Top 5 UFC fights in the promotion's modern history
by dia mette on Nov 24, 2011 4:23 AM EST
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With a large group of mixed martial arts (MMA) fans (including B.J. Penn) claiming that the epic, five-round war between Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson, which took place at UFC 139 from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 19, 2011, is among the best battles ever, now is the perfect time to debate its competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White gushed that the 205-pound clash between "Shogun" and "Hendo" was "top three best fights ever in MMA, without a doubt." That's, unsurprisingly, a bold statement, but arguably inaccurate, considering that there have been countless MMA matches taking place across the globe for more than two decades now.
In fact, on the same night as UFC 139, Bellator's Eddie Alvarez vs. Michael Chandler, put on a show for the ages, a back-and-forth brawl that was arguably more exciting than the Rua-Henderson knock-down, drag-out brawl. However, it just didn't get the same love and attention because, well, it's not the UFC.
Regardless, there have been several amazing UFC fights in the past decade and the UFC 139 main event is certainly one of the very best. But, which other fights deserve to be ranked right up there with it?
My top five best UFC fights ever after the jump:
#5: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen at UFC 117, which saw Sonnen lay a beating on the pound-for-pound king only to lose it all with less than 2.5 minutes to go in an epic five-round title fight.
#4: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 3 at UFC 136, during which "The Answer" showed the heart of champion in a fight that Hollywood scripted for the big screen in the 1980's starring Sylvester Stallone as "Rocky."
#3: Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg 2 at UFC 52, the insane fight where Matt Hughes refused to be defeated and a welterweight legacy was reinforced.
#2: Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79: "Nemesis," which was a fight that was years in the making and managed to eclipse the main event. If there was ever a fight that had more pressure to match the hype surrounding it this was the one and it lived up to all the expectations. Two of the sports biggest stars competing on the biggest stage put it all on the line
And drumroll please ...
#1: Mauricio Rua vs Dan Henderson, the best of the best where viewers witnessed a bout for the ages that showcased awesome transitions, willing strikers who know only to move forward and fight, submission attempts, scrambles, grappling exchanges, knees, incredible heart, recovery, never quit mentalities -- you name it, this fight had it. Only two legends who have already cemented their mark on the sport could achieved such a masterpiece. The efforts of both men (not just men, but men of men), culminating to become the best fight in UFC history.
Unless, of course, you have a better fight in mind such as Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 1, perhaps? Let's hear it.
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Was Hendo vs Rampage really and option here? lol
I remember that fight being kinda boring.
If boxing is a science then MMA is astrophysics.
by Hank_Mardukas on Nov 24, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
watch it again
Odd thing happened today... had to re-sgn up for MMAMania. No clue why!
by PHISH_NATION on Nov 25, 2011 9:11 PM EST up reply actions
My Top 5 favourite fights
Edgar vs Griffin
Edgar vs Maynard 2
Shogun vs Henderson
Silva vs Franklin
Big Nog vs Couture.
Most of my favourite fights actually happend to be WEC fights.
Overall (not that anyone is asking) my Top 5 favourite fights are:
Shogun vs Lil Nog
Bendo vs Cerrone
Edgar vs Griffin
Edgar vs Maynard 2
Cruz vs Benavidez 1
Edgar v Maynard 2 was better.
Kenny Florian is 0-3 in title fights. I am 0-0 in title fights. MMA maths mean I'm better than Florian!
by tap or snap bons on Nov 24, 2011 5:56 AM EST reply actions
disagree.
edgar vs maynard 3 had the come back and the finish..
I hate alot of whites and I hate alot of blacks, I hate pooping in public places, but we all hate that.
by stinky~fingers on Nov 24, 2011 6:02 AM EST up reply actions
Disagree
the comeback was expected after Frankie got his face beaten in the 1st round in the third fight. Everything from the 2nd fight was unexpected.
