Few things capture the essence of MMA like a true Fight of the Year contender. These are the battles that define eras—where skill, heart, violence, and momentum collide in unforgettable ways. Long after records fade, these fights are remembered for the drama they delivered inside the cage.
From the wild early days of MMA to the refined, high-level wars of the modern era, Fight of the Year contenders reflect how the sport has evolved. This article explores iconic Fight of the Year contenders across multiple decades and what made them timeless.
What Makes a Fight of the Year Contender?
Not every great fight earns legendary status. True Fight of the Year contenders share common traits.
They typically include:
- Sustained back-and-forth action
- Momentum swings
- High stakes or title implications
- Technical skill mixed with raw grit
- Memorable moments or finishes
These fights aren’t just exciting—they tell a story.
The 1990s: Chaos, Courage, and the Birth of MMA
Early MMA lacked polish but made up for it with unpredictability and raw intensity.
Royce Gracie vs Ken Shamrock I (1993)
This bout symbolized MMA’s earliest era.
Why it mattered:
- Style vs style clash
- Introduced grappling dominance to mainstream audiences
- Set the foundation for modern MMA strategy
While tame by today’s standards, it changed combat sports forever.
Don Frye vs Yoshihiro Takayama (2002*)
(*Though just outside the 1990s, it represents the early era.)
Why it’s iconic:
- Pure violence from start to finish
- No retreat, no strategy—just willpower
- One of the shortest yet most brutal wars in MMA history
This fight embodied the spirit of early MMA.
The 2000s: Technique Meets Violence
As MMA matured, fighters became more well-rounded—and the fights became better.
Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar I (2005)
Often credited with saving the UFC.
Why it stands out:
- Nonstop action
- Relentless pace
- Introduced MMA to a mainstream audience
This fight proved heart could be just as compelling as skill.
Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald II (2015*)
(*A defining fight that closed the era.)
Why it’s legendary:
- Extreme damage on both sides
- Emotional intensity
- Championship stakes
This fight redefined toughness in MMA.
The 2010s: Skill, Pace, and Modern Warfare
The 2010s showcased peak athleticism and refined violence.
Dan Henderson vs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua I (2011)
A classic slugfest.
Why it qualifies:
- Five rounds of momentum swings
- Knockdowns on both sides
- Elite fighters refusing to break
This fight remains a benchmark for MMA wars.
Zhang Weili vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk (2020)
One of the greatest women’s fights ever.
Why it mattered:
- Technical brilliance
- Relentless pace
- Historic damage and durability
This fight elevated women’s MMA to new heights.
Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler (2021*)
(*A modern classic.)
Why fans remember it:
- Explosive exchanges
- Minimal grappling
- Unfiltered violence
This bout was chaos refined.
The 2020s: Precision Violence and High Stakes
Modern MMA blends speed, technique, and controlled aggression.
Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington I (2019/2020 era)
A striking-heavy war few expected.
Why it stood out:
- Five-round pace
- High-level striking
- Rivalry-driven intensity
This fight changed perceptions of both fighters.
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman II (2022)
While not nonstop action, the moment defined a decade.
Why it’s remembered:
- Championship stakes
- Dramatic finish
- Perfect execution under pressure
Moments matter as much as minutes.
Why Fight of the Year Contenders Matter
These fights do more than entertain—they shape legacies.
They:
- Define careers
- Influence future fighters
- Attract new fans
- Reflect the evolution of the sport
Great fights are historical markers.
How Fighting Styles Influence Classic Wars
Certain matchups create magic.
Common Fight of the Year pairings include:
- Pressure fighter vs counter striker
- Durable brawlers with equal power
- High-volume strikers with elite cardio
- Champions tested by hungry contenders
Styles don’t just make fights—they make classics.
The Role of Heart and Durability
Skill alone doesn’t create legendary fights.
Fight of the Year contenders often feature:
- Fighters who refuse to quit
- Ability to fight through damage
- Mental resilience under pressure
Heart turns good fights into immortal ones.
Title Fights vs Non-Title Wars
Both can produce greatness.
Title fights offer:
- Higher stakes
- Legacy implications
Non-title fights offer:
- Less caution
- More chaos
Some of the best wars come when nothing is held back.
How Modern Rules Changed Fight of the Year Candidates
Modern MMA rules improved safety but also strategy.
Changes led to:
- Longer careers
- More technical exchanges
- Faster stoppages
Despite this, true wars still emerge when styles and stakes align.
What Today’s Fighters Learn From These Fights
Modern athletes study classic wars to learn:
- Pace management
- Mental toughness
- Damage control
- Championship composure
History remains the best teacher.
Will Future Fight of the Year Contenders Be Different?
As MMA evolves, so will classic fights.
Expect:
- Higher technical ceilings
- Smarter violence
- Faster adaptations
But one thing won’t change—fans will always crave heart.
Final Thoughts
Fight of the Year contenders tell the story of MMA itself. From chaotic beginnings to elite modern warfare, these bouts showcase everything that makes the sport compelling: courage, skill, resilience, and moments that defy expectation.
Across decades, one truth remains—when two fighters refuse to give in, history is made inside the cage.