Top 5 UFC fights of 2021

#2. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega – UFC 266

UFC 266: Alexander Volkanovski v Brian Ortega

After months of filming TUF, Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega were finally able to fight at UFC 266.

Volkanovski got the better of Ortega in the early rounds. However, ‘T-City’ caught the champion with a guillotine choke and nearly won the title in the third round. The champion narrowly escaped the choke and immediately began unleashing powerful ground strikes.

It looked like the doctor was going to stop the fight, however, Ortega notified him that he was able to continue. In the fourth round, Ortega nearly had a comeback for the ages when he caught Volkanovski with another submission, but the champion escaped again.

Volkanovski retained his title by unanimous decision. On paper, the judges’ scorecards didn’t really do Ortega’s performance justice as he was close to winning the fight. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 50-45, and 50-44 in favor of Volkanovski.

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#1. Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler – UFC 268

Topping this list is the lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler at UFC 268. It’s hard to argue against this all-time classic being Fight of the Year.

What makes this bout more special is that it served as the opening bout of UFC 268. The event took place at the world-famous Madison Square Garden. Both fighters came out swinging haymakers from the opening bell until the end of the fight. It was an absolute slugfest that saw both Gaethje and Chandler have their moments.

As the fight progressed, Gaethje began to land many significant strikes that dropped Chandler. However, the former Bellator lightweight champion managed to stay in the fight. There was a loud ovation from fans in attendance, who showed their appreciation for what they had just witnessed.

Gaethje picked up a unanimous decision win and is expected to receive a lightweight title shot next year.