Top 10 Greatest Fights in UFC History

    In this article, we explore the extent to which MMA has transformed over a period of time and how the UFC has played an instrumental role in this process. As time progresses, the UFC is delivering some of the most entertaining, dramatic, and even brilliant displays of combat sports’ art. These fights are many times appreciated for the spectacular moments, for the guts and skills shown, and at times for historical moments. And here are ten of what many consider to be the most epic UFC fights so far, a list that is arranged randomly.

1. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale)

The fight that is often claimed to have saved the UFC, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar’s fight in the UFC Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale, is one of the classic bouts in the sport. This fight occurred on April 9, 2005, and marked the end of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series developed to build up the UFC. Griffin and Bonnar gave fans a true example of a warrior’s spirit; both fighters were involved in a tireless three-round battle that stiffened the audience. Such a competitive battle and up for a great show, both fighters were signed by the UFC, which contributed much to the UFC’s beginning to take its path into America’s mainstream sports.

2. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II (UFC 189).

Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald fought for the second time at UFC 189 on July 11, 2015. The fight was arguably one of the great MMA wars in the history of the sport. The match showcased both the strength and durability of the two fighters as the rounds progressed, each featuring more aggressive attacks. After some hard and immense strikes, Lawler managed to knockout both himself and Johnson and finally secure a fifth-round TKO. This fight is famous for its spectacular level of violence and for the true champions’ spirit manifested by the participants.

3. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 165)

Jon Jones was the kingpin UFC Light Heavyweight Champion when he squared up against Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC 165 on September 21, 2013. Gustafsson was not believed to stand a chance against the fighter Jones after the opponent looked almost unstoppable. This was again a closely contested fight where both fighters really took the heat, with Gustafsson even managing to take Jones down for the first time in the UFC. Jones defended his light heavyweight championship by defeating Davis via unanimous decision, but this fight is considered among the best light heavyweight fights in history.

4. Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva (UFC 79)

People had finally been able to see the bout, which was a fantasy matchup between two of the most prominent strikers in the history of the sport, Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva. When they met the last time in the cage at the event, which was held on December 29, 2007 under UFC 79, they did not let the fans down. And that was not the case as two men put the pedal hard on the floor and started really laying into each other as fans cheered them on. This fight was a great one, as Liddell won the fight by unanimous decision but was remembered by many for the stand-up structure, the heart of both fighters, the strike feints, and the hard competition.

5. Conor McGregor: UFC Fight vs. Nate Diaz II (UFC 202)

Conor McGregor, who lost to Nate Diaz in their previous bout, was eager to get a win back at Nate. The second bout was held at UFC 202 on August 20, 2016, and the fight duly delivered on what was expected of them. McGregor, who had power punches and kicks throughout the fight, knocked Diaz on the floor several times, and Diaz impressed with his endurance and cardio. The fight was fully contested for five rounds, and the conclusion was a majority decision in favor of McGregor. Also, the fight is regarded for its very intense moments, and fans appreciated the fight with a lot of actions and great courage shown by both fighters.

6. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (UFC 117)

UFC Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva (C) vs. Chael Sonnen On August 7, 2010 at UFC 117. Sonnen controlled Silva for four and a half rounds, keeping the champion on the ground with his wrestling prowess. However, in one of the most dramatic comebacks in UFC history, Silva was able to pull off a triangle armbar submission with 1:23 minutes left to the fight, thus retaining his title. This bout was marked by a turn of the tables and a ton of determination that was demonstrated by Silva.

7. Dan Henderson versus Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua I (UFC 139)

The light heavyweight thrilling bout between Dan Henderson and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua took place at UFC 139 on November 19, 2011. The fight was an all-out fight in five rounds that really had both men beating one another remorselessly while both men were also taking big shots. The first part of the fight favored Henderson; Rua later regained his footing and stood as a better fighter in the late rounds, hence the fight was fairly balanced. Henderson was victorious by unanimous decision; however, the fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest light heavyweight bouts in the organization’s history, largely thanks to the dynamism and grappling sequences.

8. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II (UFC 125)

The rematch between the two stars, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, happened in the UFC 125 event on January 1, 2011. Maynard nearly knocked Edgar out in the first round and sent him down to the canvas several times. But Edgar did not surrender and gave the true meaning of heart and tenacity of a warrior, absorbing all the damage and coming back strongly in the later rounds. This fight concluded with a split draw but would be most notable for the instructive display of the combatant’s ability to stand in the pocket while absorbing considerable punishment and the ebb and flow of the fight.

9. Joanna Jędrzejczyk: Weili Zhang: UFC 248

Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Weili Zhang competed in a UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship match on March 7, 2020, in UFC 248. The described fight was a five-round battle that clearly demonstrated the potential and desire of the two women for a spectacular knockout. In the fight, both fighters met in the middle of the octagon and exchanged heavy blows; Jędrzejczyk, who clenched her left eye, suffered a severe swelling on her forehead. Zhang successfully defended her belt through a split decision, but it is considered one of the best women’s fights in UFC history given the intensity of the fight and the sheer determination of both fighters.

10. Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II, UFC 52

The second fight between Matt Hughes and Frank Trigg at UFC 52, organized on April 16, 2005, is one of the most interesting UFC fights. Trigg had Hughes in a lot of trouble to begin with this round, taking a low blow and almost stopping him with punches. But Hughes staged an amazing comeback, picking up Trigg and taking him across the Octagon to drop him with a right hook. Hughes then clinched a rear-naked choke to knock out the fight. This bout was quite legendary for the turn at the middle of the bout and Hughes’ splendid show of muscles and guts.

    There have been so many amazing fights in the history of the UFC that it is difficult to name just a few; every fight has its tale. Thus, the ten fights chosen for the discussion can be perceived as the most dramatic in terms of the discharge of emotions and technical and physical efforts, as well as their historical significance for the development of mixed martial arts. These fights have also pleased fans and served to bring the sport to new strata, which inevitably led to the rise of the UFC to the level of the leading promoter of MMA. That is the fact we should accept, and as the UFC expands, fans will be able to witness more unforgettable fights in the cage.