Below we showcase the pinnacle of combat excellence with a recap of the top five UFC fights of the first half of 2024. Each bout not only thrilled audiences but also demonstrated the technical and strategic prowess of the fighters involved. Here are the Most Electrifying UFC Fights till Mid 2024.
5 – Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa:
In a gripping co-main event, Robert Whittaker clinched a unanimous decision victory over Paulo Costa (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). The fight erupted into a fierce contest right from the start, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. Costa momentarily shook Whittaker with a perfectly executed spinning heel kick. However, Whittaker regained his composure and dominated the subsequent rounds with superior striking and movement, securing a clear victory and reaffirming his elite status in the middleweight category.
4 – Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje:
Max Holloway captured the UFC's BMF title with a dramatic knockout of Justin Gaethje in the final second of the fifth round. Holloway showcased his signature precision and timing throughout the fight, dismantling Gaethje's defenses with sharp, long-range punches and a critical spinning back kick that broke Gaethje's nose. The climax came when Holloway, reminiscent of his iconic standoff with Ricardo Lamas at UFC 199, invited Gaethje to exchange blows in the center of the Octagon, leading to a knockout with a swift right hand, sealing his status as one of the fiercest competitors in the division.
3 – Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan:
Zhang Weili successfully defended her UFC strawweight title against Yan Xiaonan with a unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) at UFC 300. Zhang almost finished the fight in the first round with a deep rear-naked choke, but Yan was saved by the bell. Throughout the fight, Zhang dominated on the ground, searching for submissions and controlling the pace. Despite Yan's attempts to rally in the middle rounds, Zhang's ground control and strategic striking in later rounds ensured her victory and reinforced her dominance in the 115-pound division.
2 – Dustin Poirier vs. Benoît Saint Denis:
Dustin Poirier overcame Benoît Saint Denis in a thrilling encounter, securing a knockout victory in the second round. Poirier faced intense pressure from the outset but managed to find his rhythm, landing decisive strikes after regaining his footing against the cage. His victory was a testament to his resilience and tactical acumen, marking a significant rebound in his career after a previous loss.
1 – Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier:
In a dramatic title defense, Islam Makhachev retained his lightweight championship by submitting Dustin Poirier with a D’arce choke in the fifth round. The fight showcased Makhachev's grappling superiority, as he controlled Poirier on the ground for the majority of the bout. The submission came after an intense exchange, with Makhachev securing the choke and forcing Poirier to tap out. This victory extended Makhachev's win streak to 14 and tied him with legends of the division for consecutive title defenses.
These exceptional fights not only captivated fans worldwide but also significantly impacted the rankings and future matchups in the UFC, setting a high bar for the remainder of 2024.