Top 05 UFC Fights You Must Watch Before You Die

Introduction – Why These UFC Fights Are Unforgettable

When it comes to UFC fights you must watch before you die, only a select few have etched their names into the history books of MMA. If you’re even remotely interested in MMA, the Top 05 UFC Fights are not just must-watch bouts—they’re historic clashes that shaped the sport. From blood-soaked wars to last-second knockouts, these Top 05 UFC Fights have earned legendary status inside the Octagon. Every serious fan or newcomer should experience the raw adrenaline, drama, and heart these iconic matchups offer. This carefully curated list of the Top 05 UFC Fights combines unforgettable performances, championship stakes, and legacy-defining moments that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re reliving the action or watching for the first time, these Top 05 UFC Fights belong on every fight fan’s bucket list.

Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar – The Fight That Saved the UFC

Event: The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale – April 9, 2005

This bout wasn’t just a fight—it was a turning point for the UFC. Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar’s war in 2005 single-handedly changed the trajectory of the organization.

Key Stats:

Fighter	Significant Strikes Landed	Takedowns	Total Fight Time
Forrest Griffin	106	0	15:00 mins
Stephan Bonnar	93	0	15:00 mins

Why It Matters:

• Unmatched back-and-forth brawling for 3 rounds
  
• Credited with saving UFC by spiking viewership
  
• Led to UFC’s deal with Spike TV
  

Theoretical Breakdown:

• Both fighters prioritized volume over precision
  
• Defense took a backseat to raw aggression
  

Emphasized striking endurance and heart over strategy

2. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II – War of Attrition

Event: UFC 189 – July 11, 2015

This fight is often dubbed as the greatest title fight in UFC history. Lawler vs. MacDonald II was a savage war where both fighters left a piece of themselves in the cage.

Key Stats:

Fighter	Strikes Landed	Knockdowns	Damage Sustained
Robbie Lawler	70	1	Broken Lip
Rory MacDonald	86	0	Broken Nose, Jaw

Fight Highlights:

• 5 rounds of elite striking and heart
  
• Lawler wins by 5th round TKO despite trailing
  
• Iconic staredown at the end of Round 4
  

Bullet Points of Impact:

• Defined Lawler’s championship legacy
  
• Elevated Rory’s status despite defeat
  

Used in promos to define “MMA brutality”

3. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson I – Greatness Tested

Event: UFC 165 – September 21, 2013

Before this fight, Jon Jones was considered unbeatable. Gustafsson pushed the champion to his physical and mental limit, creating one of the most technically competitive UFC title bouts ever.

Technical Summary:

Category	Jon Jones	Alexander Gustafsson
Total Strikes	134	110
Takedowns	1/11	1/1
Fight Time	25:00 mins	25:00 mins

Why This Fight is Essential Viewing:

• Gustafsson defended Jones’ takedowns better than any other opponent
  
• Jones showed his champion’s heart in rounds 4 and 5
  
• Pushed the evolution of light heavyweight strategy
  

Strategic Notes:

• Footwork and range control were key
  
• Gustafsson’s boxing vs. Jones’ elbows
  
• High fight IQ battle with minimal clinch control

4. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor II – The People’s War

Event: UFC 202 – August 20, 2016

This was not just a fight—it was a cultural moment. The rematch between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor became one of the most-watched and debated UFC fights ever.

H4: Comparison Chart:

Metrics	McGregor	Diaz
Knockdowns	3	0
Significant Strikes	164	166
Takedowns	0	2
Result	McGregor (Majority Decision)

Impactful Takeaways:

• Showcased McGregor’s ability to adapt and fight through adversity
  
• Diaz gained even more respect as an iron-chinned brawler
  

Reinforced both fighters’ brands in UFC lore

5. Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum – Skill vs. Heart

Event: UFC 236 – April 13, 2019

Adesanya vs. Gastelum was a five-round classic that blended elite striking with sheer willpower. This fight was key in crowning Adesanya as the interim middleweight champion.

Battle Metrics:

Fighter	Total Strikes	Knockdowns	Fight Outcome
Israel Adesanya	135	4	Won via UD
Kelvin Gastelum	91	1	Lost via UD

Fight Breakdown:

• Gastelum closed distance well but lacked volume late
  
• Adesanya displayed next-level counter striking and composure
  
• Final round flurry sealed Adesanya’s reputation as elite
  

Final Analysis – What These Fights Teach About MMA

These five UFC fights you must watch before you die each teach different lessons:

• Griffin vs. Bonnar: Heart and grit can shape history.
  
• Lawler vs. MacDonald: Pain is part of greatness.
  
• Jones vs. Gustafsson: Even kings can bleed.
  
• Diaz vs. McGregor II: Adaptation and ego fuel legacy.
  

Adesanya vs. Gastelum: Championship mentality beats fatigue.

Common Elements Across These Fights:

• All featured extreme resilience
  
• None were purely one-sided—momentum shifts were key
  

Technical depth combined with emotional stakes

Rising Stars: Could Khamzat Chimaev Be the Next Addition to the Top 05 UFC Fights List?

While the Top 05 UFC Fights listed here are already etched in history, the UFC landscape is constantly evolving—and new legends are born every year. One fighter who’s been making headlines and stirring up intense debate is Khamzat Chimaev. His meteoric rise, dominant performances, and the hype surrounding his undefeated record have fans wondering: is he the next Khabib or just another overhyped prospect?

Read our in-depth breakdown on “The Rise of Khamzat Chimaev – Next Khabib or Just Hype?”

Chimaev vs Khabib Stats

Attribute	Khamzat Chimaev	Khabib Nurmagomedov
Record (as of 2025)	13-0	29-0
Takedown Accuracy	66%	48%
Takedowns/15 min	3.23	5.32
Control Time	60%+	65%+
Finishing Rate	92%	62%
Striking Style	Aggressive	Cautious, efficient
Notable Wins	Burns, Usman	McGregor, Gaethje

Conclusion

In the end, these Top 05 UFC Fights aren’t just incredible sporting moments—they are the essence of what makes MMA so compelling. Each of the Top 05 UFC Fights we’ve highlighted represents peak human endurance, courage, and technique. Whether it’s a brutal five-round war or a shocking first-round finish, these legendary battles are forever etched into UFC history. So if you’re building your watchlist, start here. These Top 05 UFC Fights are more than just entertainment—they’re history in motion.