TheDragon is the greatest of all time, i was foolish to bet against him, NEVER again will i make that mistake
by Armando Baez on Nov 24, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Disagree
The finish wasn’t expected since it was the 1st KO of Frankie’s career. He’s had TKO’s over guy’s like Mark Bocek and Mark Getto. Plus, Gray had never been KO’d. I’ll take that over a draw any day.
If boxing is a science then MMA is astrophysics.
by Hank_Mardukas on Nov 24, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Right.
The Maynard-Edgar saga had to end with a finish.
Cesar is a Gracie for crying out loud. They are supposed to be respectful. I see the American whore way of Life has gotten to this Brazilian. What happened to honor and respect! Wait I know… Money happened.
-UHC
Nothing is over! They still have the rubber match!
by p123 on Nov 24, 2011 2:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yep
1-1-1
God is fake, guns are good, and people are crazy.
by *Californication* on Nov 24, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
At least I am better than kevjack at making picks. I am satisfied with that.
classic
love that movie
Odd thing happened today... had to re-sgn up for MMAMania. No clue why!
by PHISH_NATION on Nov 25, 2011 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
it would take me too long to think of greatest fight in ufc history, but you got a pretty good list there.
best fights this year so far.
shogun vs hendo
edgar vs maynard 3
diaz vs penn
I hate alot of whites and I hate alot of blacks, I hate pooping in public places, but we all hate that.
I disagree with Shogun v Hendo.
Yeah, it was an awesome fight but nowhere near the top for me as Dan was gassed for the last two rounds. Had Hendo had more cardio, it would have likely ended in a knockout in round 4 or 5.
The fact that Shogun was able to take down Hendo and mount him had very little to do with his skill. Had the fight gone how it had with both not incredibly gassed, yeah, it would have jumped to the top 5 for sure.
not sure what your point is.
The reality is that these two gassed like a mo fo. It reminded me of old school UFC fights where the fighters didn’t understand the importance of conditioning. I’m sure they had good reasons why they gassed but that’s besides the point. The fact that they gassed made it not a top 5 fight in history.
We also have to be clear what a top 5 fight is. Under what criteria? I think I have a different set of criteria than most the people on this board.
First off Boobz in the LHW division it is almost never seen were KO artist like Rua and Hendo go five rounds..
In a fight were so many power strikes were landed, this is what makes this fight one of the best ever we are not talking about LHW or WW. Wether it’s boxing or whatever the lighter divisions are known for throwing more strikes and being more active. Is that more exciting?
To me seeing to KO artist like Rua and Hendo have the fight they did compared to any of the great LW fights is much more exciting knowing that the power these guys have would KO 99.9% of any human makes this fight that much more meaningful. We see great action LW bouts all the time from Guida. Sanchez, Maynard, Edgar………and so many more that seeing a high paced action LW fight is expected with a great chance that there will not be a early stoppage because these guys don’t have the KO power and almost every LW has the endurance because of this……….Rua taking so many heavy Hendo shots was not expected and that alone and the fact that Rua after taking the beating he did was still fighting and taking over adds that much more value to this fight.
I like sleeping with my mouth open
Like I mentioned to unambig.
We have to define what “best” is. To me, in addition to many other factors, a great MMA fight is a fight where both fighters aren’t gassed and both fighters are giving it their all. In Hendo v Shogun, both fighters were definitely giving their all and it was definitely an enjoyable fight but they were both gassed by the end of round 4—especially Hendo.
Take Wandy vs Liddell. That fight went three rounds and there was no gassing that I can recall. Another great fight is, IMO, Couture vs Syvla and I don’t think either gassed their either.
I understand your points. But my point is that I don’t value your points as much as you do because I’m using different criteria. If I used your measuring stick, so to speak, I’d agree with you.
The fact that several power shots were thrown doesn’t make an exciting fight in and of itself, IMO. Whenever a fighter is winning not because of his skills but because of the others failed cardio, then that disqualifies the fight as being considered in dumb lists like these.
