Truly, one can argue that it takes many things to make something great in the world of MMA. However, what makes truly something great in MMA, particularly the UFC, are the fighters involved.
The fighters and their dedication to winning are what makes a match great. Certainly, not all matches can be called great, but there are a few unforgettable matches that fit the bill of “great.” With that said, let’s take a look at the five greatest UFC fights of all time:
Zhang Weilli vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – UFC 248
Although this fight had many fight fans excited even at the very start, very few were ready to witness war. Right off the bell, two ferocious fighters in Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk traded blows to each other. If there was one thing that you could notice in this fight, it’s that both fighters had the heart to see this match through.
With pinpoint accuracy in her punches, Zhang Weilli managed to deliver one of the worst-looking hematomas on Joanna Jędrzejczyk. This hematoma would make Joanna’s face unrecognizable. However, that wouldn’t stop her from delivering punishment to the champ’s face and body.
If you watched it live on TV, you could hear Joe Rogan and the rest of the commentary team shout their hearts out because of both performances by the women. In the end, Zhang Weili inched out a decision against Joanna Jędrzejczyk. However, in most eyes, this match was a draw, and both fighters literally gave their blood, sweat, and tears. If you want more UFC News, you can go to FanDuel and see if any matches like these are in the talks.
Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar – UFC on ABC
We’re still in May, and there’s already a 2021 match that makes the list of the greatest UFC fights ever. Enter Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar. Although this fight doesn’t take place in marquee events such as the one mentioned above, fight fans were not disappointed with the action that took place.
For starters, Max Holloway broke the UFC record in this fight when he landed 445 significant strikes. Yes, you read it right, 445 significant strikes. These strikes often do damage and are enough to stifle an opponent. For Kattar’s part, it took guts, heart, and incredible chin to withstand such a barrage from a former champion in Holloway.
Also, it’s a miracle that Kattar didn’t even get knocked down with the number of shots he took. In the end, Holloway claimed a hard-earned unanimous decision as neither fighter was knocked out in the gruelling five-rounder.
Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida – TUF Finale – USA vs. UK
Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida are absolute beasts. Both these fighters can withstand a heavenly amount of strikes to their head without even batting an eye. If you want durability and grit, these two fighters are your best bet. So what happens when these two guys meet in the octagon? Absolute carnage.
In the TUF finale: USA vs.UK event, these two fighters met, and it was fireworks from the beginning. Sanchez, known for his suffocating pace, immediately went at Guida and threw bombs. Guida happily smirked and caught those bombs. In the next round, it was Guida’s chance to get back.
With a few shots, he returned the favor of bloodying up Sanchez. After another two heartstopping rounds of mayhem, Sanchez got a controversial split decision win. Most fans and experts who saw the fight concluded that it should have been a draw. Nevertheless, these two warriors made it to the UFC’s hall of fame of fights.
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 – UFC 189
Back and forth. These three words perfectly describe the second meeting between “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald. In their previous fight, Lawler managed to win via a split decision. Motivated to get a win back, MacDonald was gearing up for this rematch.
Bruised, bloodied, and battered, neither man was giving up. The roar of the crowd was electric, and everyone knew that it was only a matter of time that they’d see a winner. Lawler landed a strong left to MacDonald’s already injured nose in the last minute of the fifth round.
It was at this moment that MacDonald collapsed on the floor, unable to continue due to the punishment he received. The fight was stopped, and Robbie Lawler, who was also brutalized by his opponent, successfully defended his welterweight title.
Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar – TUF 1 – Finale
Ask any hardened MMA fight fan, and they’ll tell you right off the bat that the greatest MMA fight they’ve seen was the match between Griffin and Bonnar on the 1st Ultimate Fighter Finale. This fight put the UFC and the whole world of MMA on the map.
Before, MMA fights were seen as nothing as cheap entertainment. However, the TUF finale was responsible for putting MMA mainstream. The fight between these two legends captured the audience’s hearts worldwide. Round after round of punching and kicking, both men looked worse. It was a total war as both men received incredible damage from one another.
In the end, it was Forrest Griffin who would take the grand prize of a six-figure contract in the UFC. However, due to the buzz it generated, UFC president Dana White and all the other executives saw it befitting to extend a contract to Stephan Bonnar. This fight certainly made everyone happy, despite having one of the bloodiest outcomes in MMA history.
Final Thoughts
If you want to have a great time with the UFC, you can be sure that the five matches mentioned above will deliver. From the greatest women’s MMA fight to the single most important MMA match in history, you’ll never fall short of entertainment.