Since its inception in 1993, the Final Preventing Championship (UFC) has developed from a distinct segment fight spectacle into a world sporting powerhouse. It has delivered numerous unforgettable fights the place athletes displayed extraordinary talent, resilience, and coronary heart. Some battles have been so epic that they maintain legendary standing amongst combined martial arts followers and stay a sizzling subject of dialogue right now. On this article, we’ll take a look at 5 of the best UFC fights of all time, why the captivated audiences after 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 probably the most 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 folks new to the game had been left open-mouthed and in awe of what they’d simply witnessed. The struggle 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 struggle in UFC historical past, whereas followers and MMA consultants voted the Griffin versus Bonnar struggle as the best in UFC historical past. Test it out for those who 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 break up resolution 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 gained six months earlier.
Nothing might have ready followers for what occurred subsequent. Each males unleashed calculated violence from the second the opening bell sounded. Because the struggle wore on, MacDonald’s face grew to become 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 middle 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 take into account this struggle 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 manner via opponents because of his athleticism and struggle IQ. Jones had a worry 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 likewise outstriking him in lots of exchanges. The Swede pushed Jones to his limits, and at a number of levels of the struggle, it seemed like Gustafsson might have claimed Jones’ crown.
Nevertheless, Jones confirmed the guts of a champion, dug deep, and efficiently defended his title in opposition to his plucky opponent. The judges finally scored the struggle unanimously in Jones’ favor, however Gustafsson may very well be immensely happy with his efficiency.
Jones and Gustafsson earned the Combat of the Night time bonus, and the conflict was voted the Combat of the 12 months (2013). Some take into account it one of the best 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 aspect 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 seemed set to say Silva’s middleweight belt.
With lower than two minutes remaining within the closing spherical, every little thing pointed to Sonnen profitable by unanimous resolution. Nevertheless, Silva had different concepts. He locked onto Sonnen and deployed a triangle armbar that compelled Sonnen to faucet out.
The dramatic turnaround solidified Silva’s legacy as one of many best UFC fighters ever. Moreover, the struggle was voted Submission of the Night time, Combat of the Night time, and Combat of the 12 months (2010). Watch a re-run as quickly as you may!
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor – UFC 229, 2018
One of the best fights in any fight sport are sometimes the results of fierce rivalry. No struggle 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 struggle was accessible on pay-per-view, and a couple of.4 million viewers purchased in, making it the most-purchased UFC struggle on the time. The struggle 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 stage, and he dominated McGregor with relentless strain. A large overhand proper shook McGregor within the second spherical, and Nurmagomedov ended the competition within the fourth. Nurmagomedov secured a good neck crank that compelled 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 struggle was a masterclass in dominance and cemented Nurmagomedov as the most effective light-weight fighters of all time.
