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Fight Matrix

Top 10 UFC Showdowns That Defined MMA History

Posted on September 25, 2023 by A. J. Riot

The UFC universe is brimming with legendary bouts, edge-of-your-seat moments, and unforgettable face-offs. In a journey spanning three decades, we’ve seen warriors emerge, dynasties crumble, and underdogs shine. In honor of the most thrilling clashes the sport has ever seen, online casino experts from Vulkanbet present their top 10 UFC fights that have undoubtedly made their mark in MMA history.

An Era of Giants: UFC’s Ultimate Showdowns

1. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald (2015)

Revered as possibly the greatest UFC bout ever, the second encounter between these welterweight titans was nothing short of epic. Their determination painted the Octagon in sweat and blood, showcasing a raw and relentless spirit. Lawler’s final round punch to MacDonald’s nose sealed his victory, but this iconic fight showcased that there were no real losers here.

2. Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (2011)

Two of the sport’s most influential light heavyweights, Henderson and Rua, produced a monumental bout that fans had eagerly awaited. Their persistent resilience and enduring strength kept both on their feet for five rounds, ultimately culminating in Henderson’s victory. Their 2014 rematch was equally electrifying, with Henderson sealing a dominant win in the third round.

3. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson (2013)

Gustafsson, an unlikely challenger to Jones’ reign, defied the odds by giving the champion a run for his money. In an exhilarating display of strategy and skill, Gustafsson held his ground, marking himself as a formidable force in MMA.

4. Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (2020)

A bout that transcended gender barriers in the sport, this strawweight title showdown saw an explosive 783 combined strikes in 25 minutes. While Zhang emerged victorious, both warriors showcased incredible skill and determination, deserving of the history books.

5. “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier (2012)

A dynamic bout showcasing swift strikes, agile scrambles, and adept submission techniques. Culminating with Jung’s rare D’arce Choke in the fourth round, this fight underscored the evolving skill set of modern MMA fighters.

6. Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry (2011)

Kongo’s astonishing comeback after being on the verge of defeat is what legends are made of. After being pummeled by Barry, Kongo miraculously recovered to floor Barry with a crushing counter-punch.

7. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit (2016)

With a welterweight title at stake, these gladiators did not disappoint. Delivering a fierce striking battle, Lawler secured a split decision victory in a fight that’s still debated among fans.

8. Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Johnson (2017)

Gaethje’s triumphant UFC debut against Johnson showcased his sheer willpower. Trailing initially, Gaethje mounted a heroic comeback to seal a second-round knockout win.

9. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (2005)

A nostalgic nod to the early days of UFC. Their relentless aggression during The Ultimate Fighter finale put UFC firmly on the mainstream map. Griffin’s win by decision became secondary to the respect and admiration both fighters earned that night.

10. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor (2016)

The highly anticipated rematch was a testament to McGregor’s evolution and Diaz’s undying spirit. Spanning five rounds, the bout saw both fighters give their all, culminating in McGregor’s majority decision win.

In the grand tapestry of the UFC, each fight tells a unique story. These ten, however, are chapters of legend that have defined and will continue to define the essence of MMA for generations to come. Do you agree with picks from Vulkanbet? Share your top fights with us!

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