Best UFC Fights Of All Time

1. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 – UFC 189

A battle that goes down as one of the best UFC fights of all time, Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 is a fight that will be remembered for its raw intensity and brutal back-and-forth action. The two fighters met for the second time for the UFC Welterweight Championship in July 2015, and what ensued was an instant classic. The fight featured incredible displays of heart, skill, and courage from both fighters, culminating in one of the most savage fifth rounds ever witnessed in the UFC.

Both men showed tremendous toughness, but it was Lawler who managed to dig deep and stop MacDonald in the final round with a massive right hook that sent MacDonald crumpling to the canvas. Lawler’s facial damage and MacDonald’s bloody, battered face only added to the narrative of this unforgettable bout. The brutality and sportsmanship in this fight solidified it as one of the best UFC fights of all time.

2. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 1 – UFC 165

Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, and his first bout with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in September 2013 was nothing short of a spectacle. Gustafsson, a tall and technical striker, came into the fight as a huge underdog, but he proved his worth in a war of attrition that saw him push Jones to the brink of defeat.

The fight was a tactical masterclass from both fighters, with Gustafsson landing clean strikes and keeping Jones at bay with his superior reach. However, Jones’ ability to adjust mid-fight and use his wrestling to control the latter rounds earned him the decision victory, but not without controversy. Many fans and pundits believed Gustafsson had done enough to win the fight, leading to heated debates and ensuring that this match remains one of the best UFC fights of all time.

3. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 1 & 2 – UFC 196 & UFC 202

Conor McGregor’s rivalry with Nate Diaz is one of the most iconic in UFC history. Their first meeting took place at UFC 196 in March 2016, where McGregor, the reigning Featherweight Champion, was stepping up to welterweight to face Diaz on short notice. McGregor looked like he was on his way to victory after dominating the early rounds, but Diaz weathered the storm and submitted McGregor in the second round via rear-naked choke.

The upset was a massive shock to the MMA world, and a rematch was quickly booked for UFC 202 in August 2016. The second encounter was a classic back-and-forth battle, with both men having their moments. McGregor ultimately secured a majority decision victory, but it was a hard-fought war that showcased the heart and resilience of both fighters. The rivalry between these two is one of the reasons why their fights are considered some of the best UFC fights of all time.

4. Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier 2 – UFC 241

Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier met for the second time at UFC 241 in August 2019 in a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Their first fight at UFC 226 in 2018 had ended in an upset when Cormier knocked out Miocic to become a two-division champion. Miocic, however, wanted redemption, and he came into the rematch with a vengeance.

The fight was a back-and-forth war, with Cormier dominating the first few rounds with his superior striking and wrestling. However, Miocic made the necessary adjustments, and in the fourth round, he delivered a series of devastating body shots that ultimately led to a TKO finish. Miocic’s comeback win made this one of the most thrilling and dramatic heavyweight contests in UFC history. Their rivalry helped cement this fight as one of the best UFC fights of all time.

5. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 1 – UFC 117

Anderson Silva’s reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion is the stuff of legend, but his fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 in August 2010 proved to be one of the most dramatic and exciting contests in UFC history. Sonnen was a heavy underdog and spent most of the fight dominating Silva with his wrestling, controlling him on the ground, and landing punches from top position. Many fans thought Silva was on the verge of losing his title for the first time.

However, in the final minutes of the fight, Silva showed his elite jiu-jitsu and locked in a triangle armbar submission, forcing Sonnen to tap out. This last-minute finish was one of the most shocking and exciting moments in UFC history. The fight itself was a wild ride, and Silva’s resilience and ability to turn the tide made it one of the best UFC fights of all time.

6. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 3 – UFC 136

Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard’s trilogy of fights is one of the most memorable rivalries in UFC lightweight history. Their third encounter at UFC 136 in October 2011 saw one of the most incredible comebacks in MMA history. Maynard had dominated the early rounds, rocking Edgar with powerful punches and appearing on the brink of victory. However, Edgar showed incredible heart and toughness, rallying back in the later rounds with a series of strikes that stunned Maynard.

In the fourth round, Edgar landed a decisive combination that put Maynard away for good, earning a TKO victory. The fight was an emotional rollercoaster, with fans witnessing an incredible display of resilience and willpower. This epic battle for the lightweight title solidified their trilogy as one of the best UFC fights of all time.

7. Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua 1 – UFC 139

Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s first encounter at UFC 139 in November 2011 is often considered one of the best mixed martial arts fights of all time, not just in the UFC. Both fighters, legends of the sport, went to war in a thrilling five-round battle that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Henderson and Rua exchanged bombs in a fight that saw each fighter hurt and nearly finished multiple times. Rua dominated the early rounds with his striking, but Henderson, known for his devastating knockout power, landed a vicious right hand that hurt Rua several times. The fight ended with Henderson earning a unanimous decision victory in one of the most exciting and entertaining fights in UFC history. The combination of toughness, skill, and drama made this one of the best UFC fights of all time.

8. George St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn 2 – UFC 94

George St-Pierre’s rivalry with BJ Penn is one of the most high-profile in UFC history, and their second meeting at UFC 94 in January 2009 for the UFC Welterweight Championship remains one of the most highly regarded fights in the sport. Penn, a former UFC lightweight champion, had won the first fight between the two, but in the rematch, GSP came prepared with a dominant game plan that would go on to be remembered for its brilliance.

St-Pierre’s elite wrestling and striking were on full display as he systematically broke down Penn. In the fourth round, GSP secured a TKO finish to claim the title, but the fight was notable for its one-sided nature and the dominant performance of St-Pierre. The clash of two legends and the clear display of GSP’s superiority made this one of the best UFC fights of all time.

Conclusion

The best UFC fights of all time are a testament to the brutal yet beautiful nature of mixed martial arts. These bouts have not only showcased the technical prowess of the fighters but also the resilience, heart, and determination that make MMA such a captivating sport. From epic comebacks and devastating knockouts to incredible submissions and tactical masterpieces, these fights represent the pinnacle of competition in the UFC.

Whether it’s the unforgettable action of Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald, the gritty back-and-forth between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, or the technical brilliance of Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, these contests will forever remain etched in the history of the UFC. As the sport continues to evolve, new best UFC fights of all time may emerge, but these iconic matchups will always be remembered as the fights that shaped the UFC’s legacy.