What makes a good MMA fight? Well, it depends who you ask. For some people, they like to see two fighters swinging for the fences in a full-out brawl, while others may enjoy watching a sound, technical grappling war on the mat. Throughout the history of MMA, there’s been no shortage of fights to provide the utmost entertainment to viewers, no matter what they consider to be an outstanding fight.
Here are the favourite MMA fights of 11 local MMA fighters from Alberta and B.C.:
Tom O’Connor: Matt Hume vs Erik Paulson
“It’s a fight I believe represents what true MMA is, and is a fight everyone in the sport should definitely see. It’s cool because as they change up their plan mid-fight, you can see them following a different traditional martial art in different moments. There will be a pure kickboxing exchange, then there will be an awesome grappling exchange. It was super exciting to watch.”
Jared Revel: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald (Second Fight)
“It was just an exciting fight overall. Seeing the momentum change hands so often really made for an exciting fight.”
Josh Morgan: Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar (TUF Finale)
“It was two guys that just simply wouldn’t quit; such a good fight.”
Grayson Wells: Wanderlei Silva vs Brian Stann
“I love it because it reminds me of my street fighting roots. All out fists of fury until one drops. Those guys put on an entertaining fight.”
Chris Day: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald (Second Fight)
“It was just simply action-packed, and back-and-forth the entire fight.”
Marlan Hall: TJ Dillashaw vs Renan Barao (First Fight)
“TJ was a 7-1 underdog and Barao looked unstoppable, but the masterful class TJ displayed in that fight is always something I look back to; his footwork, his timing, his angles, and his speed. It was just a beautiful display of striking ability. The raw emotion of Duane Ludwig was also amazing to see.”
Jamie Siraj: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald (Second Fight)
“It was a high-paced, technical, violent fight. Watching the heart both men displayed was inspirational, especially Rory with his nose being badly broken. It was a display of modern techniques with old school savagery mindsets. Both guys put it all on the line.”
Albaraa Atmeh: Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz (Second Fight)
“Conor had to dig really deep to pull off the win and, more than anything, prove something to himself.”
Perry Hayer: Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen (First Fight)
“It’s a fight that showed Anderson Silva’s true greatness, rib injury and all.”
Leo Xavier: Wanderlei Silva vs Mirko Cro Cop (Second Fight)
“Cro Cop was doing so much damage on the rounds. It was fun to watch. My favourite stand-up performance of all time.”
Gwyn Berry: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald (Second Fight)
“I just loved how both men brought the fight. Each guy had their moment a few times, and obviously the stare-down between rounds was great.”
