Three fights to recommend to a future UFC fan
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A common question among fight fans is ‘What made you a fan of the UFC or MMA in general?’
This question is an easy answer for me. When I was stationed in Turkey, the UFC PPVs were free, so I started watching them. That lead to me reading up on some of the fighters, which later lead to me researching the science of the sport. Once I had an understanding of the science, I was hooked.
I received a message on Twitter from a new fan of the UFC asking me which fights would I recommend for a new fan of the UFC. I was taken back by this question, but I didn’t want to let the new fan down. So, I came up with a list of five fights. Then I narrowed it down to three.
Fight #1: Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale on April 9, 2005
I chose this fight for its historical purpose. Dana White and the Fertitta brothers purchased the company in 2001, but they knew changes needed to be made. They were hoping that change would bring the company money. But more importantly, they hoped it would bring MMA into mainstream status.
This fight did just that and is known as the most important fight in UFC history, the fight that saved the UFC.
Griffin and Bonnar were widely unknown at the time of the bout. They were prospects being given a chance to earn a contract to be a fighter in the UFC. It was a fight that was fought at close range with both fighters exchanging blows in a back-n-forth action-packed fight.
Griffin was awarded the win and would go on to become the light heavyweight champion. Both fighters had high-quality careers after this fight.
According to TAPOLOGY.com this fight ranks:
- #3 Greatest Fight of All Time
- #2 Greatest Light Heavyweight MMA Fight of All Time
Fight #2: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory McDonald 2, UFC 189 on July 11, 2015
Lawler, the welterweight champion at the time, had become a fan favorite due to his action-packed fights. He was a veteran who’s career spanned almost two decades. McDonald was a low-key fighter who rarely talked trash and was known for showing a tremendous amount of respect for his opponents.
Through the first four rounds, neither gentleman backed down; these two men were savages this night. This fight was contested on the feet for its entirety, with both fighters bloodied and battered. It became an instant classic at the end of round four. Instead of going back to their corners, both men stared at each other with venom and intensity. I was watching this fight at a bar and the place erupted with cheers and hand claps when it happened.
As the fifth round started, Lawler landed a straight punch that broke the nose of McDonald and blood started gushing. The referee ended up stopping the fight. I chose this fight because of the amount of violence these two fighters inflicted on each other to go with the absurd momentum swings in this bout.
Here are the stats for that fight:
Lawler McDonald
76/163 TOT STRIKES 87/223
70/156 SIG STRIKES 86/222
68/149 HEAD 70/189
According to TAPOLOGY.com this fight ranks:
- #1 Greatest Fight of All Time
- #1 Greatest Welterweight MMA Fight of All Time
- #1 Best MMA Fight of the Year for 2015
- UFC 189 Fight of the Night
Fight #3: Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili, UFC 248 on March 7, 2020
Although this fight is fairly recent, I had to put it on the list. As I was watching it live, the group I was with were losing their mind and almost every person in the bar was on their feet. This is a sign that a fight is special.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk had been a big part of the UFC, as she was referred to as the “Strawweight Queen.” She came in as a challenger to the young, but talented Zhang Weili. The newly crowned champion at the time. This fight was contested with high-level skill, and also an abundance of toughness and grit. The level of intensity lasted from opening bell to the final bell.
Weilli would end up winning by decision, but most fans remember the super-size welt on Jedrzejczyk’s forehead most. It was a hard thing to look at, but it was badge of honor from a terrific fight. Fans were instantly clamoring for a rematch.
This fight was a high-level striking contest as the stats show:
Weili Jedrzejczyk
170/413 TOT STRIKES 196/370
165/408 SIG STRIKES 186/360
96/305 HEAD 96/230
11/22 BODY 32/47
58/81 LEGS 58/83
According to TAPOLOGY.com this fight ranks:
- #10 Greatest Fight of All Time
- #1 Best MMA Fight of the Year for 2020
- UFC 248 Fight of the Night
If you are a new fan to the UFC, these are must watch fights. If you are a long-time fan, re-watch these fights and fall in love with the sport all over again.
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