Photo Credit: JorgeEduardo – stock.adobe.com
MMA is still quite a new sport in the grand scheme of things. In comparison to some sports such as soccer, tennis, and football, it is still a young one. However, UFC fights do still draw in the crowds and there are plenty of very enthusiastic super fans.
In today’s world, UFC is the most prominent promotion of MMA, and there have been some epic moments that have stuck in our minds. There are so many things that can make a moment in UFC memorable, from gruesome injuries to the unexpected.
Let’s take a look!
#1. Griffin & Bonnar Battle At TUF Finale 1
This is considered to be the pinnacle of UFC, the most important fight in its history, and it is even believed that it was the fight that inspired more popularity for the sport. Bonnar and Griffin put on one hell of a show.
Neither of them seemed to have any concern about winning, potential injury, losses, or wins. These 2 just went after one another for 3 rounds straight, all caution thrown to the wind without care.
It was a vicious back-and-forth fight that was enough to inspire people to love the sport. Griffin ended up winning, but both were winners in their ways as they gained contracts from the UFC president, and we are not surprised!
#2. Couture Comes Out Of Retirement To Face Sylvia
Couture versus Sylvia has to be one of the most inspirational fights we have ever seen in combat sports, period. Couture came out of retirement at 40 years old to take on a man, with an extra ft of advantage, more height, and outweighed him by a massive 50 lbs.
Everyone thought Randy was mad to ask to fight Sylvia. However, the opening bell rang and Randy handed Sylvia a shot that separated Sylvia and his senses. From then on Randy had the reins, dominating the fight like the legend he is.
All judges scored the fight in Couture’s favor, at 50-45. Couture walked away saying “Not bad for an old man, huh?” Indeed, Couture, not bad at all!
#3. Hughes Beats Trigg… AGAIN!
Hughes and Trigg fought in UFC 52 for the 2nd time with no decline in bad blood. Early on in the first round, Trigg handed Hughes a low blow in a clinch that seemingly went undetected by the referee.
Of course, Trigg took full advantage and swarmed Hughes. He seemed to be in for a win, but… Hughes reversed it, picked Trigg up, and ran across the Octagon with him in tow, before slamming him down. Hughes dominated the rest of the fight and sunk a rear naked choke, winning by submission!
#4. Couture Wins 2 Division UFC Titles
When Couture fought Lidell first, many thought that his career was over, he was dominated in the previous 2 fights in Heavyweight, and when he moved to light Heavyweight, many saw it as desperation.
However, he proved that even though he was an older fighter, he had plenty left to show. He dominated Liddell, winning by a TKO in the 3rd round. In this, he also became the first man to ever win 2 UFC championships in separate weight classes.
It is a shame he is no longer active in UFC, but he was amazing at boxing and MMA, so maybe one day we will see a new Couture in the latest boxing from FanDuel. We can only hope!
#5. Serra Knocks Out St.-Pierre Winning Welterweight
If you know UFC, you will be aware that this is the biggest upset in UFC history we have ever seen! St-Pierre went into this match after coming from a dominant victory over Hughes, who was considered the greatest welterweight of all time.
Serra came from barely beating Lytle to win The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback.
Everyone, everywhere expected Serra to be destroyed in this fight. However, Serra fought strong and was able to exploit some holes in the fighting stand-up of St-Pierre. Serra ended up winning the first fight in the first round by a TKO!
Making for one of the most astounding moments we have ever seen!
#6. BJ Penn Defeats Hughes To Win Welterweight
This is yet another recollection of a massive upset in the UFC. Hughes was very dominant in the welterweight division, and he was also a champion at the time of this fight, having defended his belt successfully five times!
Penn moved up from lightweight and he was considered to be at a massive disadvantage in this fight, everyone expected Hughes to wipe the floor with him.
Penn did fight for his life, rocking Hughes with a massive right hand, and sinking in a rear-naked choke to daze the champion. It was a massively significant moment for Penn and for UFC overall.
Watching Hughes finally see defeat, and to Penn, it was incredible, if not a little sour for Hughes.
Overall
These have been our 6 top most memorable moments in the UFC, from insane defeats to comebacks and champions returning to challenge top-tier fighters, there have been endless moments in UFC that we will never forget.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.