5 incredible UFC fights that went exactly as advertised

#4. Paulo Costa vs. Yoel Romero – UFC 241

This next entry represents UFC matchmaking at its finest. Back in 2019, the middleweight division was amidst a period of transition. With then-champion Robert Whittaker and interim champion Israel Adesanya scheduled to lock horns in a title unification bout, there was no clear-cut No.1 contender at 185 pounds.

The promotion booked a fight between former title challenger Yoel Romero and then-undefeated phenom Paulo Costa to ensure things stayed fresh atop the division.

Both Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa are unbelievable physical specimens. Romero was among the scariest fighters on the roster at the time, with his KO victories over the likes of Derek Brunson, Lyoto Machida, Tim Kennedy, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold serving as clear indicators of the Cuban powerhouse's ability.

Meanwhile, Costa was an ominous presence in the division. The unbeaten Brazilian joined the promotion in 2017 and picked up five KO/TKO finishes in as many bouts. Likely one win away from a shot at gold, 'Borrachinha' locked horns with Romero at UFC 241.

The bout that ensued remains one of the most memorable three-round contests in recent UFC history.

The middleweight duo went at it from the opening bell all the way till the end of the third round. Both fighters secured knockdowns in the fight, but never backed down from any of the striking exchanges.

Costa came away with a unanimous decision victory in the end, but like most fights discussed in this article, it felt as though there was no loser on the night.

Watch the highlights of the fight below:

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#3. Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker – UFC Vegas 4

Dustin Poirier was a top contender in the featherweight division until his KO loss to Conor McGregor back in 2014. He subsequently moved up to lightweight and went on a scintillating run of form, losing just one out of his next 11 bouts to earn a shot at the 155-pound title.

After coming up short against then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Poirier took a year-long hiatus. He returned to the octagon in a headlining slot opposite rising lightweight contender Dan Hooker at UFC Vegas 4.

The matchup turned heads as soon as it was announced, considering both fighters' penchant for putting on terrific fights. Poirier previously endured wars against the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, emerging victorious on all three occasions. Meanwhile, Hooker was fresh off an absolute barnburner against Paul Felder.

The bout lived up to expectations and then some, with both fighters landing heavy shots and absorbing thunderous blows throughout. Hooker clearly won the first two rounds before Poirier rallied to win the last three. The second frame in particular was one of the best rounds we've ever seen in the octagon.

Their bout won the 'Fight of the Night' honors on the night, with Poirier coming away with a unanimous decision victory. It was a promising contender for the 'Fight of the Year' award as well, but ultimately came second behind UFC 248's Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk championship clash.

Watch the full fight below: