5 flawless striking displays by UFC fighters 

#2. Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez – UFC 205

Conor McGregor's incredible rise in the UFC featherweight division between 2013 and 2015 saw the Irishman emerge as the biggest star in the sport. In two years, 'Notorious' had gone from being a relatively unknown prospect to the face of MMA.

After capturing the featherweight strap with a sensational 13-second KO victory over long-reigning champion Jose Aldo, McGregor seemingly had the whole world eating out of his hands. At UFC 205, he took on then-lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden in New York as he looked to become the first fighter in promotional history to hold two divisional belts simultaneously.

Many believed it would be a competitive affair as Alvarez was renowned for his durability and toughness. However, the bout that ensued saw McGregor's stock skyrocket beyond imagination. He dominated Alvarez from pillar to post, knocking him down three times in the first round.

At one point in the second, McGregor even put his hands behind his back while advancing towards Alvarez.

Two minutes into the second round, McGregor unleashed a vicious combination of precise strikes, all of which connected cleanly on Alvarez. Seeing that the American was clearly done for the night, the referee mercifully called a halt to the action.

McGregor's performance remains one of the most masterful displays of striking ever seen in the octagon.

Watch the full fight below:

---

#1. Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin – UFC 101

At the height of his powers, Anderson Silva was renowned for his ability to finish his opponents. Upon joining the UFC in 2006, Silva went on a 16-fight win streak comprising 14 finishes. His incredible run between 2006 and 2012 saw 'The Spider' cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

In 2009, Silva ran out of challengers for his middleweight title. For the second time in his championship reign, the legendary Brazilian moved up to light heavyweight. He fought former 205 lb champion Forrest Griffin at UFC 101.

Silva was a slight betting favorite going into the bout. However, many fans believed Griffin had the right combination of skill, size, relentlessness and heart to drag the pound-for-pound great into deep waters.

Throughout the opening exchanges, Silva dodged nearly every attack Griffin threw his way. He kept his hands down by his sides during most of the fight and made his opponent look like an amateur.

After knocking down the former champion once, Silva seemingly decided that play time was over. As a frustrated Griffin recklessly charged in with a barrage of punches at the back-pedaling Silva, 'The Spider' met him with a retreating jab. The jab didn't even have any wind-up or body weight behind it, but it was precise enough to render his opponent done for the night.

To this day, Anderson Silva's KO victory over Forrest Griffin remains one of the most dominant individual performances in combat sports history.

The sheer disregard for Griffin's skills, coupled with his incredible movement straight out of The Matrix, ensured that Silva's legacy as one of the all-time greats was set in stone.

Watch highlights from the Silva vs. Griffin fight below: