Over the last two decades, UFC events have grown exponentially. During this period, the sport has served several thrilling fights that will live long in the memories of fanatics. There have been submissions, upsets, knockdowns, and even career-ending bouts. Here are the top contests that brought toe to toe the greatest fighters in UFC.
Royce Gracie vs. Gordeau, UFC 1
The 1993 inception event of the UFC pitted one of the most significant mismatches in Mixed Martial Arts history. The final of the event was a Goliath vs. David match. The towering 6’5” Gerard Gordeau was up against Gracie, the smallest man in that UFC event.
Despite this shortcoming, the match lived beyond its reputation. The Brazilian Ji-Jitsu fighting style was in full display. Come to the end of the match, Gordeau couldn’t survive the rear-naked choke administered by Gracie.
Conor McGregor vs. Alvarez, UFC 205
From its humble beginnings, the UFC has offered several mouth-watering duels. One such contest occurred on November 12, 2016, during the UFC 205 event. With the lightweight championship on the line, this match allowed Conor to hold two titles in different weight classes simultaneously.
Up against McGregor was the reigning lightweight champion, Eddie Alvarez. From the onset, it was clear that Conor’s capability to judge distance would define this match. After much back and forth, Alvarez was finally knocked out. McGregor emerged as the king of both the featherweight division and the lightweight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs. Conor McGregor, UFC 229
The T-mobile arena in Nevada hosted perhaps one of the greatest fights in UFC on October 6, 2018. The bout pitted bitter rival Khabib against McGregor. With the lightweight championship and pride on the line, the stakes were at an all-time high. After dominating the first three rounds, Khabib finally delivered a rear-naked choke at the fourth round that forced Conor to submit. The bout will also forever be remembered for the massive brawl that ensued after the match.