The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a sport that combines fighting styles from all over the world. Competitive matches are held in an octagon-shaped ring, pitting martial artists against each other in combat.
This MMA promotion was founded in 1993 by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, who enlisted a group of martial artists to compete in an eight-man single-elimination tournament. UFC has since grown into a global phenomenon, with hundreds of fighters competing at each event. With millions of viewers on the biggest fights, it's also one of the most popular sports around!
The fights can be won by knockout, submission, or judges' decision after the match has gone its full course. The referee will also stop the bout if it's clear one fighter has been knocked out or cannot defend him or herself. Over the years, the UFC has become increasingly popular, and its fighters, each with their own different fighting styles, have become global superstars loved by millions of fans.
Here are five of their most epic fights of all time!
1. Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz UFC 158, 2013
In this battle, Georges St-Pierre defeated Nick Diaz by unanimous decision. This fight remains one of the most memorable fights in MMA history, as well as one of the best fights ever to be held inside the octagon. Both men did not leave anything on the table and put their hearts into this battle for pride, honor, and bragging rights for who would be crowned king of mixed martial arts in Canada.
2. Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva, UFC 99, 2009
The second fight on our list is a classic. UFC 99: The Comeback featured a fight between Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva as the main event, two of the best fighters in their primes.
The meet was the first of its kind held in Germany, and this particular fight won the title of 'Fight of the Night,' Franklin won by unanimous decision after three rounds and five minutes.
3. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson UFC 165, 2013
This was one of the greatest fights ever in the UFC. Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson went toe-to-toe for five rounds in front of a raucous crowd at Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The two were so evenly matched that it took judges' scores to determine who came out on top: Jones via unanimous decision.
It was also one of the most thrilling bouts ever. Both Jones and Gustafsson threw over 100 strikes each, with Jones landing more than half his attempts while Gustafsson landed almost 50%. Both fighters were bloodied and bruised by the end; however, only one departed victorious — Jon Jones.
4. Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell 2, UFC 57, 2006
When Couture faced off with Liddell in 2006, the MMA world was waiting to see whether or not the former UFC Heavyweight Champion could defeat one of the sport's greatest fighters. This fight also marked one of Couture's last fights at heavyweight before moving down to light heavyweight.
Couture defeated Liddell by technical knockout after two rounds. The meeting between the pair was the third and final in a trilogy that saw Liddell win 2:1 overall.
5. Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira UFC 140, 2011
Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are two former UFC Heavyweight Champions. Their bout took place at UFC 140 in 2011, where both fighters went head-to-head for five rounds. The fight was a closely contested one, but in the end, Mir came out victorious by submission just over three and a half minutes into the first round.
The battle took place in the Air Canada Centre, Toronto, with a huge crowd of over 18,000 people in attendance.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the greatest fights in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), featuring some of the sport's biggest names and best fighters.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top 5 fights in UFC history. We are looking forward to more exciting and memorable battles in the future!
