Most Thrilling UFC Fights Of All Time
Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the UFC has broadcasted some of the most immense fights in combat sports history. From unbelievable comebacks to intense back and forths, the general excitement and buzz of a UFC fight remain unparalleled.
There are many brutal yet equally as thrilling fights in the history books with some deserving more recognition than others. Whether you’ve followed the promotion for years or are only now getting into it, here are some of the most-ever thrilling UFC fights.
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Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin – UFC 62 (2005)
MMA fighting nowadays is greater than ever before but not many other fights hold a candle to this classic. This light heavyweight fight between Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin managed to officially put the UFC organization on the map.
Bonnar and Griffin met on the finale of a reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, at a time when the UFC was struggling to pave its way into the mainstream media. In what was seen as the final shot for the promotion, this miracle three-round showcase did just that.
While it lacked technical movements, this 15-minute battle saw both fighters slug it out in an intense back and forth that attracted and thrilled more viewers as seconds ticked by. Griffin was later awarded the win.
This historical fight remains one of the most thrilling in UFC history.
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald – UFC 189 (2015)
The welterweights’ first fight in 2013 was exciting but not yet enough to become a classic. Yet when they met inside the Octagon again in 2015, with Lawler’s title on the line, both fighters painted the floor red.
Every second of this intense five-round bust-up represented the very best that the UFC had to offer. By the end of the thrilling fourth round, both Lawler and MacDonald suffered innumerable cuts and bruises to their face and body, with both men hardly being recognizable.
Though it was Lawler who delivered the final powerful punch to MacDonald’s nose, this was one of those fights with no true loser.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson – UFC 165 (2013)
The 2013 battle between Jones and Gustafsson is yet another thrilling UFC classic. Jones was already virtually undefeated entering the match but Gustafsson proceeded to push him to his limits.
Gustafsson did everything he could to take the belt from the reigning heavyweight champion. He matched Jones’ every step and thrilled fans everywhere by managing to wrestle the champion down to the floor.
But with his legacy on the line, Jones prevailed in the final round of what was deemed as the fight of the year— showing off his determination in addition to his incredible fighting skills. As a result, he was awarded a decision victory.
Jones would also go on to defeat Gustafsson in the 2018 championships.
Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua – UFC 139 (2011)
This fight took place between two of the most talented light heavyweights in the entirety of MMA history. Once they had moved from PRIDE, a now-defunct Japanese promotion ring, to the UFC, Henderson, and Rua came face-to-face for the first time in an immensely thrilling battle that was more than worth the wait.
It was a battle of powerful knockouts and incredible durability inside of the Octagon. For five rounds, both fighters fought a legendary battle and pushed each other to the very edge of defeat.
Both men were conscious as the fight came to a conclusion and it was a close call between the two. However, it was Henderson who was awarded the win. He also picked up a win in a 2014 rematch.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor — UFC 202 (2016)
No UFC fight list is complete without mentioning McGregor. Known for superstrength knockouts, the Irishman was put through his paces by rival Diaz only a short period after their first fight (UFC 196).
This rocked fans of the UFC and McGregor was handed his first defeat. As a result, anticipation for the later nail-biting rematch was higher than ever.
Both welterweights were neck and neck throughout all five rounds. Though Diaz was more hands-on, landing more strikes on the Irishman, McGregor was far more decisive with his movements – dropping his rival three separate times.
McGregor was handed a win due to a majority decision, ensuring the UFC stars were finally tied 1-1.
This was also one of the most bought UFC pay-per-view (PPV) matches of all time.
Summary
These five battles stand out as some of the most thrilling and exciting UFC fights of all time. While some were a lot more bloody than others, they have all earned their spot on this list for various reasons.
The UFC continues to produce some of the most intense and enjoyable fights in the MMA industry so there’s no doubt that there will be more legendary head-to-head battles soon. For now, these fights are a shining example of the tremendous determination, agility, and skill that UFC fighters possess.
