MMA is a sport that showcases the best of human athleticism, skill, and spirit. It is also a sport that produces some of the most memorable and exciting fights in history. Here are five of the best UFC MMA fights of all time, based on their impact, drama, and entertainment value.
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2
This was the co-main event of UFC 189, and it was a brutal war of attrition between the champion Lawler and the challenger MacDonald. Both fighters showed incredible heart and toughness, as they exchanged vicious strikes and inflicted serious damage on each other.
The fight ended in the fifth round, when Lawler broke MacDonald’s nose with a left hook and forced him to collapse. This fight is widely regarded as one of the best welterweight title fights and one of the most violent fights in UFC history.
Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 1
This was the finale of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, and it was a pivotal moment for the UFC and the sport of MMA. Griffin and Bonnar put on a thrilling back-and-forth slugfest that captivated the audience and drew millions of viewers. Griffin won by a close unanimous decision, but both fighters were awarded UFC contracts for their performance. This fight is credited with saving the UFC from bankruptcy and launching the MMA boom in the US.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 1
This was the main event of UFC 165, and it was a classic clash of styles between the dominant champion Jones and the underdog challenger Gustafsson. Jones was expected to cruise to another victory, but Gustafsson surprised him with his striking, wrestling, and durability.
The fight was a close and competitive affair, with both fighters landing significant shots and scoring takedowns. Jones edged out a narrow unanimous decision, but many fans and media scored the fight for Gustafsson. This fight is considered one of the best light heavyweight title fights and one of the greatest fights of all time.
Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua 1
This was the main event of UFC 139, and it was a legendary battle between two former Pride FC champions. Henderson and Rua engaged in a five-round war, with both fighters showing incredible power, resilience, and heart. Henderson rocked Rua several times in the first three rounds, but Rua rallied back in the fourth and fifth rounds, nearly finishing Henderson with a flurry of punches.
Henderson won by a controversial unanimous decision, but both fighters earned the respect and admiration of the fans. This fight is regarded as one of the best fights in UFC and MMA history, and it won the Fight of the Year award in 2011.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2
This was the main event of UFC 202, and it was a highly anticipated rematch between two of the biggest stars in the UFC. McGregor and Diaz had their first fight at UFC 196, where Diaz shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round. McGregor sought revenge, and Diaz accepted the challenge.
The fight was a thrilling and bloody affair, with both fighters trading punches, kicks, and trash talk. McGregor used his superior striking and movement to outpoint Diaz, while Diaz used his durability and pressure to keep McGregor on his toes. McGregor won by a majority decision, but both fighters earned the praise and applause of the fans. This fight is considered one of the best fights in UFC history, and it broke the record for the highest pay-per-view buys in the UFC at the time.
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