One of the most thrilling weight classes in mixed martial arts history has always been the UFC’s heavyweight division. Some of the most famous fights in mixed martial arts history have come from the heavyweight division, from the early days of open-weight matches to the current period of regular weight classes. These bouts have been selected according to their importance, impact, and player reputations. So without further ado, let’s examine the best five heavyweight bouts in UFC history.
1. UFC 100: Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir II
One of the best heavyweight fights in UFC history is thought to have occurred in this match. Frank Mir and Brock Lesnar, who had previously fought at UFC 81, were matched up again. Lesnar exacted revenge on Mir by TKOing the fighter in the second round. This bout was one of the primary draws of UFC 100, a historic occasion for the UFC. Lesnar will always be regarded as one of the heavyweight division’s pioneers because of his crucial contribution to its expansion.
2. Junior Dos Santos II vs. Cain Velasquez (UFC 155)
One of the best heavyweights in the UFC at the time, Cain Velasquez, faced Junior Dos Santos for the second time in their bout. By unanimous decision, Velasquez defeated Dos Santos to win the heavyweight title, which he had previously lost to him. Velasquez demonstrated his ground-and-pound and wrestling prowess during the bout, which established his status as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters to have ever entered the octagon.
3. UFC 220: Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou
Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, two of the UFC’s hardest-hitting heavyweights, squared off in this fight. Miocic used his grappling and wrestling skills to counter Ngannou’s strikes to win the bout by unanimous decision. The fight demonstrated Miocic’s fighting prowess and toughness. After losing his first title fight, Ngannou overcame Miocic in a rematch to win the UFC gold, which set up his historic boxing bout against Tyson Fury, the best heavyweight fighter in the world at the moment.
4. Tim Sylvia vs. Randy Couture (UFC 68)
A historic heavyweight fight between two different generations of fighters took place in this bout. The veteran of the sport, Randy Couture, decided to challenge Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight championship after retiring. At 43 years old, Couture won the bout by unanimous decision to become the oldest competitor to win a UFC title. During the bout, Couture demonstrated his constant skill and determination, solidifying his status as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in UFC history.
5. Daniel Cormier III vs. Stipe Miocic (UFC 252)
One of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, Stipe Miocic, fought Daniel Cormier for the third time in their fight. By way of a unanimous decision victory, Miocic established himself as one of the all-time great heavyweight champions. Both combatants displayed their skills throughout the battle, with Miocic controlling Cormier with his boxing and wrestling while Cormier also delivered some powerful blows. After suffering a second and last defeat at the hands of Stipe Miocic, Daniel Cormier decided to end his career.
Before receiving an injury while training, current heavyweight champion Jon Jones was preparing to make his first title defence against former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. The No. 2 heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich will be looking to continue his knockout streak as he takes on the No. 4 heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight championship of the world this weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight was put together by the UFC on short notice.