With UFC 270 upcoming this weekend we wanted to look back and review the UFC Heavyweight Championship and list the top 5 best title fights in history. This weekend in the UFC 270 main event the reigning heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will look to defend his title against the Interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane.
The UFC heavyweight championship is a prestigious title. In its lineage comes the Strikeforce heavyweight championship, PRIDE FC Heavyweight championship, The UFC Superfight Championship, the UFC Heavyweight Championship, and the UFC 1 title. It has been held by some of the sports greatest fighters including Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Kevin Randleman, Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, among others.
UFC Heavyweight Championship: Top 5 Best Title Fights
5. Stipe Miocic vs Alistair Overeem – UFC 203
In the legendary MMA career of Alistair Overeem, a UFC heavyweight title would have been a jewel in his crown. Overeem had victories over former UFC heavyweight champions Andrei Arlovski, Junior dos Santos, Frank Mir, and Brock Lesnar. The Dutch-born fighter was looking unstoppable.
At UFC 213 Overeem would meet Ohio firefighter Stipe Miocic. Overeem secured a takedown and held a tight submission attempt. He was seconds away from the UFC title. Miocic was able to quickly get out and counter. Miocic threw hard punches back against Overeem and won this fight via Knockout.
4. Francis Ngannou vs Stipe Miocic – UFC 260
Miocic was breaking UFC heavyweight title records and won his trilogy against Daniel Cormier. He had a previous victory over the surging Francis Ngannou but now Ngannou was seeking vengeance. Ngannou was on a four-fight KO streak and was looking to extend it.
Ngannou showed renewed patience and cage control. He was able to conserve his energy, defend takedowns, and even return a takedown of his own. Given an opening in round 2, Ngannou was able to win his heavyweight title via KO.
3. Brock Lesnar vs Randy Couture – UFC 91
The eldest champion in UFC history Randy Couture, a former UFC double champion to add, was looking to defend his title against Brock Lesnar at UFC 91. Lesnar was a successful collegiate wrestler and WWE competitor.
Couture had moments of control, particularly in the clinch, however, Lesnar was able to outstrike Couture and win this fight via TKO in round 2.
2. Randy Couture vs Tim Sylvia – UFC 68
UFC 68 represented a great moment in UFC heavyweight title history. Reigning champion Tim Sylvia was looking to extend his title win streak.
Couture was coming off a title loss in a lower weight class and a retirement going into the fight. Age and size were working against Couture. But from the opening bell Couture dominated this match. He immediately landed an inside leg kick, overhand right combo, and dropped the giant Sylvia. “Not bad for an old man.” Couture said.
1. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin – UFC 116
Shane Carwin was an undefeated, powerful striker. He represented Lesnar’s biggest challenge yet. Carwin had won his previous five fights via KO/TKO. Lesnar was just coming off his major UFC 100 victory over former champion Frank Mir.
In the opening round, Carwin landed a thunderous uppercut which dropped the champion, Lesnar. Brock barely survived the round absorbing hard ground and pound. In round 2 Lesnar was able to secure a takedown and keep Carwin down. He advanced his position and locked in an arm triangle which ended the night for Carwin.
Every Heavyweight Champion in UFC History
Honorable mentions:
Cain Velasquez def. Brock Lesnar – UFC 121
Fabricio Werdum def. Cain Valequez – UFC 188
Maurice Smith def. Mark Coleman – UFC 14
MMA Sucka will continue to have coverage of the UFC 270 UFC heavyweight championship fight.
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