This is just me, perhaps, but these “top 5” fights or “best fights” lists are stupid because they never start out with a discussion as to what criterion is used to judge them… In other words, they need to define what the measuring stick is going to be before you can begin to entertain what the “top 5” fights are.
Best ever is will be based on opinion but I think it all comes down to most memerable fights that = best fights
We are spoiled MMA fans now days comapred to what were and we see many great fights every month but there is little doubt that the Hendo and Rua fight stuck out as one of the best fights of the year and in my opinion the best of the year. It’s not to often we get to see 5 round LHW fights as even the championship LHW fights end before it gets to the 5th typically and in this fight Hendo did gas but you have to take into account the amount of action and strikes that were thrown in the first three rounds. As a great example the five round fight between Machida and Rua there were a total of 120 strikes thrown by both fighter in those five rounds were in this fight there was a total of 304 strikes thrown!! That is nearly triple the amount of action …now rua got a lot of strikes of on the ground that did little damage but standing it was still double and the power shots in this fight I can’t remember a fight were more would of been thrown in this division as even the Wandy and Chuck fight was not on the same pace. The heart the will the desire the action all made this one of the best fights ever….
of coarse Hendo was exhausted but I have never seen him throw so many strikes in his entire career and power strieks to boot and not finish his opponent and like Carwin when you throw so many bombs you will tire…even ask MAynard who is in awsome shape after going for the kill vs Maynard in their second fight was also gassed from throwing bombs. You guys have to understand what you just seen and that was Rua taking one of the worst beatings I have ever seen in MMA from one of the heaviest hitters in MMA. Simply this fight was unbelievable and action packed and knowing all the facts you have to have this near the top of all time greats.
I like sleeping with my mouth open
Couture vs. Big Nog!!!
That fight was insane, and Randy really showed the heart of a champion. I think that even in defeat it was Randy’s greatest fight, and definately top 5 in UFC history
Thiago Silva is a political prisoner!!!
by Jared DeMarino on Nov 24, 2011 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
I wish that fight was a five round fight and that was my only complaint about that fight
I like sleeping with my mouth open
nog vs couture is one that should be on the poll.. that one over randy/sylvia
I hate alot of whites and I hate alot of blacks, I hate pooping in public places, but we all hate that.
yes
that was a great fight. i also really enjoyed nog-sylvia
by detroit_fan on Nov 24, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Nog / Slyvia was everything that defined what Nog was. Epic right. Best Nog fight in the UFC.
by p123 on Nov 24, 2011 2:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
How can one guy be in an exciting fight and the other not? That doesn’t make a lot of sense now c’mon.
Nog / Timmy was an exciting fight for both guys.
by p123 on Nov 24, 2011 2:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Diaz Penn, great fight.
God is fake, guns are good, and people are crazy.
by *Californication* on Nov 24, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Sanchez exposed Kampmann
though to be fair he was exposed by Daley. You just have to wade in. I don’t know why Story didn’t do that.
I think Story gassed himself a bit after the 1st round
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
Sanchez has been in some good fights
Sanchez/Kampman and Sanchez/Guida were both better than Shogun/Hendo imo.
most of the fights listed are more recent, and therefore sticking out in our minds
i remember Guida/Huerta being a barnburner. and remember War Machine’s crazy comeback victory at that TUF finale? Another wicked fights
And I'm something of a phenom/One puff of the chron/I'm unstoppable/I'm alive/ I'm on top again/There's no obstacle that I can't conquer/So come along with us
With out a doubt Griffen and Bonnar should be on the top five,this fight took the UFC to the next level
Anotehr Ultimate Fighter Finale worth mentioning as one of the best fights ever is Diaz vs Sanchez……….if you haven’t seen it I suggest you do.
I like sleeping with my mouth open
herman/einemo
I know these guys are new to the ufc but that fight was very exciting even though they don’t have the names of the big guys. Big nog/ couture.
by TQFC on Nov 24, 2011 10:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Roger Huerta Vs Guida was a good one....maybe not top 5 but great come back!!
