twice as light heavyweights in their careers, with ‘Bones’ winning their first contest and having his second KO victory over Cormier overturned into a no-contest due to a steroid violation. The build-up to their bouts was defined by personal insults, vile tirades, and even death threats. Jones and Cormier infamously brawled during a face-off before their first meeting in 2015. Stipe Miocic: Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic shared an epic rivalry in the UFC heavyweight division. The two MMA legends faced each other three times in their UFC careers, with the heavyweight title on the line each time. ‘DC’ challenged Miocic for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 226 in July 2018. In a stunning upset, Cormier secured a first-round knockout against Miocic to become a simultaneous two-division champion. Daniel Cormier already held the light heavyweight title at the time. Stipe Miocic later reclaimed his heavyweight crown at UFC 241 by knocking Cormier out in the fourth round and then defended it by defeating ‘DC’ for the second time via unanimous decision at UFC 252. Anderson Silva: Widely considered among the greatest martial artists of all time, Anderson Silva fought Daniel Cormier in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 200. The Louisiana native used his wrestling and grappling prowess to control the fight on the ground through all three rounds to defeat the Brazilian legend via unanimous decision. Anthony Johnson: Daniel Cormier fought Anthony Johnson twice in his career. Known for being a proficient knockout artist, ‘Rumble’s devastating power posed a significant challenge to Cormier. Daniel Cormier faced Anthony Johnson for the first time at UFC 187, where ‘DC’s wrestling pedigree helped him secure a third-round submission to win the vacant light heavyweight title. In their second outing at UFC 210, Cormier once again submitted the Arkansas native to defend his light heavyweight title. Legacy Daniel Cormier spent over seven years in the UFC, establishing himself as a true legend of the sport. Among his defining accomplishments, his champion status in two weight classes certainly takes the cake, as he simultaneously held the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. Cormier remains one of the most popular UFC fighters ever. Conclusion It is undeniable that Daniel Cormier has significantly impacted the sport of MMA. His impressive achievements, exceptional skills, and admirable conduct inside and outside the octagon have rightfully earned him a place among the all-time greats. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters, ensuring his lasting influence on the sport for years to come.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz: All the details behind the rivalry
The rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor is one of the most compelling and storied rivalries in MMA history. Having faced each other twice in their UFC careers, their contrasting fighting styles, polar opposite personalities, and reputations for intense octagon battles enthralled MMA fans worldwide. This article delves into their legendary rivalry, how it began, their fights, and their legacy. The Rivalry The Nate Diaz vs. Conor Mcgregor rivalry surprisingly began with Rafael Dos Anjos’s broken foot and some unintentionally excellent matchmaking on the UFC’s part. The rivalry began when Diaz was roped in to replace Dos Anjos on short notice to face McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016. The Brazilian was forced to pull out due to a foot injury. The fight took place at welterweight, which meant that reigning featherweight champion Conor McGregor had to move up two weight classes to fight Nate Diaz. Considering their contrasting fighting styles and personalities, the fight was an intriguing challenge for both men. The First Encounter Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor went head-to-head for the first time at UFC 196 in March 2016. The Irishman was a hot favorite going into fight night and was highly expected to extend his unbeaten streak in the UFC. The fight began with McGregor peppering Diaz with hard and accurate shots, looking to find that sweet spot on the Stockton native’s chin. However, Diaz weathered the storm and showcased his legendary durability despite being dropped a few times. In the second round, Diaz applied relentless pressure on McGregor and used his superior boxing skills to hurt the Irishman. Eventually, Diaz hit a gassed-out McGregor with a hard left that stunned him. The dazed McGregor then attempted a sloppy takedown, resulting in Diaz securing a rear-naked choke submission victory. The defeat marked McGregor’s first loss in the UFC and Diaz’s biggest win ever. The Second Encounter The first fight between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor laid the foundations for their rivalry to escalate. Given the massive upset that Diaz caused the first time around, fans were eager for an instant rematch, and that’s exactly what the UFC arranged. At UFC 202 in August 2016, the two rivals fought for the second time. The buildup to the fight was marked by bitter verbal sparring and personal insults, which escalated the tension between them. The fight was an epic five-round back-and-forth war, with McGregor throwing leg-kicks early on. While Diaz remained steadfast and kept piling on the pressure, McGregor displayed clear improvements in his game and utilized effective counter-punching and head movement. The fight ultimately ended with a close unanimous decision victory for Conor McGregor. Aftermath and Legacy The rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor is among the UFC’s most memorable ones. Beyond the octagon, Diaz and McGregor continued to fire shots at each other for an extended time, generating a buzz that heightened the anticipation for a trilogy fight. Facing Conor McGregor twice also undoubtedly helped take Diaz’s career to new heights, raise his profile, and make him a truly global superstar. Meanwhile, it allowed McGregor to introspect and make necessary improvements to his game. Conclusion The Nate Diaz-Conor McGregor saga undoubtedly showcased the essence of competition, the drive for redemption, and the ability of two fighters to bring out the best in each other. Diaz and McGregor remain two of the biggest superstars in MMA and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of all combat sports fans.
