Over the last ten years, the UFC has delivered some unforgettable nights inside the Octagon. From blood-soaked wars to high-level chess matches, the last decade gave fans everything—from jaw-dropping knockouts to come-from-behind wins that sent crowds into a frenzy.
However, picking just five wasn’t easy. But these are the fights that stood out—moments where the UFC hit its highest note, where warriors left everything in the cage and etched their names into MMA history.
5. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 1 – UFC 284 (Feb. 12, 2023)
This was more than champ vs. champ—it was a battle for pound-for-pound supremacy.
Volkanovski, the featherweight king, moved up to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt. Most thought Makhachev would dominate with grappling. Instead, Volk surprised everyone with his strength, scrambles, and late-fight rally. The bout was razor-close and sparked heated debate among fans. In the end, Islam retained his title via unanimous decision—but Volk’s stock somehow rose even more.
Result: Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision
Aftermath: The rematch took place at UFC 294—Makhachev finished Volk in Round 1.
4. Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler – UFC 268 (Nov. 6, 2021)
For pure chaos, nothing comes close.
From the opening bell, Gaethje and Chandler swung with reckless abandon. Every punch felt like it could end the fight. Both men were dropped, wobbled, and somehow kept walking forward. It was the kind of fight that reminds you why you love MMA—no titles, no trash talk, just two warriors going to war for 15 brutal minutes.
Result: Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler via unanimous decision
Stat: They combined for 237 total strikes—and zero backward steps.
3. Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – UFC 248 (March 7, 2020)
Women’s MMA had seen great fights before—but this one was next level.
Zhang Weili was making her first title defense against the former strawweight queen Joanna, and what unfolded was a five-round masterclass in violence. Both fighters combined for over 350 significant strikes, and neither backed down. Joanna suffered a massive hematoma on her forehead, yet she never quit. Weili edged out a split decision, but fans walked away feeling like they had just witnessed history.
Result: Zhang Weili def. Joanna Jędrzejczyk via split decision
Legacy: Voted 2020 Fight of the Year by nearly every major outlet, including ESPN and Sherdog.
2. Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum – UFC 236 (April 13, 2019)
If you ever doubted Israel Adesanya’s heart, this fight erased it.
Adesanya and Gastelum clashed for the interim middleweight title in a five-round classic. Gastelum dropped Izzy early and brought the pressure, but Adesanya roared back with slick counters and elite striking. By Round 5, both men were exhausted—but Adesanya dug deep and nearly finished Gastelum in the closing seconds.
This was a coming-of-age moment for “The Last Stylebender” and showed he could fight through hell and come out on top.
Result: Israel Adesanya def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision
Significance: Dana White called it “one of the best title fights” he had ever seen.
1. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 – UFC 189 (July 11, 2015)
This wasn’t just a fight—it was a war for the ages.
Lawler, the reigning welterweight champ, and MacDonald, the young contender, went toe-to-toe in a brutal five-round battle that redefined what it meant to be tough. By Round 4, both men were covered in blood, their faces barely recognizable. Rory was on the verge of taking the belt—until Lawler uncorked a savage left hand in Round 5 that shattered MacDonald’s nose and ended the fight.
This bout won Fight of the Year in 2015 and is still widely seen as one of the most violent and emotionally charged fights in MMA history.
Result: Robbie Lawler def. Rory MacDonald via TKO (Round 5)
Fun Fact: Lawler and MacDonald stared each other down between rounds 4 and 5—no words, just pure will.
These five fights capture what makes the UFC so special—grit, drama, skill, and pure heart. Whether it’s a bloody slugfest or a tactical masterclass, these moments stay with fans long after the final horn.
Disagree with the list? Let us know your picks for the greatest UFC fight of the last decade.
🧠 FAQs
Q: What was the bloodiest UFC fight of the last decade?
A: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 is often regarded as the bloodiest and most brutal, with both fighters visibly battered by the end.
Q: Which UFC fight had the most strikes thrown?
A: Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk recorded over 700 total strikes, one of the highest in UFC history.
Q: Has Justin Gaethje ever been in a boring fight?
A: Never. Gaethje is known for delivering bangers, with multiple Fight of the Year nominations.
Q: Who’s the most exciting current UFC fighter?
A: Names like Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Sean O’Malley are frequently mentioned for their dynamic styles.
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