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
Bonnar/Griffin
due to historical significance if nothing else
The artful muppet formerly known as KrmtDfrog.
Please read my sardonic wit and over-blown sense of self over at headkicklegend.com
by Cory Braiterman on Nov 24, 2011 10:06 AM EST reply actions
Nick Diaz vs. Penn will always be up there for me.
Hendo-Rua topped it, but Diaz putting a beating on BJ was something for the ages.
Are you talking about besty fights in past few years?
Because , hands down, the absolute BEST fight in UFC history was Tito Ortiz vs Frank Sharock. Tito was thought to be the next big thing and Shamrock won at the end of the 4th round in an all out war!
Just to name a few that I think should have at least made the poll.
Shogun vs Lil nog
Fedor vs Cro cop
Korean Zombie vs Garcia
Big nog vs Randy
Torres vs Mizugaki
Shogun vs Machida
Wandy vs Franklin
Shogun, T Silva, JDS, Reem, Pettis, Karo, Melendez
by Jamie The Peach Hunter on Nov 24, 2011 10:10 AM EST via mobile reply actions
mmmm but it said top UFC fights
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
Ah my bad.
I was wondering how the pride and wec guys were getting no love lol
Shogun, T Silva, JDS, Reem, Pettis, Karo, Melendez
by Jamie The Peach Hunter on Nov 24, 2011 10:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
With that said
Any fight with Lytle except the Serra fight.
Shogun, T Silva, JDS, Reem, Pettis, Karo, Melendez
by Jamie The Peach Hunter on Nov 24, 2011 10:19 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
hell yeah!
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
the matt hughes vs frank trigg fight wasn't even a fight it was an illegal strike below the belt than a rear naked choke no real back and forth action and it only lasted four mins no way it can compare to some of the great 3 round/5 round battles
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:14 AM EST via mobile reply actions
"No real back and forth action"
Wow…wrong. You’re right in saying it doesn’t compare to some of the longer fights and I dont think it should be on the list. But saying there was no back and forth action when it was pretty much the definitive comeback performance before Andy/Sonnen is just nuts, theres no way you can really believe that
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
Low blow from trigg choke from hughes guess that’s the back and forth your referring too..ok
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah I forgot that Trigg caught him low and then Hughes immediately got the RNC straight away. Nothing much happened in between those two moments so yeah “it wasn’t even a real fight”
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
pointless sarcasm^but yeah that was pretty much it
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If anybody reads this guys comments who hasn't seen this fight...
Pleeeeease don’t decide not to watch it because of them. Its a great fight, very exciting and has a sick finish. And it seems pretty much all discussion with you is pointless so I might aswell make it sarcastic
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
if someone's opinion is different from yours a discussion with them is pointless?
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not atall, thats not what I meant
But your refusal to admit that there was anymore to that fight than “A low blow and a choke” is just weird and mega frustrating so yes to an extent I’m finding having a discussion with you completely pointless
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
what else happen in those 4 mins that make it one of the greatest fights that ever took place?
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 11:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yet another example of how unspeakably frustrating you are to talk to!
Where, at any of my previous comments did I suggest it was “one of the greatest fights that ever took place”? Infact I actually agreed with you at one point and said it didn’t belong on the list. Absolutely ridiculous, PLEASE if you’re going to continue this now pointless discussion check the previous comments to prevent making ANOTHER mistake. I’m fed up of having to break down every point I’ve made so that you can understand
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
Infact your trolling, I'm a bit embarassed its taken me this long to notice
Dont bother replying, I dont deal with your kind
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
clearly can't handle a discussion (that you started)
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 11:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Haha yeah bingo! You nailed it buddy
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
I don't think he's trolling
He just doesn’t think an illegal strike to the groin that incapacitated Hughes followed by a quick recovery and easy finish of the inferior Trigg in 4 minutes is worthy of a GOAT fight. And I agree.
Did you honestly just try and tell me that it wasn't worthy as GOAT fight...?