Nate Diaz’s biggest UFC wins: A quick recap
Nate Diaz is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars ever to grace the UFC octagon, and this article takes a closer look at the Stockton native’s biggest career wins. Nate Diaz’s Biggest Wins Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 1 – UFC 196 – 05/03/2016: There is no doubt that the fierce rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor was one for the UFC’s history books, and their first fight ended with the biggest win of Diaz’s 15-year-long career in the UFC. The then-unbeaten McGregor started the fight strong and seemed to bank on his knockout power to fold Diaz. While McGregor managed to bust Diaz’s right eye, the Irishman couldn’t finish the Stockton native. Unsurprisingly, McGregor seemed gassed heading into the second round. As Diaz’s confidence grew, he stunned McGregor with hard-hitting punches that forced the former two-division champion to shoot for a takedown. The grappling savant lost no time sweeping McGregor, mounting him, and sinking a choke in as soon as the Irishman gave his back. Diaz submitted McGregor at 4:12 mins of the second round in one of the wildest upsets in UFC history. Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone – UFC 141 – 30/12/2011: Nate Diaz faced a red-hot Donald Cerrone, who was on a four-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC, in his second fight after returning to lightweight, after beating Takanori Gomi at UFC 135. In classic Nate Diaz fashion, he got under Cerrone’s skin before the fight, which caused ‘Cowboy’ to become easy prey for the Stockton slugger. Cerrone started the fight too aggressively and got punished by Diaz’s quicker, more volume-based counter boxing. Diaz dismantled Cerrone in the first round with a series of brutal combinations that left ‘Cowboy’ gasping for air with a broken jaw. While the lionhearted Donald Cerrone survived all three rounds, the fight belonged to Diaz from the start. Nate Diaz defeated Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision. Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino – UFC Fight Night 13 – 02/04/2008: Nate Diaz faced Kurt Pellegrino in his third UFC fight while the jury was still out on whether he was an elite-level fighter. A superior wrestler and an accomplished jiu-jitsu black belt, Pellegrino was Diaz’s toughest test at that point. In the first round, Kurt Pellegrino brutally hurt Nate Diaz with his ground-based striking and nullified any grappling threat that Diaz posed. In the second round, Diaz tried to impose his striking on Pellegrino but saw himself getting picked up and slammed down onto the mat. However, as soon as Nate Diaz hit the floor, the Stockton native locked his opponent in a triangle choke and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Nate Diaz defeated Kurt Pellegrino via second-round submission while throwing up his famous double middle-fingers at the cameras. Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 279 – 10/09/2022: This list would be incomplete without mentioning Nate Diaz’s last outing in the UFC against fellow veteran Tony Ferguson. While Diaz was initially booked to face Khamzat Chimaev in his last contractual fight in the UFC, the Chechen-born Swede failed to make weight and was replaced by Ferguson. Fans lauded the new matchup, considering how unfavorable Chimaev would’ve been as an opponent for Diaz. The fight between the two fan-favorite fighters was quite evenly contested. Diaz displayed his incredible boxing skills as Ferguson’s relentless kicks caused significant damage to Diaz. In the fourth round, Nate Diaz managed to capitalize on a mistimed takedown attempt and secured a guillotine choke to submit Tony Ferguson to end his last UFC fight. Conclusion Nate Diaz’s 15-year career in the UFC solidified his status as an all-time great in MMA’s history books. With his signature fighting style, relentless pressure, and remarkable ability to withstand punishment, Diaz carved a niche for himself as one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC.