Top 5 Greatest Comebacks In UFC History
Comebacks From Exciting Fights & Finishes
Everybody loves a good comeback, and we’re not just talking about the Backstreet Boys.
Throughout the history of the UFC, there have always been plenty of exciting fights and finishes, but some of the most exciting and unforgettable moments happen when the underdog surges to victory when their back is against the wall.
Today we’ll take a look at the top 5 greatest comebacks in UFC history! If you liked this article go ahead and subscribes now, or check back every day for more TTF on MMA!
Edgar vs Maynard II
This fight was on January 1st, 2011. This rematch is often considered one of the UFC’s greatest fights of all time.
Frankie Edgar. Gray Maynard. Five rounds of fighting for the UFC Lightweight title.
Eve Levine our referee. Here we go!
In the first round, it looked like Maynard had it in the bag. After a swift left hook that put Edgar on the ground, Maynard went all in for the knockout. Edgar weathered the storm and was soon back on his feet proving he may have one of the strongest wills of all time. Wow. Incredible, can’t believe he got back up to his feet after that.
By the second round, Edgar had miraculously recovered and outstruck his opponent, creating one of the most exciting fights we’ve ever seen. In the end, the fight was declared a draw. As Jeff Wagonheim put it: “It was one of the most memorable fights in recent UFC history.” What a way to kick off the new year.
Edgar vs Maynard III
After their last legendary rematch ended in a draw, Edgar Maynard 3 was inevitable.
The fight was scheduled for UFC 136 in October 2011.
The match opened similarly, with Edgar getting rocked by Maynard’s aggressive strikes. But if we learned anything from their last battle it’s that Frankie Edgar has an unbreakable will and he would not settle for a draw this time. He came back in the fourth round, winning by knockout to retain his title, and handed Maynard his first-ever professional loss.
Maynard’s In Trouble
IT’S ALL OVER!! Edgar tweeted soon after the fight saying: “I want to wish Gray the best in the future. He was my toughest opponent as he forced me to bring out the best of myself.
“What an impressive show of sportsmanship from the champion.
Hughes vs Trigg II
Frank Trigg had a reputation for being a trash talker. So after getting choked out in the first round by Matt Hughes in their first fight, he needed a rematch.
The fight was set for UFC 52 in April 2005. Woah.
Now that’s a stare-down baby! Here we go! This time Trigg was able to prove he could keep up with the welterweight champion. Trigg got Hughes on the ground and started pounding in the first round. It looked all but certain that he’d get the submission victory.
Wow, he got ROCKED! Frank Trigg looking to finish Matt Hughes! He got hit in the groin, and looked to referee Mario Yamasaki, Mario Yamasaki didn’t stop it. Trigg took advantage of it. But it wouldn’t be enough to stop Matt Hughes.
Hughes lifted Trigg and carried him across the ring before slamming his opponent to the ground, finishing the job. Trigg – he’s out, it is all over! Unbelievable! Matt Hughes remains the welterweight champion. In the process, he gave fans one of the most exciting comeback finishes of all time.
Kongo vs. Barry
This was the main event from UFC Live.
Kongo vs. Barry was in June 2011. The clash of the Titans didn’t last long but certainly lived up to the hype. Obey my commands at all times, if you wanna touch gloves do it now.
Okay, have a nice clean safe fight guys. No touch of gloves. After a big right hook from Barry the 6-4 Cheick Kongo dropped and took a flurry of damage from Barry. Barry gave everything he had to try and finish Kongo. Despite being on wobbly legs, Kongo managed to land a right hook and an uppercut that knocked Barry out cold.
This was the first time Barry had been defeated by knockout. IT’S ALL OVER! CHEICK KONGO HAS KNOCKED OUT PAT BARRY!! THAT IS ONE OF THE CRAZIEST STOPPAGES I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Silva vs Sonnen
In August 2010 Chael Sonnen wasn’t exactly the type of guy you’d want to invite to a party.
Before this fight he was the king of trash talk, stating he would have Anderson Silva on his back more than a hooker with a mortgage. But with the colorful metaphors and questionable sportsmanship came a ton of hype for UFC 117, Silva vs Sonnen. The fight started in favor of Sonnen and stayed that way for most of the match. Silva struggled on the ground exactly how Sonnen claimed he would.
This is where Chael Sonnen shines! He connected with some vicious strikes. But by the end of round 4, Silva threw some solid elbows and was making a comeback, smiling while Sonnen looked distinctly more damaged and distraught. In the 5th round, Silva would need a knockout or submission if he hoped to retain his title.
The last round looked like the others, with Sonnen on top and Silva on his back.
Things were looking good for Sonnen when Silva suddenly turned one of his strikes into a triangle choke, forcing Sonnen to tap in a surprising turn of events. His legs are crossed! HE’S TAPPING!! IT IS ALL OVER!
After some initial controversy over whether Sonnen tapped or if the ref made a bad call, the footage revealed that Sonnen indeed submitted to Silva’s choke.
Anderson Silva remains one of the greatest fighters ever to be seen in the octagon. What great comebacks did we miss? Let us know in the comments down below.
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