The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ESPN's partnership in 2019 was a game-changer, propelling mixed martial arts into the mainstream like never before. But which fights from this era truly left a lasting impact? Here's a rewind to the 10 most unforgettable UFC battles that defined the ESPN era, sparking both awe and controversy among fans.
1. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya: This fight is a testament to the human spirit. Gastelum's relentless assault almost stopped Adesanya, but he dug deep, delivering an iconic fifth round and proving his championship mettle. A true display of heart and determination!
2. Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk: Brace yourself for one of the greatest fights in UFC history. For 25 minutes, these women traded blows with zero mercy. The hematoma on Joanna's face told the story of their brutality, and Zhang's narrow win secured their legendary status.
3. Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka: A chaotic masterpiece! Teixeira's veteran skills almost sealed the deal, but Prochazka's wild comeback and last-second submission turned the fight upside down. A thrilling ride from start to finish!
4. Dan Hooker vs. Dustin Poirier: This fight was a brutal test of endurance. Hooker and Poirier traded relentless combinations, pushing each other to the brink. The second round was a masterpiece, and Hooker's durability made it one of the most punishing stand-up wars ever.
5. Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje: Chaos unleashed! Three rounds of non-stop action, knockdowns, and wild exchanges. The first round was a frenzy, and the fight showcased MMA at its most thrilling. Gaethje's wrestling and leg kicks secured the win, but both fighters left it all in the cage.
6. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev: A super fight that defied expectations. Volkanovski's size and strength were no match for Makhachev's grappling, but he pushed him to the limit. The final image sparked debate, leaving fans divided over this instant classic.
7. Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega: Technical mastery meets sheer survival. Volkanovski dominated, but Ortega's near-fight-ending submissions in Round 3 were dramatic escapes. Volkanovski's continued dominance proved his pound-for-pound greatness.
8. Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics: An unexpected Fight of the Year contender. In a lackluster event, these two ignited the crowd with a blistering striking battle. Ribovics' late surge won the decision, turning both fighters into instant fan favorites.
9. Colby Covington vs. Kamaru Usman: Trash talk turned into a striking war. Covington and Usman delivered a relentless five-round battle, surprising those who expected wrestling. Usman's power and precision solidified his dominance, ending a heated rivalry... for now.
10. Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van: A high-speed flyweight thriller! Royval's unpredictability clashed with Van's sharp boxing, creating a frantic, technical, and wildly entertaining fight. Proof that flyweights deliver some of the UFC's most exciting moments.
These fights showcase the raw emotion, skill, and controversy that make the UFC so captivating. But here's where it gets controversial: which fight do you think deserves the top spot? Do you agree with this list, or did we miss an unforgettable battle? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate the chaos and drama of the UFC's ESPN era!
