Unlike other martial arts, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) allows competitors to use the full range of their body’s abilities. This includes kicks, elbows, knees and groundwork. By its nature, it promises action-packed fights from which only the strongest and most talented reap the rewards.
Since its conception in 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become the Premier League of Mixed Martial Arts. Hosting only the best fighters in some of the biggest fights in history, the UFC is responsible for producing some of the sporting world’s most recognisable figures like Conor Mcgregor, Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of 8 of the best fights in MMA history from both the men’s and women’s categories. These fights promise to keep your eyes glued to the screen and your behind planted firmly on the edge of your seats. Just try not to spill your popcorn as you watch these all-time classics.
No.8 Forrest Griffin Vs. Stephan Bonnar, 2005
To start our list, we have an old-fashioned war of attrition. In the final episode of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, Friggin and Bonnar’s fight would become an all-time classic.
In this three-round light heavyweight clash, raw aggression and an indomitable human spirit eventually allowed Griffin a victory by decision. Many credit this fight for shining a new light on the UFC while it struggled to gain a mainstream attraction.
No.7 Cheick Kongo Vs. Pat Barry, 2011
In this 2011 heavyweight fight, Kongo proved that sometimes it is a sprint, not a marathon, finishing the fight in the first minute of the first round.
After surviving a barrage of punches from Barry, Kongo was seemingly out of the fight, staggered, and nearly unconscious. Pure determination drove him back to his feet, where he could land the perfect right hook, followed by a whirlwind of punches, finishing the fight.
No.6 Nate Diaz Vs. Conor McGregor, 2016
UFC 196 holds a special place in many UFC fans’ memories. With the former UFC lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos unable to defend his title against the then featherweight Champion Connor “The Notorious” McGregor, Nate Diaz stepped up to the challenge.
The twenty-five-minute thriller resulted in a victory by submission for Diaz, choking McGregor out of his six-year-long winning streak.
No.5 Weili Zhang Vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk, 2020
This 2020 encounter saw Weili Zhang aiming to retain her impressive twenty-one win streak, although; Joanna Jedrzecjczyk was willing to push Zhang all the way to do so.
Zhang ended the epic five-round bout by extending her string of victories by a split decision, an impressive feat for the young woman from China.
No.4 Ronda Rousey Vs. Liz Carmouche
In this one-round display of technical brilliance, Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche made history in the first-ever Women’s UFC fight.
Olimpic bronze medalist Ronda Rousey showed her pedigree, finishing the fight in under one round with a submission by arm bar.
No.3 Chan Sung Jung Vs. Dustin Poirier, 2012
Just like a Pick n’ mix from a sweetshop, this featherweight clash showed why MMA is special. Portraying every capability of both of the fighters, a barrage of kicks, punches, elbows and clinches was launched during this four-round battle.
Eventually, it would be Chan Sung Jung, also known as the “Korean Zombie”, who would come out on top. The contest was settled with a merciless uppercut and knee combination, followed by a cunning choking submission.
No.2 Jon Jones Vs. Alexanders Gustafsson, 2013
Our runner-up in this list can be compared to the famous Rocky 1 fight. Up until this point, Jon Jones seemed unconquerable, defending his title six times prior to the fight with Gustafsson. However, in true Rocky fashion, Gustafsson stepped up to the challenge.
In a fight that went the distance, both fighters displayed excellent skill and grit. Many praised Gustafsson for seemingly proving a “god could bleed”, but it wouldn’t be enough to secure the victory. Jones won the fight by decision, successfully defending his title for a seventh time.
No.1 Robbie Lawler Vs. Rory MacDonald, 2015
To conclude our list, the one fight to rule them all. The five-round long classic was the second meeting for Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald. In their previous meeting, Lawler was victorious, but by no means did this make their 2015 clash any less competitive.
With Lawler defending his title, the two welterweights fought a truly spectacular battle. Five bloody and bruising rounds later, Lawler retained his title by knockout, securing his place as Welterweight champion.