McGrath’s top 25 fights in UFC history: Part 3 (11-15)

We’re back with our countdown of the top 25 fights in UFC history. Be sure to check out part 1 and part 2 if you missed them.

15. Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn –  UFC 63, Sept. 23, 2006

Hughes avenged his earlier loss to Penn in huge fashion. When Georges St-Pierre was forced out of his fight with Hughes due to a groin injury, Penn stepped up and fought Hughes and revenge was sweet for Hughes on this night. Hughes rocked Penn with punches in Round 3 and took his back and the welterweight championship.

14. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit – UFC 195, Jan. 2, 2016

Lawler is one the most battle hardened and exciting UFC fighters of all time. However Condit proved to be very game. Condit outlanded Lawler in every round but still lost on the scorecards. Controversial for sure, but Lawler landed heavy damage. The fight was a bloody slugfest, worthy of my #14 spot.

13. Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva UFC Fight Night: Brisbane, Dec. 6, 2013

In this bloody, 2013 fight of the year, the fans in Brisbane were treated to a mesmerizing heavyweight throwdown. I still cant see how this could have ended any way but a draw, they both landed heavy damage and were beaten to a bloody pulp. Hunt eventually finished Silva early in the rematch at UFC 193. Nothing however, as usual beats the original.

12. Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg –  UFC 52, Apr. 16, 2005

This one wasn’t a back and forth slugfest. It was all about Matt Hughes coming back from taking an illegal knee, getting almost finished on the ground with punches and coming back from that position only to finish the fight via rear naked choke. If you haven’t seen this go watch it, Hughes somehow survives only to win. Absolutely incredible heart shown by Hughes.

11. Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva – UFC 117, Aug. 7, 2010

We thought we were finally going to see Anderson Silva lose. After Sonnen won 4 rounds with ground and pound and superior wrestling, all he had to do was survive. Survive he could not. Silva came back late in round 5 to submit Sonnen via traingle choke with a minute and a half of fight time left. Incredible comeback for Silva and another heartbreak for Sonnen.