Top 5 UFC fights of 2021

#4. Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez – UFC Vegas 42

Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez saw the two featherweights go to war at the UFC Apex and put on a memorable bout.

Holloway is known for his relentless pace, but Rodriguez ended up gaining the respect of the former champion. Rodriguez did a great job mixing up his kicks, which provided more space for him to throw his spin-kicks. Even when Rodriguez was stunned, he found a way to regroup and remain active.

Holloway’s pace ended up being too much for Rodriguez later in the fight as he began to grow noticeably tired. ‘Blessed’ took advantage and was able to take Rodriguez down and control him on the ground.

The fight ended with both exchanging knees in the clinch. Holloway was awarded the unanimous decision win, with the judges scoring the fight 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47.

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#3. Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen – UFC 267

Another fight that belongs on this list is the interim UFC bantamweight championship bout between Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen. With reigning champion Aljamain Sterling out of action, the promotion booked an interim title fight to determine his next opponent.

Yan lost the title to Sterling via disqualification and looked to prove that he was still the UFC's best bantamweight.

It was a highly entertaining bout and one that proved Sandhagen is among the top fighters in the division. It was a promising first-round for Sandhagen, who utilized his movements well, but Yan eventually turned things around

In the third round, Yan landed a spinning backfist with his right hand and immediately followed up with a left hook that dropped Sandhagen. Yan continued to apply pressure to Sandhagen in the final rounds. His power was the difference maker and his significant strikes led to him picking up a unanimous decision win.