I’M NOT ARGUING THAT! Jesus christ mate, I’ve stated this so many times, I would never have that fight on this list! The point I was trying to make 6 comments (and what feels like 10 years of my life) ago was that there was more to that fight than just a choke and a low blow, it took balls the size of watermelons for Hughes to battle back, he was badly hurt! But I’m going to make this point as clear as I possibly can…MATT HUGHES VS FRANK TRIGG 2 IS NOT ONE OF THE BEST FIGHTS OF ALL TIME!!
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
Letter19 is right
Trigg took advantage of a cock-blow and then proceeded to fuck it up and get choked out. Not a top fight of all time.
great comeback and great fight are two different things
There was nothing entertaining about silva vs sonnen takedown after takedown followed by top control..if it were not for the high profile names involved no one would ever mention that fight
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Is this aimed at me? Because at absolutely no point did I Insinuate that a great comeback and great fight are the same thing
But for the record I also hugely disagree with the point your making here. The fight between Silva and Sonnen was amazing for the 4 rounds before the finish. If it doesn’t interest you watching the greatest fighter in the world getting his faced smashed for the first time ever, your nuts. On top of that Chael has a hugely entertaining top game as he’s very very aggressive. He also dropped Anderson in the opening round which was pretty awsome. This is before we mention the last round trangle choke to deny Chael the title AND the controversy about did he tap/did he not tap?
Thats not entertaining…do you like mma sir?
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
didn't say it wasn't entertaining said it doesn't stand out as a great fight just great names
"I've always walked the walk but as the world gets worst I'm beginning to run. I'll keep running until I reach the promise land."-letter19
by letter19 on Nov 24, 2011 10:52 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
"There was nothing entertaining about silva vs sonnen"
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
UFC 33 all the fights were amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Nov 24, 2011 10:18 AM EST reply actions
chuck vs. wandy wasn't that great. they were both shells of their former selves.
i think sonen silva has to be #1. i thought i was in a dream.
by Conan the Barbarian on Nov 24, 2011 10:19 AM EST reply actions
I would say it was the best come back.
I wouldn’t say it was the best fight.
Shogun, T Silva, JDS, Reem, Pettis, Karo, Melendez
by Jamie The Peach Hunter on Nov 24, 2011 10:23 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
+alot
God is fake, guns are good, and people are crazy.
by *Californication* on Nov 24, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
I think its sad that this cardiofuck of a fight is being considered great
and even sadder ‘one of the greatest’.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
haha i hear that, great fight sure but best?
If not for the two extra rounds it was an easy 30-27 on all cards.
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Nov 24, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yeh kinda agree....I heard that it was the best EVER then when I watched it I was like WTF...
…..It wasn’t until about rd4 that I could even see why pple had said that….It was a great fight though
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
Guida/Griffin?
Nick Diaz/Sanchez?
Geez, so many more.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
Griffin-Huerta, McDonald vs. Maia
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Nov 24, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Personally...Couture/Liddell 1 has always been my favourite...
Must have seen that fight 20 times, used to be a pretty massive Randy fan so that fight sent me over the edge! Definately place both that and his fight with Nog over the Sylvia match.
Frank Shamrock vs Ortiz was also brutally good! Too many for a list of 5 man, no matter what gets picked somebody is going to be left pissed off
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
Mir versus Cro Cop
Rothwell vs. Hunt
Rothwell vs Yvel
Gonzaga vs. Jordan
Hughes vs. Gracie
Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3
Franklin vs. Okami
Irvin vs. Martin
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Nov 24, 2011 10:38 AM EST reply actions
I take it you sre a big fan of sleep?
Doctors should start prescribing Mir vs Cro Cop for patients suffering from insomnia.
You mind your own damn business.
by jestermarcus on Nov 24, 2011 11:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gonzaga vs Jordan really was the dullest piece of shit I've ever seen...
