Clutch performance—performing well under extreme pressure. It often refers to high levels of production in a critical game, such as Game 7 of a best-of-seven series, or the final minute(s) in a close match. Being “clutch” is often seen by sportswriters and fans as an innate skill which some players have while others do not.
In mixed-martial arts, there are always high-pressure situations, and a lot of guys who blow it in the final moments. The ability to perform to the best of your abilities at the most pivotal of moments is an enviable quality that attributes to major success inside the Octagon.
As long as the final horn has yet to sound, both fighters are still in the fight. No matter how badly a fighter is getting dominated, there is always the opportunity for them to reach down deep and deliver with a stoppage.
This list is a celebration of the elite fighters who were able deliver where many would have faltered.
I’d like to thank MMA lead writer Jonathan Snowden for his contributions for some of these selections.