Five of the Greatest UFC Fights That Defined an Era

Since its inception in 1993, the Final Combating Championship (UFC) has advanced from a distinct segment fight spectacle into a worldwide sporting powerhouse. It has delivered numerous unforgettable fights the place athletes displayed extraordinary ability, resilience, and coronary heart. Some battles have been so epic that they maintain legendary standing amongst blended martial arts followers and stay a sizzling matter of dialogue as we speak. On this article, we are going to have a look at 5 of the best UFC fights of all time, why the captivated audiences once they initially occurred, and why UFC followers proceed watching re-runs and pictures years later.

Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar – The Final Fighter 1 Finale, 2006

The UFC struggled for mainstream recognition within the early 2000s, however that modified after the finale of the inaugural The Final Fighter. On April 9, 2005, Forrest Griffin and Stephen Bonnar entered the Octagon and competed in one of the crucial intense battles the UFC has ever seen.

Griffin and Bonnar engaged in a relentless stand-up brawl for 3 rounds, every buying and selling heavy blows with little regard for protection. UFC President Dana White, UFC followers, and other people new to the game had been left open-mouthed and in awe of what they’d simply witnessed. The battle one way or the other went the space, with judges unanimously awarding Griffin the victory. Nevertheless, the true victory belonged to the UFC as a result of the electrifying battle introduced in a surge of followers.

Dana White credit this conflict as crucial battle in UFC historical past, whereas followers and MMA consultants voted the Griffin versus Bonnar battle as the best in UFC historical past. Test it out should you get the prospect.

Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 – UFC 189, 2015

Few fights in UFC historical past are as brutally compelling because the welterweight championship rematch between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald at UFC 189. Lawler beat MacDonald with a cut up choice at UFC 167, which left a nasty style in MacDonald’s mouth. The pair agreed to a rematch two years later and fought for the UFC Welterweight Championship title that Lawler had received six months earlier.

Nothing may have ready followers for what occurred subsequent. Each males unleashed calculated violence from the second the opening bell sounded. Because the battle wore on, MacDonald’s face turned a bloodied mess, however he refused to surrender and continued swinging punches as if his life relied on it.

A defining second got here on the finish of the fourth spherical, when each exhausted and battered fighters stood within the heart of the Octagon, staring one another down earlier than returning to their corners. A couple of minutes later, within the fifth and closing spherical, Lawler unleashed a ferocious punch that broke MacDonald’s nostril, forcing him to break down and ending the competition.

Many think about this battle the all-time welterweight bout the UFC has run.

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson – UFC 165, 2013

Jon Jones appeared invincible earlier than September 21, 2013. The long-reigning mild heavyweight champion had frequently bulldozed his means by way of opponents due to his athleticism and battle IQ. Jones had a concern issue surrounding him, which gave him a bonus earlier than a punch had been thrown. Then got here Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, who modified everybody’s outlook.

The Swedish challenger earned his title shot after profitable six straight fights within the mild heavyweight division. Gustafsson shocked the UFC world by inflicting the primary take down of Jones’ profession and in addition outstriking him in lots of exchanges. The Swede pushed Jones to his limits, and at a number of levels of the battle, it regarded like Gustafsson may have claimed Jones’ crown.

Nevertheless, Jones confirmed the guts of a champion, dug deep, and efficiently defended his title towards his plucky opponent. The judges finally scored the battle unanimously in Jones’ favor, however Gustafsson might be immensely pleased with his efficiency.

Jones and Gustafsson earned the Battle of the Night time bonus, and the conflict was voted the Battle of the 12 months (2013). Some think about it the most effective mild heavyweight bout in UFC historical past.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen – UFC 117, 2010

Anderson Silva‘s followers had been used to seeing their hero dismantle opponents within the middleweight division, however they noticed a special facet to the Brazilian’s sport at UFC 117. Chael Sonnen dominated Silva with relentless wrestling and ground-and-pound for nearly 5 full rounds and regarded set to say Silva’s middleweight belt.

With lower than two minutes remaining within the closing spherical, every part pointed to Sonnen profitable by unanimous choice. Nevertheless, Silva had different concepts. He locked onto Sonnen and deployed a triangle armbar that pressured Sonnen to faucet out.

The dramatic turnaround solidified Silva’s legacy as one of many biggest UFC fighters ever. Moreover, the battle was voted Submission of the Night time, Battle of the Night time, and Battle of the 12 months (2010). Watch a re-run as quickly as you possibly can!

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor – UFC 229, 2018

The very best fights in any fight sport are sometimes the results of fierce rivalry. No battle in UFC historical past carried as a lot dangerous blood because the battle between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The pair had spent months trash-talking, and firing reducing insults at each other.

The battle was accessible on pay-per-view, and a pair of.4 million viewers purchased in, making it the most-purchased UFC battle on the time. The battle didn’t disappoint, though McGregor’s legion of followers had been left sad. These followers anticipated the Irishman to placed on a masterclass efficiency, however Nurmagomedov shone.

Nurmagomedov’s grappling was on one other degree, and he dominated McGregor with relentless stress. An enormous overhand proper shook McGregor within the second spherical, and Nurmagomedov ended the competition within the fourth. Nurmagomedov secured a good neck crank that pressured McGregor’s submission.

What adopted subsequent was pure chaos. Nurmagomedov scaled the Octagon fence to assault McGregor’s staff, resulting in a mass post-fight melee! Regardless of the controversy, the battle was a masterclass in dominance and cemented Nurmagomedov as among the finest light-weight fighters of all time.