Only time I’ve ever seen a superman punch knock out and the crowd STILL boo
Sakuraba beats Silva, Aoki would beat Miller and Vitor Belfort didn't deserve his title shot - In my opinion, the craziest points I've read on this site...
Who cares
The Bellator fight was better then UFC 139 Gassed
Not to be grumpy on your holiday, but is anyone else getting tired of Rogan and Goldberg and their one trick pony lines? Rogan – what a fight (with his I’m stoned voice), happens every card. Or the patent – it is allllllllll over. Fck off – you two are getting so annoying, not too mention they always are interrupting each other – who’s the lead anyway. I guess Shogun and Hendo was amazing because these two said so?
Don’t get me wrong, it was a good fight but they were both gassed and round 5 was nothing special. Hughes Trigg was better IMO
You've been Dana'd
great fights no doubt
and the 5 round all main events really made the Hendo Shogun war even more spectacular!
by biggant on Nov 24, 2011 10:50 AM EST via mobile reply actions
btw the Chandler Alverez fight was epic
by biggant on Nov 24, 2011 10:52 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I wouldn't go that far, for Bellators standards maybe but comparing to Pride and UFC greatest I wouldn't have it in the top 20
I like sleeping with my mouth open
It was decent
Hard to really say with minor leagues, right? Would you compare a college football game to the great NFL matches of all time?
If this topic is leaving the UFC...
Then Melendez Vs Thompson
I know Satans got a sixpack... We train together!
and the hughes trigg pic was from fight 1
yamasaki oficiated the 2cnd. This is when matt stopped sending mario christmas greeting cards. The dislike was renewed when mario officiated a R lawler bout in strikeforce a couple years ago cant remember what had matt all worked up again. Lets just say yamasaki is liberal when deciding to step in but I think he does his job well not sure why he hasnt been officiating very much lately
The first 3 fights
go under “The greatest comeback fights.” When I think all time greatest fights, I think of wars.
Clay Guida/ Tyon Griffin has to be on this list.
God is fake, guns are good, and people are crazy.
by *Californication* on Nov 24, 2011 11:35 AM EST reply actions
Edgar vs Maynard 2 is at the top of my list
that is probably the best fight ive ever seen
Pro Sig record
7-5
The MASTER of Hot Bouts
Good choice but my favorite of all time is the third one.
The KO sent me screaming and jumping all over the place.
Cesar is a Gracie for crying out loud. They are supposed to be respectful. I see the American whore way of Life has gotten to this Brazilian. What happened to honor and respect! Wait I know… Money happened.
-UHC
One of my personal favorites ever
Edson barboza vs Anthony njokuani.
This fight was incredible
by day1er on Nov 24, 2011 12:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Having seen Edson only one time
Im gonna have to look this up. That dude fights on fast forward i’m pretty sure.
God is fake, guns are good, and people are crazy.
by *Californication* on Nov 24, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
You'll love it. It was on the spike undercard.
I think it was both their UFC debut. The fight was an awesome back and forth stand up fight. You won’t be disappointed.
by day1er on Nov 24, 2011 1:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes another great fight, both these guys have been some classics and for them to have one against eachother makes it even more meaningful.
I like sleeping with my mouth open
WEC but i havent heard anyone mention what i think is a top 3 fight ever.
Cerrone-Bendo I. Not sure how its possible to watch that without risking a heart attack.
I don’t lose many sig bets, but when I lose, I lose to Zino. JDS will defend the HW title and show MMA as a whole, the distance between a real #1 and the rest of the field.
Today the grasshopper becomes the praying Mantis, and I tip my hat to Big Z.
by NNR (formerly NameNotRequired) on Nov 24, 2011 1:21 PM EST reply actions
Silva v Sonnen has got to be the most overrated fight in the last four years
The drama? A great wrestler talked smack and then did great lay and pray
If it wasn’t Silva on the wrong side of a drawn out grind-em-out fight, no one would care. As a fight, once you IGNORE title implications and NAME POWER (as I think you should when judging a fight), this was nothing special up until the last minute sub.
