Memorable UFC Moments
Mixed martial arts has been a sport on the rise for decades, and each fight draws in a growing number of die-hard fans. While there have been many moments that keep UFC fighters and the audience on their toes, there are a few standout wins that will remain forever in the history books.
So, while awaiting the new UFC Champion of 2024, let’s recap some of the most memorable over the past few decades. Knowing what makes a great fighter helps you understand the odds. For those looking for live odds on the UFC, check out Ladbrokes to help you make the best bet.
While you’re contemplating who you will be betting on this season, here are some of the most memorable wins of the UFC.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor, 2016
Did you really expect there to be a list of top wins without it featuring Conor McGregor? The Notorious is known for his effortless knockouts, but one fight that had this Irishman in the pits was a debilitating 25-minute battle against The Stockton Slugger, Nate Diaz.
While the fighters had fought previously, Diaz took the world by storm by giving McGregor his first loss of the championship and rematch. Arriving at the rematch, you could cut the tension with a knife. The two welterweights underwent five rounds of non-stop action, with Diaz landing slightly more strikes with 166 connections in comparison to McGregor’s 164.
However, Mcgregor had more decisive moments and dropped his Diaz three times. You know the judges have a tough decision ahead of them. Ultimately, McGregor had two judges score it in his favor, and the final judge gave them a draw.
Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, 2005
Looking for a good fight to play on rerun? Well, a classic fight that gives you a taste of MMA nostalgia is the 2005 light heavyweight fight between Forrest Griffin and Stefan Bonnar.
The finale of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show saw what can only be described as a slugfest when Forrest Griffin and Stefan Bonnar hit the mat. Yes, it wasn’t a very technical fight, and in comparison, MMA has become a lot more intense, but the pure grit and aggression of these legends always leave fans with their jaws on the floor.
Ultimately, Griffin won by decision. But the bigger achievement was the whole new group of fans that followed the fight. So, essentially, it was a win for both of them.
Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Johnson, 2017
Justin Gaethje has had many legendary fights in his career, but one of the standout fights occurred in 2017 against Michael Jonhson. In his Octagon debut against Michael Johnson, Gaethje, unbeaten at the time, was among the most hyped fighters in MMA.
This was nearly spoiled by Johnson pushing him to the limit in the early rounds of the fight. However, Gaethje surged back for a second-round knockout win.
Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry, 2011
We all love a good comeback story, and a great fight doesn’t have to last very long to be memorable. This was exactly the case when the two heavyweights, Pat Barry and Cheick Kongo, collided in the Octagon in 2011. This fight was over quicker than you can say Knock Out.
Just minutes into the fight, Barry sent Kongo crashing to the canvas with a smashing right hand and proceeded to pound him relentlessly. Everyone thought it was over, and just as it looked like Kongo was on his way out of consciousness, the Frenchman veered back to floor Barry. In just a few punches, in a jaw-dropping turn of events, it was all over, with Kongo coming out victorious.
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, 2015
Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald were no strangers when they faced off against each other in 2015. Their first fight in 2013 was entertaining, but by no means was it a huge hit with the crowd. The 2015 fight, however, was something else altogether. Lawler had a title to lose, and just like that, it unfolded into one of the best fights in the history of UFC.
Within just four rounds, the two welterweight stars were nearly unrecognizable, and the Octagon was smeared with blood. Everyone knew this would be one for the books as soon as they caught a glimpse of Lawler giving MacDonald a murderous glare as the round concluded.
What followed was a flooring fist to Macdonald’s nose, with Lawler finally putting an end to the bloodbath. Lawler may have won the title, but both came away legends, as this remains a classic.
Final Thoughts
While only one athlete comes out the other side with the title at the end of every fight, these battles have made all of them winners in the hearts and minds of UFC fans and professionals. Now it’s time for you to be a winner in the upcoming season and keep up to date with all things UFC with the help of Ladbrokes.
