boiniznamena – Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport that combines various disciplines of fighting, such as boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more. MMA has produced some of the most epic battles in history, where fighters showcase their skills, heart, and courage in the cage. In this article, we will review some of the best MMA fights all time, based on the criteria of excitement, drama, technique, and significance.
1. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (TUF 1 Finale, 2005)
This fight is widely regarded as the most important fight in MMA history, as it helped popularize the sport and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to the mainstream audience. Griffin and Bonnar were the finalists of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show that featured aspiring MMA fighters competing for a UFC contract.
The fight was a back-and-forth war, where both fighters exchanged punches, kicks, knees, and elbows for 15 minutes, with neither one backing down. Griffin won by a close unanimous decision, but both fighters were awarded UFC contracts for their incredible performance. This fight is credited for attracting millions of viewers and creating new fans of MMA.
2. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II (UFC 189, 2015)
This fight was a rematch between the UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and the challenger Rory MacDonald, who had previously fought in 2013, with Lawler winning by a split decision. The rematch was even more brutal and intense, as both fighters inflicted serious damage on each other, with Lawler breaking MacDonald’s nose and MacDonald shattering Lawler’s lip.
The fight was a technical and tactical masterpiece, as both fighters showed their striking, grappling, and defense skills. The fight reached its climax in the fifth and final round, when Lawler unleashed a flurry of punches that dropped MacDonald and forced the referee to stop the fight. Lawler retained his title by a TKO, but both fighters earned the respect and admiration of the fans and the media for their epic battle.
3. Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II (UFC 52, 2005)
This fight was a rematch between the UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes and the challenger Frank Trigg, who had previously fought in 2003, with Hughes winning by a rear-naked choke. The rematch was one of the most dramatic and thrilling fights in UFC history, as it featured a near-finish, a comeback, and a submission.
The fight started with Trigg landing a low blow on Hughes, which the referee did not see. Trigg then capitalized on the situation and rocked Hughes with a punch, followed by a barrage of strikes on the ground. Trigg almost finished Hughes with a rear-naked choke, but Hughes somehow survived and escaped.
Hughes then lifted Trigg and carried him across the cage, before slamming him down and taking his back. Hughes then locked in a rear-naked choke of his own and forced Trigg to tap out, retaining his title and avenging the earlier foul.
4. Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva I (UFC Fight Night, 2013)
This fight was a heavyweight clash between the knockout artist Mark Hunt and the submission specialist Antonio Silva, who were both ranked in the top 10 of the division. The fight was a slugfest, where both fighters traded heavy blows and rocked each other several times.
The fight also showcased the durability and toughness of both fighters, as they absorbed and survived each other’s best shots. The fight went the full five rounds, with both fighters showing signs of fatigue and damage. The fight ended in a rare majority draw, as two judges scored it 47-47 and one judge scored it 48-47 for Hunt.
The fight was widely praised for its action and intensity, and was awarded the Fight of the Year by several media outlets. However, the fight was later tainted by the revelation that Silva tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, and was suspended and fined by the UFC.
5. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2 (UFC 202, 2016)
This fight was a rematch between the UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and the lightweight contender Nate Diaz, who had previously fought in 2016, with Diaz winning by a rear-naked choke.
The rematch was one of the most anticipated and hyped fights in UFC history, as it featured a heated rivalry, a trash talk, and a high stakes. The fight was a classic stand-up war, where both fighters exchanged punches, kicks, and taunts for 25 minutes.
The fight was a close and competitive affair, as both fighters had their moments of success and adversity. The fight was decided by the judges, who scored it 48-47, 47-47, and 48-47 for McGregor, giving him a majority decision victory and avenging his previous loss. The fight was a huge commercial success, as it broke the UFC record for the most pay-per-view buys and the highest live gate.
Conclusion
MMA is a sport that offers some of the most thrilling and memorable fights in history, where fighters put everything on the line and entertain the fans with their skills and spirit. The fights mentioned above are just some of the examples of the best MMA fights of all time, but there are many more that deserve recognition and appreciation. MMA is a sport that is constantly evolving and growing, and we can expect to see more amazing fights in the future.