The UFC has been home to some of the most incredible and historic fights in combat sports. From jaw-dropping knockouts to insane submissions, these bouts have defined the promotion and captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Here, we take a look at the top 5 UFC fights of all time, showcasing the bouts that left a lasting impact on the sport.
1. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2 (UFC 202)
Date: August 20, 2016 | Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
The rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz is one of the most thrilling and contentious in UFC history. After McGregor lost to Diaz by submission at UFC 196, fans were eager for a return bout. The fight was an instant classic, with both fighters exchanging vicious strikes and showcasing their resilience. McGregor came out on top by a majority decision in a thrilling 5-round war, but the fight was as much about pride as it was about skill.
Why It’s Iconic: This fight cemented McGregor’s place as one of the greatest, but also showed Diaz’s toughness and ability to take on one of the best in the business. The back-and-forth battle demonstrated the heart and grit of both men, making it one of the most memorable bouts in UFC history.
2. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 1 (UFC 165)
Date: September 21, 2013 | Venue: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
Jon Jones was widely considered unbeatable in the light heavyweight division before his fight against Alexander Gustafsson. The Swedish challenger gave Jones the toughest test of his career, pushing him to the brink of defeat. The fight was a back-and-forth contest, with both fighters landing brutal strikes, and Gustafsson even seemed to be ahead on the scorecards at one point. However, Jones showed his championship heart, coming back in the later rounds to win by unanimous decision.
Why It’s Iconic: The fight showcased Jon Jones’ resilience and skill against an incredibly tough opponent, earning it the label of one of the greatest title fights in UFC history. It also proved that even champions as dominant as Jones can face incredible adversity.
3. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor (UFC 229)
Date: October 6, 2018 | Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
One of the most hyped UFC fights of all time, the clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor lived up to the massive build-up. The fight was intense not just for its action but for the bitter rivalry between the two. Khabib dominated the fight with his relentless grappling and ground control. McGregor, known for his striking, couldn’t find any way to stop the onslaught, and Khabib eventually submitted him in the fourth round. However, the fight was most notable for the post-fight chaos when Khabib leapt out of the octagon and into the crowd, sparking a massive brawl.
Why It’s Iconic: Not only did it mark Khabib’s dominant victory, but it also showcased his undefeated record and the spectacular rise of the Russian fighter. The post-fight brawl made the event even more unforgettable.
4. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 (UFC 189)
Date: July 11, 2015 | Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweight title fights in UFC history. The two fighters put on a brutal display of technical skill and heart. Lawler and MacDonald battered each other throughout the five rounds, with MacDonald suffering horrific damage to his face, including a broken nose. Despite this, he continued to press forward until the final round when Lawler knocked him out with a brutal punch.
Why It’s Iconic: This fight exemplified the definition of heart and grit, with both fighters giving everything they had in a fight for the ages. The brutality of the fight, combined with the incredible skill and toughness of both men, makes it a top contender for the best fight of all time.
5. Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier 2 (UFC 241)
Date: August 17, 2019 | Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
The rematch between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier was a clash of titans, with the heavyweight title on the line. The first fight had seen Cormier knock out Miocic in the first round, but Miocic came back with a vengeance in this rematch. Cormier dominated the early rounds, but Miocic found his rhythm in the fourth round. Miocic landed a series of body shots that led to Cormier’s downfall, winning the fight by TKO and reclaiming the heavyweight title.
Why It’s Iconic: Miocic’s incredible resilience and the back-and-forth nature of the fight made this a classic. The victory was especially significant because it was a redemption story for Miocic, who avenged his loss to Cormier in one of the best heavyweights fights ever.
Honorable Mentions:
- Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (UFC 117) – One of the greatest comebacks in UFC history, where Silva submitted Sonnen in the last round.
- Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 1 (The Ultimate Fighter Finale) – A legendary fight that helped launch the UFC into mainstream popularity.
- Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 3 (UFC 136) – A fight that saw Edgar come back from being knocked out in the first round to claim victory.
