Five of the Greatest UFC Fights That Defined an Era

Since its inception in 1993, the Final Combating Championship (UFC) has developed 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 subject of debate immediately. On this article, we’ll have 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 photographs 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 some of the 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 have been left open-mouthed and in awe of what that they had simply witnessed. The combat by some means went the gap, with judges unanimously awarding Griffin the victory. Nonetheless, the actual victory belonged to the UFC as a result of the electrifying battle introduced in a surge of followers.

Dana White credit this conflict as a very powerful combat in UFC historical past, whereas followers and MMA consultants voted the Griffin versus Bonnar combat as the best in UFC historical past. Test it out in case you get the possibility.

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 foul 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 may have ready followers for what occurred subsequent. Each males unleashed calculated violence from the second the opening bell sounded. Because the combat 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 last spherical, Lawler unleashed a ferocious punch that broke MacDonald’s nostril, forcing him to break down and ending the competition.

Many think about this combat 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 regularly bulldozed his method via opponents due to his athleticism and combat 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 likewise outstriking him in lots of exchanges. The Swede pushed Jones to his limits, and at a number of phases of the combat, it appeared like Gustafsson may have claimed Jones’ crown.

Nonetheless, Jones confirmed the center of a champion, dug deep, and efficiently defended his title towards his plucky opponent. The judges ultimately scored the combat 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 Yr (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 have been used to seeing their hero dismantle opponents within the middleweight division, however they noticed a unique aspect to the Brazilian’s recreation at UFC 117. Chael Sonnen dominated Silva with relentless wrestling and ground-and-pound for nearly 5 full rounds and appeared set to say Silva’s middleweight belt.

With lower than two minutes remaining within the last spherical, every thing pointed to Sonnen profitable by unanimous choice. Nonetheless, 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 best UFC fighters ever. Moreover, the combat was voted Submission of the Night time, Battle of the Night time, and Battle of the Yr (2010). Watch a re-run as quickly as you’ll be able to!

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor – UFC 229, 2018

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

The combat was out there on pay-per-view, and a pair of.4 million viewers purchased in, making it the most-purchased UFC combat on the time. The combat didn’t disappoint, though McGregor’s legion of followers have 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 decent neck crank that pressured McGregor’s submission.

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