The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has delivered countless memorable moments since its inception. From shocking upsets to brutal wars of attrition, here's a look back at some true classic UFC fights that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Electrifying Atmospheres and Stunning Finishes
Some events stand out not only for the fights themselves but also for the incredible atmosphere surrounding them. As a kid that grew up in Southern Ontario and was just breaking into covering this sport at the time, it was incredible to be back home covering this event. This remains the most electric atmosphere I have ever experienced at a live sporting event, and the weigh-ins on Friday afternoon could very well be second.
The night was filled with incredible displays of skill and power. Thomas Almeida kicked off the main card by knocking out Brad Pickett with a flying knee, Nelson quickly tapped Brandon Thatch, and then Jeremy Stephens one-upped Almeida by finishing Dennis Bermudez with an even better flying knee in the middle of the main card.
More recently, the place went nuts for “Paddy the Baddy” as Paddy Pimblett bopped to the Octagon and beat Kazula Vargas in one, which was followed by Arnold Allen doing similar things to Dan Hooker in the co-main event of the evening. And tucked away on the prelims, lightweight Jim Miller registered a unanimous decision win over Mac Danzig.
GREATEST KNOCKOUTS From 2025! 🧨
Title Fights for the Ages
Title fights often carry the highest stakes and deliver the most dramatic moments. Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman were like the quarterbacks from rival high schools - good looking, talented athletes that were actually rather friendly with one another, but also genuine rivals. As the duo began making their respective walks to the Octagon, I sat on press row, enjoying their signature walkout tracks, listening to the roar of the crowd, and pondering what was about to happen. It’s a weird thing being at an event live and having deadline responsibilities - you have to worry about what you’re writing while also trying to watch the fights and take in what is going on, and the opening moments of bouts are usually a feeling out process.
Read also: Are the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves right for you? Find out here.
One fight that truly exemplifies this is the welterweight title clash between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald. Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald engaged in one of the most vicious, competitive, memorable fights in UFC history, dueling over the welterweight title and leaving pieces of themselves inside the Octagon when the dust finally cleared.
Rising Stars and Memorable Debuts
UFC events also provide a platform for new talent to emerge and make a name for themselves. Muhammad Mokaev looked sharp in his promotional debut, Paul Craig did Paul Craig things against Nikita Krylov, and Sergei Pavlovich ended a two-year absence by blasting through Shamil Abdurakhimov prior to the action shifting to the main card. A great deal was made about Kamaru Usman facing Jorge Masvidal for a second time in the main event, as “Gamebred” hadn’t fought since their first encounter, and that short-notice bout was not particularly exciting.
True Classic's Perspective
"I’ve been an MMA fan since UFC 1 back in the early 90s,” said Ryan Barlett, True Classic Co-Founder and Chairman. “I’ll never forget being amazed watching Royce Gracie, who looked very unassuming on the surface, take down a much larger Ken Shamrock in less than a minute. I was hooked and had a new appreciation for the art of MMA from that point on.
True Classic will next activate the partnership at UFC 313: PEREIRA vs. ANKALAEV on Sat., March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event features a blockbuster light heavyweight championship tilt that sees Alex Pereira defend against No. 1 ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev. Also, No. 3 ranked lightweight contender Justin Gaethje battles No. 11 Rafael Fiziev in a five round co-main event guaranteed to deliver fireworks.