2000 UFC Fights: Here Are the 25 Most Entertaining Ever

When Yuri Alcantara squared off against Hacran Dias at UFC 147, it was more than just a featherweight fight on a lackluster card. It had the distinction of being the 2,000th fight in the UFC’s storied history. Through 2,000 fights, the organizatio…

When Yuri Alcantara squared off against Hacran Dias at UFC 147, it was more than just a featherweight fight on a lackluster card. It had the distinction of being the 2,000th fight in the UFC’s storied history. 

Through 2,000 fights, the organization has had some incredible moments. A tiny Brazilian wearing pajamas would show the world that Brazilian jiu-jitsu was the future of fighting. A former UFC lightweight from Long Island would win a reality show and go on to defeat the greatest welterweight champion in history. The UFC itself would purchase and import talents from their two biggest competitors and much more.

And then there are the fights themselves. Some fights were simply atrocious, while others left fans on the edge of their seats. Of the 2,000 fights, we have seen ultra-violent knockouts, super-slick submissions and barn-burning slugfests that could have only been written in Hollywood.

Here is a look at the 25 most entertaining fights in UFC history.

 

Authors Note: Just for fun, I threw in a bonus for you. See if you can guess which one made the cut at the last minute.

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10 Potential Breakout Fighters Who Need to Be on Your Radar

When Glover Teixeira made his debut in the UFC, there was a small buzz that had been circulating about him for years. Fighting out of The Pit with John Hackleman, Teixeira has been training with high-caliber partners and fighting some of the best in th…

When Glover Teixeira made his debut in the UFC, there was a small buzz that had been circulating about him for years. Fighting out of The Pit with John Hackleman, Teixeira has been training with high-caliber partners and fighting some of the best in the independent circuit for years.

In 2006, Teixeira went 3-0 in the WEC, winning all of his fights in under two minutes. Clearly, he would have transitioned over to the UFC once the WEC phased out their light heavyweight division, but he had visa issues.

Now that Teixeira is making waves in the UFC, let’s take a look at some other fighters poised for a major breakout who you should be aware of.

Some of the fighters on this list have already fought for the UFC. Some of them are under contract to Zuffa but have yet to debut. The rest are still battling it out on the smaller circuit in hopes of being noticed.

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UFC 147 Results: Top 10 Heavyweights in the UFC

The heavyweight division is the biggest division in MMA. While that is literally true, we are talking in terms of prestige. No prize is bigger than the UFC Heavyweight championship. Last night, highly ranked Fabricio Werdum made quick work out of …

The heavyweight division is the biggest division in MMA. While that is literally true, we are talking in terms of prestige. No prize is bigger than the UFC Heavyweight championship. 

Last night, highly ranked Fabricio Werdum made quick work out of once-beaten Mike Russow at UFC 147. Russow was 4-0 in the UFC and was working his way up the ladder. Despite his recent success, Werdum showed why he is one of the best in the world.

How did this win shake up the rankings? Let’s take a look. These are the top 10 heavyweights in the UFC.

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UFC 147 Results: Who Are the Top 10 Middleweights in the UFC?

Last night, Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva battled in an exciting rematch that saw Franklin best The Axe Murderer through five rounds of action. Although the battle was technically a catchweight contest, it was only due to the short notice on w…

Last night, Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva battled in an exciting rematch that saw Franklin best The Axe Murderer through five rounds of action. 

Although the battle was technically a catchweight contest, it was only due to the short notice on which Franklin accepted the fight. Franklin is returning to the division where he won his UFC championship, so this fight had a significant impact in the rankings.

Where does Franklin stand in the ever-growing UFC middleweight division?

Here’s a look at the top 10 middleweights in the UFC.

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UFC 147 Results: Top 10 Featherweights in the UFC

Although this weekend had important fights in the lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions, it was a busy weekend for the boys at 145 pounds.On Friday night, top title contender Hatsu Hioki was mysteriously relegated to the Fuel TV prelimina…

Although this weekend had important fights in the lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions, it was a busy weekend for the boys at 145 pounds.

On Friday night, top title contender Hatsu Hioki was mysteriously relegated to the Fuel TV preliminaries against highlight-creator Ricardo Lamas. In any event, it was the most important fight within the division this weekend as Hioki was the No. 2 ranked featherweight in the world heading into the contest.

In other important contests, Ultimate Fighter Ross Pearson took on WEC standout Cub Swanson, TUF: Brazil crowned a featherweight winner, and top prospects Yuri Alcantara and Hacran Dias looked to leave their stamp on the UFC.

All in all, nine featherweight fights took place this weekend, and the competitors showed us why the division is so exciting. With some wiggle room at the bottom, many of the fighters this weekend had an opportunity to make a case for themselves in the rankings.

Here are the top 10 featherweights in the UFC.

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UFC 147: Rich Franklin, Wanderlei Silva and the 10 Best Fighters over 35

Many say that mixed martial arts have become a young man’s game. With hungry young lions like Michael McDonald, Rory MacDonald and Jon Jones making some big waves in their respective divisions, it’s hard to dispute that argument.However, the old guard …

Many say that mixed martial arts have become a young man’s game. With hungry young lions like Michael McDonald, Rory MacDonald and Jon Jones making some big waves in their respective divisions, it’s hard to dispute that argument.

However, the old guard is not some group of washed-up has-beens who are willing to go down without a fight. In fact, many of the older fighters in the UFC are enjoying some incredible momentum at the moment.

Do skills tend to decay over time? In most cases, yes. 

Do fighters with formerly granite chins appear to get knocked out more in their later years? Absolutely.

However, the rule doesn’t apply to everyone. Sure, we’ve seen stars like Mirko Cro Cop and Ken Shamrock become almost sad in their later years, but there are some elder statesmen of the UFC who are certainly not going to concede anything to the young guns of the organization.

You want my spot? Come take it from me.

Here is a look at 10 UFC fighters who are winning the battle against Father Time. This is a look at the 10 best fighters over the age of 35.

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