2023 has been a banner year for the UFC, with thrilling knockouts, nail-biting decisions, and moments of pure martial arts poetry etched into the Octagon's canvas. While every fight deserves its own fight song, some truly transcended the ordinary, leaving fans breathless and fight pundits scrambling for superlatives. So, crank up the adrenaline and join us as we rewind and relive the 10 best UFC fights of 2023:
10. Irene Aldana vs. Karol Rosa (UFC 296): A back-and-forth bantamweight barnburner, this fight saw both Aldana and Rosa trade bombs and grapple with grit. Ultimately, Aldana's superior striking and takedown defense earned her the hard-fought nod.
9. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Geoff Neal (UFC 285): A clash of welterweight titans, this fight was a masterclass in technical striking and tactical adjustments. Rakhmonov's precise jab and relentless pressure eventually wore down Neal, securing him a dominant submission victory.
8. Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (UFC 286): Two lightweight daredevils collided in this instant classic. Gaethje's trademark leg kicks and wild brawling met Fiziev's acrobatic kicks and lightning counters. In the end, a last-minute Gaethje takedown and ground-and-pound secured him a judge's decision victory.
7. Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Moreno III (UFC 290): The flyweight trilogy that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Pantoja dominated the early rounds with his wrestling and ground control, and even Moreno's relentless pressure and late surge didn't do enough to help him, and Pantoja earned a hard-fought split-decision victory and the undisputed flyweight title.
6. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski I (UFC 284): A lightweight champion vs. featherweight champion showdown for the ages. Makhachev's suffocating grappling met Volkanovski's elite footwork and counterpunching. A close and controversial split decision for Makhachev left fight fans debating for months.
5. Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner (UFC 290): A lightweight scrap that defied expectations, this fight saw an underdog rise and a veteran roar back. Hooker, known for his striking prowess, surprised everyone with his relentless takedowns and smothering ground control. Turner, facing adversity for the first time, showcased incredible heart and resilience, but it wasn't enough to keep Hooker from walking away with the decision victory.
4. Jamahal Hill vs. Glover Teixeira (UFC 283): A light heavyweight clash between a rising star and a seasoned legend, this fight was a masterclass in tactical adjustments. Hill, known for his explosiveness, surprised Teixeira with his patient footwork and counterpunching. Teixeira, the wily veteran, adapted brilliantly, utilizing his clinch work and takedowns to control the early rounds. Ultimately, Hill's superior striking and late-round surge earned him a decision victory and the light heavyweight title.
3. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Chris Curtis (UFC 287): A middleweight war for the ages, this fight was a brutal display of heart and willpower. Both Gastelum and Curtis traded bombs and weathered each other's storms, showcasing incredible durability and determination. In the end, Gastelum's relentless pressure and late-round takedowns earned him a hard-fought split-decision victory in a fight that left both men bloodied but unbowed.
2. Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno IV (UFC 283): The flyweight saga that refused to end, this fight was a roller coaster of emotions. Figueiredo, seeking to reclaim his title, unleashed an aggressive storm of punches and knees. Moreno, the defending champion, responded with his trademark counterpunching and relentless pressure. The back-and-forth battle went on until the doctor stopped the fight before round 5, culminating in a victory for Moreno and a rivalry etched in Octagon history.
1. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski II (UFC 294): The rematch the world craved, this fight lived up to every ounce of hype. Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, sought to solidify his dominance. Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion, aimed to claim double-champ status. The chess match of grappling and striking was over quickly as Makhachev secured a 1st round KO/TKO, cementing his legacy as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
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