The Best UFC Fights of All Time: Legendary Battles That Shaped MMA History

The Best UFC Fights of All Time: Legendary Battles That Shaped MMA History

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the biggest name in mixed martial arts and has changed combat sports around the world. It brings together fighters from different styles—like boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing—to battle it out in the Octagon. What makes a UFC fight truly the best isn’t just who wins, but how the fight unfolds. The greatest fights are full of heart-pounding action, dramatic comebacks, intense skill, and sometimes, a lot of blood. Whether it’s a title bout or a heated rivalry, fans love fights that tell a story. One of the most-watched fights in UFC history, Khabib vs. McGregor at UFC 229, had over 2.4 million PPV buys, showing just how massive the sport has become. You can watch UFC fights on this site https://ind.1xbet.com/line/ufc and make bets on it.

What Defines a “Best UFC Fight”?

A “best UFC fight” is not just about who wins — it’s about how exciting the fight is and how much it means. The most unforgettable fights are full of back-and-forth action, where both fighters have big moments and the outcome is uncertain until the end. These fights often happen during important title matches or between fighters with a strong rivalry. They can change a fighter’s career forever, either making them a star or proving their greatness. Fans go wild for these kinds of fights, and they’re the ones people talk about for years. Here’s what makes a UFC fight one of the best:

🔥 Excitement – nonstop action, big punches, takedowns, and drama

🏆 High Stakes – title fights or major rivalries

🚀 Career Impact – boosted or changed a fighter’s legacy

📣 Fan Reaction – loud cheers, online buzz, viral clips

📰 Media Coverage – praised by sports writers and highlight reels

Top 5 Best UFC Fights of All Time

Here are five of the most unforgettable UFC fights that fans still talk about. These fights were full of action, heart, and drama. They changed careers, broke records, and showed what true warriors look like in the Octagon.

Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II – UFC 189

This fight is often called one of the bloodiest and most intense battles in UFC history. Lawler and MacDonald went to war for five brutal rounds in a welterweight title fight. Both men took heavy damage, but they never backed down. In the fifth round, Lawler landed a crushing punch that broke MacDonald’s nose and ended the fight.

📅 Date: July 11, 2015

⚖️ Weight Class: Welterweight

🏟️ Event: UFC 189

🥊 Result: Lawler won via TKO in Round 5

“One of the best fights I’ve ever seen — pure heart and violence.” – Joe Rogan

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson – UFC 165

Jon Jones had never been pushed like this before. Gustafsson shocked the world by matching the light heavyweight champion’s skills and even taking him down — something no one had done before. The fight went all five rounds and was incredibly close, but Jones edged out a decision win.

📅 Date: September 21, 2013

⚖️ Weight Class: Light Heavyweight

🏟️ Event: UFC 165

🥊 Result: Jones won by unanimous decision

“That was the toughest fight of my life.” – Jon Jones

Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar – The Ultimate Fighter Finale

This fight is legendary not just for its action, but for how it changed the UFC forever. It happened during the first season finale of The Ultimate Fighter. Griffin and Bonnar fought with everything they had, turning casual viewers into UFC fans overnight. It was a wild, three-round brawl that helped make the UFC what it is today.

📅 Date: April 9, 2005

⚖️ Weight Class: Light Heavyweight

🏟️ Event: TUF 1 Finale

🥊 Result: Griffin won by unanimous decision

“That fight saved the UFC.” – Dana White

Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – UFC 248

This was one of the best women’s fights ever. Both fighters traded hard shots for five full rounds in a non-stop war. Zhang’s powerful strikes and Joanna’s relentless pace made for an unforgettable battle. Joanna’s swollen forehead became an iconic image from the fight.

📅 Date: March 7, 2020

⚖️ Weight Class: Strawweight

🏟️ Event: UFC 248

🥊 Result: Zhang won by split decision

“That was the greatest women’s MMA fight of all time.” – Daniel Cormier

Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje II – UFC 291

Known for their brawling styles, Poirier and Gaethje clashed again in a highly anticipated rematch. Gaethje landed a beautiful head kick in round two, scoring a knockout and winning the symbolic “BMF” title. The fight was short but incredibly explosive and showcased elite striking and grit.

📅 Date: July 29, 2023

⚖️ Weight Class: Lightweight

🏟️ Event: UFC 291

🥊 Result: Gaethje won via KO in Round 2

“A perfect head kick! That’s how legends are made.” – Michael Bisping

Hidden Gems: Underrated UFC Fights Worth Watching

Not every amazing UFC fight gets the spotlight it deserves. Some fights happen on smaller cards or between less famous fighters, but they still deliver jaw-dropping action. These hidden gems are full of wild exchanges, surprise knockouts, and pure heart. One great example is Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Johnson, a wild back-and-forth battle that ended in a thrilling TKO. Other underrated bangers include Do Ho Choi vs. Cub Swanson, Brad Riddell vs. Jamie Mullarkey, and Yancy Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira. These fights may not be the most famous, but they’re must-watch for any true MMA fan. Want more action? Check out our full list of underrated UFC fight recommendations.

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Upcoming Fights That Could Be Future Classics

The UFC never stops bringing exciting matchups, and some upcoming fights have the potential to become instant classics. One to watch is the showdown between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, where both fighters are known for high-level grappling and nonstop pressure. Another big fight is Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, a clash of styles between a flashy striker and a relentless wrestler. These fights have all the ingredients—skill, tension, and big stakes—that could make them unforgettable. Keep an eye on the official UFC schedule to stay updated on upcoming battles that might go down in history.

Where to Watch These Fights

If you want to watch these amazing UFC fights, there are plenty of legal and easy ways to do it. You can catch full events and classic fights on UFC Fight Pass, which has a huge library of past and present matches. For live events, ESPN+ is the go-to platform in the U.S. In other countries, services like BT Sport (UK), DAZN (Germany, Spain), and Kayo Sports (Australia) offer official UFC coverage. You can also watch fight highlights and previews for free on the UFC’s official YouTube channel. Always use trusted and legal sites so you get the best quality and avoid problems.

Conclusion

The UFC is known for giving fans some of the most exciting and unforgettable fights in combat sports. From brutal wars to technical battles, these moments keep us on the edge of our seats and leave lasting memories. Everyone has their favorite, so feel free to drop a comment and share which fight you think is the best of all time. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with friends, and check out more of our fight content. Also read: Best UFC Knockouts | Top UFC Comebacks for even more action-packed moments!

FAQs

Q: What is the greatest UFC fight of all time?

A: Many fans and experts say Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II at UFC 189 is the greatest fight ever. It was a five-round war full of heart, blood, and pure toughness.

Q: Which UFC fights had the most blood?

A: Fights like Lawler vs. MacDonald II, Tony Ferguson vs. Donald Cerrone, and Joe Lauzon vs. Jim Miller were extremely bloody and brutal. These matches showed just how intense the UFC can get.

Q: Who has the most Fight of the Night bonuses?

A: As of now, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone holds the record for the most Fight of the Night bonuses. He was known for always putting on exciting, fan-friendly performances.

Q: Are UFC fights scripted or real?

A: UFC fights are 100% real. They are not scripted or fake like some wrestling shows. Fighters train hard, follow strict rules, and compete to win in a fair and professional setting.