5 best UFC fights of February 2022

The UFC delivered yet another month of stellar MMA action in February 2022. After putting on just two events in January, the promotion is back in full swing, giving fans a fight card to look forward to virtually every weekend.

The marquee event of the month, UFC 271, went down at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker duked it out in the main event, putting on a highly technical bout. Adesanya came away with a unanimous decision victory to record his fourth title defense.

Over three Fight Nights and a lone pay-per-view event, fans witnessed a range of great fights. Here are the five best fights we saw in February 2022.

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#5. Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa - UFC 271

Two fan-favorites locked horns at UFC 271. Former title challenger Derrick Lewis took on rising Australian star Tai Tuivasa in the co-main event. Lewis was ranked No.3 going into the bout, while Tuivasa sat just outside the top 10 at No.11.

Both fighters are known for their knockout power and ability to put their opponents to sleep. Their fight expectedly produced fireworks as the two heavyweights enjoyed success at various points during the fight.

Lewis dominated the first round, catching Tuivasa with some thunderous shots that would've put most fighters to sleep. 'The Black Beast' even showed off his much-improved wrestling skills and clearly won the opening five minutes.

As soon as the second round started, the fighters started trading heavy blows. Every time Lewis connected with a strike, Tuivasa returned the favor. Ninety seconds into the second round, the heavyweight duo found themselves in a phone-booth brawl and it seemed only a matter of time before someone got knocked out.

Tuivasa's relentless pressure forced Lewis to stay along the fence. 'Bam Bam' then stepped in with a powerful elbow strike, putting his American opponent to sleep.

#4. Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson - UFC 271

At UFC 271, top middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson squared off in a three-round bout, with a potential shot at the title on the line. Cannonier and Brunson were ranked No.3 and No.4, respectively, going into the fight.

With Israel Adesanya, the reigning middleweight king, set to fight later that night, both fighters were well aware that an impressive performance would all but guarantee a title shot. Brunson, who was riding a five-fight win streak, was looking to come away with a win and overtake Cannonier in the rankings.

Their bout played out somewhat similarly to the Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa fight. Brunson clearly won the first round after knocking Cannonier down and almost choking him out. 'The Killa Gorilla' was arguably saved by the bell and could've lost the fight had there been 10 more seconds left on the clock.

Cannonier bounced back in emphatic fashion in the second round. He landed numerous thunderous strikes, which were clearly having a significant impact on Brunson. With his opponent tiring, Cannonier capitalized and secured a TKO finish at 4:29 of the second round.

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#3. Ji Yeon Kim vs. Priscila Cachoeira - UFC Vegas 49

Ji Yeon Kim and Priscila Cachoeira squared off in a flyweight bout on the main card of UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green. Both fighters were unranked going into their three-round bout and were looking to potentially edge closer to the top 15 with a win.

Kim showed off her slick boxing in the first two rounds of the bout and seemingly landed jabs at will. However, Cachoeira refused to back down. The Brazilian somehow ate all of her Korean counterpart's shots and continued to press forward.

In the third round, both fighters showed incredible heart as they slugged it out until the final bell. They were left bloodied after the bout and embraced moments after the final round.

Cachoeira came away with a unanimous decision victory, much to the surprise of many. Her bout with Kim won the 'Fight of the Night' honors on the night. After their contest, fans and fighters alike showered praise on the two women for their incredible performance.

#2. Julian Erosa vs. Steven Peterson - UFC Vegas 47

A featherweight clash between Julian Erosa and Steven Peterson kicked off the main card at UFC Vegas 47. The stylistic matchup was always going to produce an interesting fight, considering both fighters' durability and striking acumen. It didn't disappoint.

The first round saw the fighters get a feel for the range and speed of their opponent. Erosa outstruck Peterson, who was somewhat timid in the opening five minutes.

In the second round, the featherweight duo turned up the pace. Peterson landed a series of heavy blows that seemed to rock Erosa, before the Washington native unleashed a thunderous spinning backfist that sent 'Ocho' crashing to the canvas.

In the final round, both fighters barely missed with their jabs. Erosa suddenly found another gear and started peppering Peterson. 'Juicy J' even landed two takedowns to ensure the judges gave him the round.

Erosa secured a unanimous decision win following a scintillating back-and-forth encounter. His bout with Peterson rightfully won the 'Fight of the Night' honors.

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#1. Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Sergey Morozov - UFC 271

The best fight of the month went down during the prelims of UFC 271. Douglas Silva de Andrade and Sergey Morozov faced off in a three-round bantamweight bout that left fans in awe.

The action-packed fight delivered from start to finish. Morozov came out like a house on fire in the first round and picked apart Silva de Andrade on the feet. He even knocked down the Brazilian with a powerful uppercut.

In the second round, Silva de Andrade rallied and returned the favor by knocking down his Kazakh counterpart. Morozov scrambled back to his feet and the duo continued to exchange blows in the pocket.

Silva de Andrade later landed another powerful shot and secured a takedown. The Brazilian subsequently locked in a rear-naked choke, putting his opponent to sleep to conclude an enthralling bantamweight clash. Their bout won the 'Fight of the Night' honors on the night.