Mixed martial arts has become one of the most exciting sports in the world, and the UFC has been at the center of this advancement.
Over the years, certain fights have transcended the sport, creating unforgettable moments, iconic endings, and legendary rivalries.
In this blog, we analyze the 10 greatest UFC fights of all time, analyzing every detail including fighters’ stats, round-by-round highlights,
and why these fights are etched in MMA history. Each fight also includes picture suggestions to make your blog even better.
Forrest Griffin vs. Stephon Bonnar – The Ultimate Fighter 1 Final
Date: April 9, 2005
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Forrest Griffin wins by unanimous decision
Fight Overview
The Griffin-Bonnar bout is widely regarded as the one that saved the UFC and brought MMA into the mainstream.
Both fighters gave it their all, trading hard punches for three rounds without hesitation.
Round Highlights
Round 1:
Both fighters started out aggressive, trading leg kicks and hard punches.
Bonnar stunned Griffin with a clean hook, but Griffin quickly recovered.
Round 2:
Griffin used combinations and clinch work to wear down Bonnar. The fight was fast and relentless.
Round 3:
Both threw caution to the wind and landed hard punches. The crowd erupted in cheers as the final bell rang.
Why it’s special
The fight showcased passion, determination and uncanny skill.
It showcased the excitement of MMA to a new audience, making both fighters instant stars.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson – UFC 165
Date: September 21, 2013
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Jon Jones wins by split decision
Fight Overview
Jones faced Gustafsson in what many consider to be his toughest challenge yet.
Gustafsson’s relentless pressure and powerful strikes pushed Jones to his limits.
Round highlights
Round 1:
Gustafsson landed clean shots, testing Jones’ defense.
Round 2:
Jones showed his versatility, mixing wrestling and striking.
Rounds 3-5:
Both fighters exchanged hard punches, with Gustafsson keeping Jones on edge.
The fight went on for quite a long time and controversially ended in a split decision.
Why is this fight so special?
This fight proved that even dominant champions can be challenged, and this five-round
contest was full of skill, strategy and stamina.
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II – UFC 189
Date: July 11, 2015
Division: Welterweight
Result: Robbie Lawler wins by knockout in the fifth round
Fight Overview
Lawler vs. MacDonald II is one of the bloodiest and most brutal fights in UFC history. Both sustained tremendous damage and displayed incredible courage.
Round Highlights
Rounds 1-2: The pace was fast, with both fighters landing clean shots.
Rounds 3-4: Lawler’s power and MacDonald’s technique thrilled fans.
Round 5: Lawler landed the knockout punch to end a bout that stunned fans.
Why is this fight special?
This fight combined skill, endurance and indomitable courage, making it an instant classic.
Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva – UFC 79
Date: December 29, 2007
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Chuck Liddell wins by knockout in the fourth round
Fight Overview
Liddell vs. Silva was any striker’s dream, with both fighters known for their knockout power. The bout was non-stop action and showcased great stand-up skills.
Round Highlights
Round 1:
Both fighters started with hard leg kicks and jabs.
Rounds 2-3:
Silva tried aggressive combinations, but Liddell’s timing and power kept him competitive.
Round 4:
Liddell landed a decisive knockout punch, ending a highly anticipated bout.
Why is this fight special?
This bout highlighted the thrill of great striking and established both fighters as MMA legends.
Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn II – UFC 94
Date: January 31, 2009
Division: Welterweight
Result: GSP won via unanimous decision
Fight Overview
GSP faced BJ Penn in a bout that was a perfect blend of technical skill and strategy.
St-Pierre maintained cage control with excellent wrestling and positional awareness.
Round Highlights
Rounds 1-2:
Penn tried striking and submissions, but GSP’s takedowns neutralized him.
Rounds 3-5:
GSP maintained his dominance, landing precise strikes and avoiding danger.
Why it’s special
A bout that showcased excellent technique and mental toughness that showed why GSP is
considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua – UFC 139
Date: November 19, 2011
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Henderson wins by unanimous decision
Fight Overview
Hendo vs. Shogun was a thrilling five-round contest with a lot of constant punches.
Both fighters showed incredible toughness.
Round Highlights
Rounds 1-2: Shogun landed explosive punches while Henderson countered effectively.
Rounds 3-5: Both fighters continued to trade blows, with Hendo’s experience and accuracy ensuring the win.
Why it’s special
Every round was exciting, with fans glued to their seats.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II – UFC 202
Date: August 20, 2016
Division: Welterweight
Result: McGregor won by majority decision
Fight Overview
After Diaz stunned the world at UFC 196, McGregor was determined to take revenge.
This rematch was a battle of endurance, skill and will.
Round Highlights
Rounds 1-2: McGregor landed precise punches; Diaz responded with his typical pressure.
Rounds 3-5: Both fighters traded pace changes, with McGregor winning by a slim margin.
Why is it special?
The emotional stakes, theatrics and high-level striking made this bout an unforgettable one.
Robbie Lawler vs. Nick Diaz – UFC 47
Date: April 2, 2004
Division: Welterweight
Result: Robbie Lawler won by technical knockout (TKO)
Fight Overview
Lawler vs. Diaz was a thrilling contest that showcased their stamina, power, and indomitable pressure.
Round Highlights
Round 1:
Both fighters started with hard strikes and counters.
Round 2:
Lawler’s stamina and power began to take over.
Round 3:
Lawler floored Diaz with precise strikes.
Why is it special?
The speed, intensity, and excitement of this fight made it a classic in welterweight history.
Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos I – UFC on FOX 1
Date: November 12, 2011
Division: Heavyweight
Result: Cain Velasquez wins by technical knockout (TKO)
Fight Overview
Velasquez shocked the world by defeating dos Santos to win the heavyweight title.
His relentless pressure and dominance in wrestling highlighted this bout.
Round Highlights
Rounds 1-2: Velasquez pressures dos Santos by effectively using combinations and takedowns.
Round 3: Cain’s cardio and tenacity overpower dos Santos and he wins by technical knockout.
Why it’s special
This bout showcased the highest level of skill, stamina, and strategy in the heavyweight division.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen I – UFC 117
Date: August 7, 2010
Division: Middleweight
Result: Anderson Silva wins by submission (triangle choke)
Fight overview
Sonnen dominated most of the fight,
but Silva retained his title with a miraculous submission in the final minutes.
Round highlights
Rounds 1-4: Sonnen maintains control in wrestling and troubles Silva with ground strikes.
Round 5: Silva applies a triangle choke in less than two minutes, forcing Sonnen to tap.
Why it’s special
The dramatic comeback highlights why MMA is unpredictable and exciting.
Final Thoughts
These 10 greatest UFC fights of all time show the evolution of MMA.
From technical mastery to ruthless brutality, each bout tells a story of courage, skill, and heart.
Fans will relive these great moments over and over again,
as they are the hallmark of the UFC and inspire generations of fighters to come.
