5 best fights of the UFC APEX era

#2. Cory Sandhagen vs. T.J. Dillashaw

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen v Dillashaw Weigh-in

When T.J. Dillashaw returned to action and the UFC's bantamweight division after his two-year suspension, he wasted no time in getting back to the belt. Taking on a streaking Cory Sandhagen, who was coming off two incredible finishes, was one of the hardest fights to take in a return.

The fight went above and beyond the bar of expectations. Dillashaw suffered an injury at the end of the first round and was severely compromised moving forward in the fight. Most noticeable was his lack of movement in the second round, and he got pieced up pretty well for being stationary.

Dillashaw showed championship toughness and fight IQ and adjusted to have better rounds as the fight proceeded. 'Sandman' showed incredible improvements in his grappling, as he stuffed most takedowns and attacked with submissions whenever he was floored. This fight was very closely-contested, but two of the three judges saw it as a victory for the returning Dillashaw.

#1. Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker

UFC 269: Oliveira v Poirier

This was the greatest fight to take place in the Apex era bar none. Dustin Poirier entered this fight incredibly hungry. After losing his title opportunity against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Poirier entertained the thought of retirement. Less than a year later, he'd put on one of the best fights in MMA history.

'The Hangman' entered this bout riding a three-fight win streak, all over names with great merit to them. Both fighters wasted no time, possibly not anticipating this bout to go five rounds. That thought process was fair, as the first round set a pace that shouldn't go five rounds.

However, It did go five rounds. 'The Hangman' had incredible moments, but Poirier's sharp boxing and unique striking was ultimately too much for Hooker to handle. The lack of audience had the audio of the strikes match the visual punishment that was accrued from both fighters. What a war that took place at the UFC Apex.