Story wise it was AMAZING. As a fight, come on guys. . .
"Speaks well of a man to need a little something in this world. I wouldn't trust a man who could git through it cold sober."
--Harry Crews
Relevance is everything. We can get any scrub off the street to remake Edgar / Maynard 2, but it wouldn’t mean anything.
Heck, Mitrione had a real bad and forth fight with a guy on TUF where there was repeated knockdowns back and forth, but no one speaks of that as a top fight.
The relevance is everything. Which is why Couture / Sylvia was such a big fight
Silva, known as the greatest fighter ever, got his ass kicked for the whole fight to pull off a miracle come from behind win. That’s legacy right there. That’s a huge, huge fight.
Top 10 in all time fights at least IMO…
Agreed the Chael vs Andy fight was pretty shiity
Nog Vs Couture on the other hand was fucking amazing!
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
by Khaos_Warrior on Nov 24, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
question & Answer
if sonnen layed on silva, marquardt & others why was there NO booing from the crowd especially with all the ADD fans that get bored quickly and arnt shy in voicing their displeasure
silva has been in 5 rd stand up fights where the boos almost brought down the roof
Answer sonnen lays on no one………… that fight was momentus & action packed
chuck/wandy and shogun/hendo belong there
hughes and trigg is too, but may not be the “moden era” of the ufc…
these fights are mroe recent and stick out in our minds. What about Garcia/Huerta? not technical but sluging it out….
gsp/hughes 2 still my favorite
And I'm something of a phenom/One puff of the chron/I'm unstoppable/I'm alive/ I'm on top again/There's no obstacle that I can't conquer/So come along with us
chael/andy is not one of the best fights of all time
it was a nuts fight because of everything surrounding it.
And I'm something of a phenom/One puff of the chron/I'm unstoppable/I'm alive/ I'm on top again/There's no obstacle that I can't conquer/So come along with us
cro cop/mir
disapointed thats not on the list.
Michael Bisping is a middleweight contender haha and also pigs can fly.
by thunderdownunder on Nov 24, 2011 5:25 PM EST reply actions
sarcasm bro.
i mean, come on even lance storm didnt enjoy that fight ;)
Michael Bisping is a middleweight contender haha and also pigs can fly.
by thunderdownunder on Nov 24, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think...
Bendo vs. Guida was quickly eclipsed by Hendo vs. Rua. However, prior to UFC 139, people were calling it fight of the year. Top five all time? Perhaps, perhaps not, but certainly worth a mention.
totally overlooked bonner-griffin
it was nice being edited by professionals at their craft. happy thanksgiving to you all
Some older fights have been overlooked...
Randy v Rizzo
Randy v Barnett/Ricco (take your pick)
Baroni v Suloev
Lytle v Taylor
Edgar v Griffin
IMO Shogun v Lil Nog in pride was on the same level as Shogun v Hendo…both great.
by TheLastEmperer on Nov 25, 2011 12:40 PM EST reply actions
As well as some Royce classics
What classic Royce MMA fight do you think is the best
Royce vs Shamrock UFC 5 ………….ended a draw but who do you think won?
Royce vs Sakuraba Pride
Royce vs Kimo
Royce vs Severn
I like sleeping with my mouth open
In terms of duration and some significant bare knuckle strikes landed and size difference
I would have to say Royce – kimo was gracies most exciting octogon performance
Leben vs. Akiyama
Back and forth brawling, judo (and Joe Rogan saying “oh, judo!”), double punches, Chris Leben making crazy face before the third round, and a submission inside the last thirty seconds. Maybe not the most important or relevant fight of the modern UFC era, but a fucking classic any way you slice it.
Sakuraba vs Carlos Newton
And Frank Shamrock vs Jeremy Horn
two of my all-time favorite fights.
another all-out war I haven’t seen mentioned here was
Fedor vs CroCop
But for crazy action nothing tops:
Don Frye vs Takyama
"Who's da MASTA?!!!"
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