In mixed martial arts, the term “epic” is frequently misused or applied too freely. While fans have witnessed dramatic knockouts, intense submissions, and grueling decisions, very few fights genuinely earn the “epic” designation. True “epic” fights are as rare as a solar eclipse, and the term should not be thrown around lightly.

Many of MMA‘s world-class athletes have, through their performances, set the standard for what truly constitutes an epic encounter.

So, without further ado, here are the 10 most epic fights in UFC history. Let’s take a look.

10. UFC 116: Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin

Shane Carwin earned a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, entering the bout undefeated with 12 straight wins. However, he had yet to face a wrestler with Brock Lesnar’s formidable skillset. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Lesnar’s wrestling prowess that carried him through, but sheer heart and an indomitable will to win.

In the opening minutes of Round 1, Carwin absolutely demolished Lesnar, who curled into a ball as Carwin teed off on the former WWE superstar. Lesnar was saved by the bell as the round concluded. The second round saw a remarkable turnaround, as Lesnar secured a takedown, bringing Carwin to the mat and relentlessly wearing down the undefeated heavyweight. At the two-minute mark, Lesnar locked in an arm-triangle choke, securing the submission victory and his fourth consecutive win.

9. TUF 4 Finale: Pete Sell vs. Scott Smith

Pete Sell and Scott Smith were initially scheduled for what appeared to be a standard bout between two ordinary fighters. However, as both Sell and Smith demonstrated, “average” can sometimes transform into greatness, and once again, the Las Vegas audience was privileged to witness one of the most spectacular finishes in UFC history.

In Round 2, Sell landed a stunning body shot that unmistakably hurt Smith, who remained on his feet despite clear and intense pain. Sell, sensing Smith’s vulnerability, advanced on his opponent, only to be unexpectedly dropped by a single punch from the injured Smith. Despite his own injury, Smith immediately pounced on Sell, leading to the fight being stopped at 3:25 of the second round.

8. TUF 9 Finale: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida

What unfolds when two of the UFC’s most unhinged fighters are pitted against each other in a lightweight showdown? An unforgettable staredown, for sure. But also, an epic battle.

In a contest that would ultimately be named ‘Fight of the Year,’ Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida exchanged brutal strikes, powerful takedowns, bewildering grappling sequences, and much more. This truly memorable fight was so closely contested that even the judges struggled to make a definitive decision. After an electrifying, all-out brawl, Sanchez and Guida nervously awaited a controversial verdict. In the end, it was Sanchez whose hand was raised, securing a narrow split decision victory.

7. UFC 125: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Typically, when a fighter is overwhelmed and seemingly defeated, it means they are mere seconds away from being finished by their opponent. Unless, of course, your name is Frankie Edgar.

Edgar faced Gray Maynard in an all-time classic at UFC 125, brilliantly kicking off the new year. Aiming to secure the UFC lightweight title, Maynard completely dominated the opening round, with many believing Edgar was just one strike away from being dethroned. Yet, after an extraordinary display of heart and sheer determination, Edgar not only continued to battle but remarkably stole the very next round. Following a relentless, back-and-forth war, both Edgar and Maynard concluded a historic night still on their feet, awaiting the judges’ decision. The scores came in as 48-46 for Maynard, 48-46 for Edgar, and 47-47, declaring the bout a draw. A disappointing but undeniably epic outcome.

6. UFC 69: Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra

At UFC 69, the highly anticipated bout featured Georges St-Pierre against Matt Serra. This championship contest, which astonishingly concluded in just 3 minutes and 25 seconds, unfolded into arguably the most significant upset in the sport’s history. Georges St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of martial arts’ finest, was overwhelmed by a barrage of strikes from Serra, sending shockwaves through both the fighter and the global audience. Spectators watched in disbelief as Serra capitalized on the opening, aggressively pursuing St-Pierre to secure the coveted UFC title. The welterweight title bout was ultimately halted, cementing Serra’s first-ever championship victory in his mixed martial arts career. An unforgettable outcome.

