Most impactful MMA fights in UFC history

This fight is a landmark for its intensity and brutality, leaving an indelible mark on the memory of fans. The welterweight title bout at UFC 189 showcased exceptional resilience and fighting spirit from both athletes, culminating in a dramatic fifth-round finish.

This fight was instrumental in the growth of the UFC, as its thrilling and unpredictable nature captured the attention of a massive audience. Its impact was so significant that Dana White awarded contracts to both fighters, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar, securing their futures in the organization and cementing the success of The Ultimate Fighter program.

This fight was a pivotal moment in the UFC, as Randy Couture upset the then-dominant Chuck Liddell, establishing one of the sport's greatest rivalries. The bout showcased the importance of strategy and grappling in MMA, impacting the perception of fighting styles in the light heavyweight division.

This rivalry was crucial for the establishment and popularization of MMA, showcasing the effectiveness of different fighting styles in the early days of the UFC. Their bouts, particularly at UFC 1 and the 36-minute draw at UFC 5, captivated audiences and demonstrated the inherent intensity and drama of this new sport.

This fight was pivotal in UFC welterweight history, as it marked the first encounter between two of the division's most iconic fighters. Matt Hughes's submission victory over a young Georges St-Pierre in the first round set a precedent for their rivalry and shaped GSP's trajectory towards greatness.

This fight headlined UFC 100, a landmark event in the organization's history that set a then-record of 1.6 million pay-per-view buys. The rematch between Lesnar and Mir, with Lesnar avenging his only MMA loss and unifying the heavyweight title, captured massive mainstream attention and showcased Lesnar's immense draw for a general audience.

This fight set a historic record of 2.4 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys in the United States, making it the biggest PPV event in UFC history. The intense personal rivalry and the sheer scale of the event generated unprecedented media attention, drawing a massive audience and cementing its status as a cultural and sporting landmark.

This fight represented the culmination of one of the most ferocious and personal rivalries in UFC history, drawing massive attention and generating immense media impact. Despite its overturned result, the technical quality of the bout and the narrative of the rivalry between two of the greatest light heavyweight fighters left an indelible mark on the sport.

This bout is renowned for its incredible comeback, where Anderson Silva, dominated for nearly five rounds, secured a last-minute submission. Silva's dramatic victory cemented his legacy as one of the greatest UFC champions and created a lasting impact on the narrative of MMA fights.

This fight is pivotal for its role in introducing and solidifying women's MMA in the UFC, the sport's premier promotion. It demonstrated the viability and appeal of female fighters, paving the way for future generations of women athletes in the octagon.

This fight is celebrated for its non-stop action and brutality, earning it the 2021 Fight of the Year award. It showcased incredible toughness and willpower from both fighters, solidifying its legacy as a legendary clash in UFC history.

This bout is an instant classic that set a new standard for women's fights in the UFC, featuring a record 351 combined significant strikes. The intensity, resilience, and technical skill displayed by both fighters over five rounds cemented it as one of the most thrilling and memorable fights in the sport's history.

This fight stands out as a prime example of resilience and technical skill in the octagon, delivering non-stop action and sustained drama over five rounds. Its intensity and high-level striking exchanges cemented it as an instant classic and a 'Fight of the Year' contender, leaving a lasting impression on MMA fans.

This bout is an instant classic that defined Israel Adesanya's career, marking his first UFC title win in an epic five-round battle. The fight is notable for its fifth round, where Adesanya scored three knockdowns, the most ever landed in the fifth round of a UFC title fight, deciding a contest that was tied on the judges' scorecards.