Explore the exhilarating highs and unforgettable moments that have shaped the legacy of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). From jaw-dropping knockouts to historic title fights, the UFC has produced some of the most iconic moments in the history of combat sports. Join us as we count down the top 10 most iconic moments in UFC history, celebrating the athletes and events that have captivated audiences around the world and left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Finale
The inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series culminated in a historic finale that forever changed the landscape of MMA. The showdown between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar captivated viewers with its back-and-forth action and relentless heart displayed by both fighters. Their epic battle is credited with saving the UFC from extinction and ushering in a new era of popularity for the sport.
UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir 2
UFC 100 marked a milestone event for the promotion, featuring a stacked card headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir for the heavyweight title. Lesnar’s dominant performance and post-fight antics solidified his status as one of the biggest draws in MMA history, while the event itself became a benchmark for success in the sport.
Anderson Silva’s Front Kick KO of Vitor Belfort
At UFC 126, Anderson Silva delivered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history with a front kick to the face of Vitor Belfort. The stunning display of precision and timing showcased Silva’s mastery of striking and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
UFC 189: McGregor vs. Mendes
UFC 189 featured a thrilling interim featherweight title fight between Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes, with McGregor emerging victorious after a back-and-forth battle. The event is remembered for its electric atmosphere, highlighted by McGregor’s iconic walkout and his ability to rally from adversity to claim the title.
Ronda Rousey’s Armbar Streak
Ronda Rousey’s reign as the UFC women’s bantamweight champion was defined by her signature move, the armbar. Rousey’s dominance inside the Octagon and her ability to finish opponents with her patented submission technique captivated fans and propelled women’s MMA into the mainstream.
UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre
At UFC 217, Georges St-Pierre made a triumphant return to the Octagon after a four-year hiatus, moving up in weight to challenge Michael Bisping for the middleweight title. St-Pierre’s victory made him a two-division champion and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Nate Diaz’s Submission of Conor McGregor
Nate Diaz shocked the MMA world with his submission victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 196. Diaz weathered an early storm from McGregor before locking in a rear-naked choke in the second round, handing McGregor his first UFC loss and setting the stage for a historic rematch.
Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
The long-awaited showdown between Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79 lived up to the hype, as the two legendary strikers engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Liddell’s unanimous decision victory over Silva remains one of the most memorable moments in UFC history.
The Rise of Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise from relative unknown to global superstar is one of the most iconic stories in UFC history. McGregor’s brash personality, knockout power, and unparalleled trash-talking ability captured the imagination of fans worldwide, making him one of the biggest draws in MMA.
UFC 205: McGregor vs. Alvarez
At UFC 205, Conor McGregor made history by becoming the first fighter to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, knocking out Eddie Alvarez to claim the lightweight championship. The event, held at Madison Square Garden, was a monumental occasion for both McGregor and the sport of MMA.