5. UFC 79: Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva

Despite arriving at UFC 79 amidst the most challenging losing streak of his career, Chuck Liddell appeared unfazed as he prepared to face Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva. In the opening minutes, both Liddell and Silva circled the Octagon, as anticipated, each clearly aiming for an early knockout. Yet, despite both fighters’ reputations for vulnerable chins, a decisive finish eluded them, as the Las Vegas crowd found themselves witnessing a historic battle. Liddell connected with a powerful right hand that staggered Silva, but it wasn’t sufficient to put away the beloved fighter. Following a grueling slugfest, the intense showdown progressed into its final stages, with fans witnessing an exchange of wild, powerful punches. Ultimately, Liddell emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision win.

4. UFC 52: Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II

It was highly unusual during Matt Hughes’ prime to witness him dominated to the extent he was in his rematch against Frank Trigg at UFC 52. Following his defeat in their initial encounter at UFC 45, Trigg stepped back into the Octagon, determined to settle old scores. Trigg came remarkably close to achieving his goal, but Hughes managed to escape an incredibly tight submission hold. Consequently, Hughes secured Trigg’s back, leaving the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in utter disbelief at the turn of events. And then, the decisive moment arrived. With less than a minute left in the first round, Hughes successfully submitted Trigg with a rear-naked choke.

3. UFC 117: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

Anderson Silva exuded confidence as he stepped into the Octagon, anticipating what seemed like a routine victory. However, Silva’s expectations were shattered as he endured one of the most brutal beatings ever witnessed in the UFC. For the first time in his UFC career, Silva found himself severely compromised, absorbing relentless ground and pound, leading many to believe the fight should have been stopped. Nevertheless, the fight continued, with Silva persistently attempting to fight his way back into contention. To Silva’s dismay, Chael Sonnen maintained his relentless pace, closing in on a historic upset against a fighter who had previously seemed invincible, with just over two minutes remaining. Yet, true to his untouchable reputation, Silva then locked Sonnen into a triangle armbar, securing a submission victory and retaining his UFC middleweight championship in a truly historic manner.

2. UFC 139: Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua

What was anticipated to be a rather ordinary fight card at UFC 139 was dramatically elevated when Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua stepped into the Octagon for a night that would become unforgettable. Henderson dominated the initial exchanges, coming close to finishing the Brazilian legend within the first few minutes of the opening round. Having narrowly survived the first round, Rua then endured a grueling second round, showcasing an unprecedented level of willpower. As the third round commenced, Henderson continued his relentless assault, maintaining a distinct advantage going into the first of the two championship rounds. Surprisingly, however, the momentum shifted dramatically as Rua mounted an incredible comeback, delivering one of the most remarkable turnarounds in MMA history. Following his near-stoppage of Henderson, the main event moved into its fifth and final round. The relentless pace continued, with Rua once again controlling the round, leading many to believe he had done enough to secure a draw. Despite Rua’s late surge, Henderson was ultimately declared the victor by unanimous decision in a bout that would be etched into the memories of everyone who witnessed it.

1. TUF 1 Finale: Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar

Having navigated the challenges of Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter, Forrest Griffin entered the Octagon to face Stephan Bonnar in the promotion’s inaugural finale. From the very start, Griffin and Bonnar captivated the audience, exchanging a flurry of punches that quickly devolved into a full-scale brawl. As blood flew and fists swung, both Griffin and Bonnar advanced to the third and decisive round, vying for the distinction of being crowned the first Ultimate Fighter champion. Though Griffin held a lead after two rounds, Bonnar relentlessly pressed forward, knowing a lucrative six-figure contract was within reach. The two emerging stars stayed on their feet, with the Las Vegas crowd erupting in excitement for what would ultimately be recognized as the ‘Fight of the Year’. Following an incredible display of striking, Griffin was awarded the unanimous decision victory, and in a gesture of recognition for their thrilling performance, Bonnar also received a contract with the UFC.