UFC over the last few years has seen a rapid gain in popularity and without a doubt, one of the most watched sports world-wide.
The UFC group leading the path, from a barely legal sport to one could say, bigger than boxing? Their story is one you should read, and if you haven’t already be sure to check out the links at the bottom of this page.
In the past, pro boxers such as Mayweather have all declared winnings tenfold of any UFC star. That of course was until the appearance of Irish superstar Mcgregor took center stage.
So in no particular order, here’s the top 21 most iconic moments of the UFC!
1 - Anderson Silva knocks out Vitor Belfort in 1 round. One of the most anticipated fights of all time and one of the most replayed knockouts in history!
2 - Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald stare each other down at the end of the fourth round. It was a bloodbath all around.
3 - In the most anticipated Featherweight fight of all time, Conor McGregor dethrones Jose Aldo in 13 seconds.
4 -Riding insurmountable hype, Conor McGregor taps out to veteran favorite Nate Diaz on 10 days notice.
5 - In front of the largest audience of all time, Holly Holm knocks out the most dominant female at that time and creates a new era for the women in MMA.
6 - The smallest man in the inaugural UFC (no holds barred) Tournament, Royce Gracie introduced us to BJJ and kickstarted the promotion and sport we live today.
7 - In what would be a testament to his actual life story, Matt Hughes survives from the brink of defeat to slam Frank Trigg and eventually choke him out.
8 - In one of the first mega fights in MMA, Chuck Liddell pours it on Tito Ortiz in one of the most replayed highlights of all time.
9 - After 4 years away, Georges St-Pierre moves up a weight class and captures yet another belt by choking out Michael Bisping.
10 - In the finale of the first TUF, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar put on a brawl for the ages and save the UFC and American MMA.
11 - At just 23 years of age, Jon Jones becomes the youngest champion in UFC history by stopping Shogun.
12 - After being a perennial contender for a decade and never quite making it to the next level, Michael Bisping creates MMA’s Cinderella story by taking Luke Rockhold’s belt via 1st round KO on 2 weeks notice.
13 - Old ass Randy Couture comes out of retirement and batters the giant Tim Sylvia for 5 rounds to reclaim the belt.
14 - On the historic UFC 100, Dan Henderson gives us this classic H-Bomb and a knockout that it’s still ranked among the best.
15 - Brock Lesnar returns after a battle with diverticulitis to submit undefeated power puncher Shane Carwin and retain his title.
16 - Anderson Silva’s reign of terror comes to end when he gets caught clowning around. Chris Weidman won the title in just his 10th fight.
17 - Anderson Silva pulls out the Hail Mary of all finishes, when he taps rival Chael Sonnen after 4 1/2 rounds of getting smashed up.
18 - Demetrious Johnson breaks the title defense record by tossing Ray Borg up in the air and catching him
with an Armbar.
19 - With 1 loss and 1 draw against Gray Maynard, this was Frankie Edgar’s fiercest rival. And after taking a beating (almost identical to the 2nd bout), Frankie comes from behind and puts an emphatic end to the rivalry.
20 - Two champs meet up for the first time, as the iconic WW champ GSP batters the iconic LW champ BJ Penn.
21- Ronda Rousey & Liz Carmouche break all barriers, becoming the first female attraction in UFC history!
So there you have it, top 21 most iconic moments of the UFC. Some very very big moments in the UFC and mixed martial arts.
But do you think I’ve missed some? would love to know yours, please comment below or jump to our facebook and get involved there
The story of the UFC - Click HERE
