My First UFC Memory: A Bloody Mess and a Hook

I remember my first UFC event. I must have been about 10 and sneaking a peek while my older brother was watching. It was some early UFC, the production quality was … rough, let's say. But man, the fights? Brutal. One finish sticks out in my mind. Blood everywhere. A perfectly placed hook ended the bout. I think it was Royce Gracie? Or maybe it was somebody else entirely; my memory is a little hazy from back that far. Anyways, that night hooked me. I was in awe at the intensity and skill involved—light years beyond anything I'd ever seen or watched in previous wrestling matches. It sparked a lifelong love for the sport. Years have gone by since then, and I want to show you some of those unbelievable finishes that cemented themselves in UFC history. What's your earliest memory of the UFC? Let me know in the comments!

1. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar: The Ultimate Upset

It wasn't only a great UFC finish, it was a moment that changed the whole sport. The raw emotion, the pure grit, and back-and-forth action were just unbelievable. Neither fighter gave the other an inch. The underdog, Bonnar, found some way to keep going, while Griffin—with his busted nose and bloody face—was also quite relentless in his attacks. It was an absolute war, and the upset victory for Griffin has become the stuff of legend. I remember watching it live and being like, "Whoa, I've never seen anything like this!" It proved that more than technique, a fight could be won with heart, determination, and sheer will—and it changed the perception of the UFC and fighters forever. That is such an epic reminder that some of the best moments come when you least expect them. Ever had an underdog victory that was even more exciting than this?

2. Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre: The Stunning Upset

Going into this fight, St-Pierre was unstoppable, seemingly invincible. Serra? Well, a likable underdog but most certainly the clear outsider. No one gave him a chance. Many predicted a fast and vicious knockout. That's when Serra pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in UFC history. One perfectly timed punch ended the bout, catapulting Serra into stardom and forever changing the way we viewed the sport. The shockwaves from that victory were felt around the world. It is a wonderful reminder that in the octagon, anything can happen. Which unexpected UFC victory still blows your mind?

3. Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin: The Dance and the KO

Anderson Silva was flamboyant, seemingly with almost otherworldly reflexes, and just toyed with Forrest Griffin throughout this fight. It was no brawl but an act of sheer domination in the form of a dance, using precise strikes and beautiful movement, only to come out of nowhere and finally set in with a knockout. Silva's mastery over the octagon left jaws dropping. This was no fight for the win; it was an exhibition of skill and precision. You really have to see this fight if you haven't, because it is a lesson in artistry and skill combined with overwhelming power. It's a classic.

4. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey: The Head Kick Heard 'Round the World

Rousey's dominance seemed almost unparalleled. Then came Holm, a former boxing champion, to lay it all to waste. Recall this? The precision, the athleticism, the unexpected head kick that stunned the crowd into silence was something epic. It's still talked about today! It wasn't even a knockout; it was something more—astounding demolition of a fighter who once seemed invincible. This is a high point in Holm's career and a stunning fall for Rousey. What a fight. What are your thoughts on Holm's stunning upset victory?

5. Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo: The 13-Second Knockout

Thirteen seconds was all it took for McGregor to dispel the then-challenger Aldo, with both lightning-fast strike and undeniable confidence in his art. This contest is a tutorial on precision versus power. And in a jiffy, the toughest can fall. It is also evidence that Conor McGregor is a very unique fighter. It was an unforgettable moment, and a testament to McGregor’s incredible skill and power. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it's definitely one worth watching again and again. What are some of your favorite lightning-fast finishes?

6. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor: The Submission That Ended an Era

This one was a long time coming and one that many will remember for a variety of reasons. It was brutal, intense, and had a certain electrifying energy that only a McGregor fight can provide. And Nurmagomedov showed off his grappling skills to the fullest in it, finally finishing with a submission that further cemented him as one of the greatest in UFC. And, of course, the postfight brawl just added more drama—this is only part of the story, guys. It's one that provoked a whole lot of discussion, even years later. What was your take on the controversy that surrounded it?

7. Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk: A Bloody Battle for the Ages

This was war. The Polish fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk and China's Weili Zhang went toe-to-toe in a fight that rumbled for five gruesome rounds. Leaving both combatants battered, bruised, yet remarkably resilient, Zhang outpointed her opponent via decision and garnered hard-earned victories from both corners of her battle-won and etched in history inside the octagon of the UFC. An all-out slug fest—that says it all. Both fighters, the damage they take is insane. It's definitely a fight worth watching, even for a first-timer in mixed martial arts. Which MMA fights have been the bloodiest you've ever seen?

8. Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik — Fastest Knockout in Heavyweight History

Ngannou is known for his power, and here, this fight will attest to the destructive capabilities of his fists. Rozenstruik didn't even see it coming. That knockout came brutally fast. It encapsulates the raw, unbridled power that has made Ngannou such a force within the heavyweight division. This is just crazy; it shows the knockout power this guy has in the Octagon. Incredible. This knockout is one of the fastest in UFC history. One punch, and the game was changed. What are some other amazing one-punch knockouts?

9. Kevin Randleman vs. Custodio: The Incredible Throw

This fight is not for the faint of heart! The athleticism of Randleman was at an all-time high in this fight. How he tossed around Custodio was unbelievable; his power was so overwhelming. The throw in itself is so unique as no other fighter could pull off a throw like that. It's pure demonstration of power and technique. The stunning instance of athleticism inside the Octagon, a sight to behold that is never to be forgotten. That particular moment is one that is never to be forgotten. Have you ever seen a throw as good as this?

10. Rose Namajunas vs. Zhang Weili II: The Stunning Upset

The first bout between Namajunas and Weili was that of legend; the rematch even more so stunning. Namajunas, again, pulled off the greatest upset. Power, skill, and the sheer unpredictability of her victory—such was the nature of this classic. This victory really cemented the legendary status Namajunas sought. It was a shock but a brilliant, well-deserved one. Good reminder that the least expected fighter can change the whole game. Which of these beautiful upsets in UFC history stand out to you?