The 8 Most Intense Comebacks in UFC History
The UFC is renowned for its dramatic twists and turns, where fighters, seemingly down and out, can muster the strength and skill to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Here are eight of the most intense comebacks in UFC history, fights that destroyed some fans expectations and were a happy but heart-stopping event for the UFC betting universe.
- Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen – UFC 117
In one of the most memorable comebacks, Anderson Silva defended his middleweight title against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117. Sonnen dominated the fight for four and a half rounds, using his wrestling to keep Silva on the ground. With just under two minutes remaining in the fifth round, Silva, despite being battered and bruised, locked in a triangle armbar, forcing Sonnen to tap and retaining his title in dramatic fashion.
- Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II – UFC 125
Frankie Edgar’s comeback against Gray Maynard at UFC 125 is legendary. In their lightweight title bout, Maynard knocked Edgar down multiple times in the first round, nearly finishing the fight. Edgar, however, displayed incredible heart and resilience, battling back in the subsequent rounds. The fight ended in a draw, but Edgar’s performance, especially after such a brutal first round, is considered one of the greatest comebacks.
- Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin – UFC 116
Brock Lesnar’s bout with Shane Carwin at UFC 116 saw him withstand a vicious first-round assault. Carwin dominated the opening round with relentless strikes, leaving Lesnar bloodied and seemingly on the verge of defeat. In the second round, Lesnar executed a takedown and secured an arm-triangle choke, forcing Carwin to submit and retaining his heavyweight title in a stunning turnaround.
- Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry – UFC on Versus 4
Cheick Kongo’s comeback against Pat Barry at UFC on Versus 4 is a classic. Barry knocked Kongo down twice within the first round, and it appeared the fight was over. However, Kongo, wobbling and barely standing, landed a powerful right hook followed by an uppercut, knocking Barry out cold and achieving one of the most dramatic one-punch comebacks in UFC history.
- Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm – UFC 196
Miesha Tate’s victory over Holly Holm at UFC 196 was a dramatic comeback. Holm, the former bantamweight champion, was winning the fight on points, keeping Tate at bay with her striking. In the fifth round, with less than two minutes remaining, Tate managed to take Holm’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke. Holm valiantly tried to escape but ultimately passed out, giving Tate the victory and the bantamweight title.
- Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II – UFC 148
In their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 148, Sonnen once again dominated the first round with his wrestling. However, in the second round, Silva landed a devastating knee to Sonnen’s chest, followed by ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Silva’s ability to turn the fight around so quickly and decisively cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
- TJ Dillashaw vs. Cody Garbrandt – UFC 217
TJ Dillashaw’s comeback against Cody Garbrandt at UFC 217 was both intense and skillful. Garbrandt dropped Dillashaw at the end of the first round and appeared to be in control. In the second round, Dillashaw adjusted his strategy, landing a head kick and following up with strikes that knocked Garbrandt down. Dillashaw then finished the fight with precise punches, reclaiming the bantamweight title.
- Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor – UFC 196
Nate Diaz’s victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 196 is unforgettable. McGregor dominated the early exchanges with his striking, but Diaz, taking the fight on short notice, weathered the storm. In the second round, Diaz began landing punches, causing McGregor to shoot for a takedown. Diaz capitalized, locking in a rear-naked choke and forcing McGregor to submit, showcasing his incredible resilience and skill.
These comebacks highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the UFC, where fighters’ determination and skill can lead to dramatic turnarounds, creating unforgettable moments in the sport’s history.
