- George Chung
- Dec 23, 2024
- 3 min read
The year 2024 has delivered unforgettable action inside the UFC Octagon, with fighters showcasing their grit, skill, and heart. From electrifying knockouts to technical grappling duels, these bouts stood out as the very best. Let’s dive into the top UFC fights of 2024 and why they deserve to be remembered.
1. Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber – UFC Fight Night
This lightweight clash was an instant classic. Ribovics and Zellhuber delivered a kickboxing spectacle, ramping up intensity with every round. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows, with Zellhuber’s varied attack and Ribovics’ calculated counters keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The third round saw each fighter hurt and rally, ending with a ferocious exchange. Ribovics secured a razor-thin split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), cementing this bout as one of the year’s most thrilling.
2. Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. – UFC 307
Defending his light heavyweight crown, Alex Pereira faced a determined Khalil Rountree Jr. Rountree’s speed and southpaw stance troubled Pereira early, but the Brazilian’s devastating power came alive in the later rounds. By the fourth, Pereira’s precision strikes overwhelmed Rountree, leading to a TKO victory at 4:32 of Round 4. Pereira’s dominance solidified his legendary run in 2024.
3. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje – UFC BMF Title Fight
Holloway’s brilliance shone in this clash for the symbolic BMF title. After punishing Gaethje with crisp strikes and a spinning back kick, Holloway delivered one of the year’s most spectacular knockouts with a right hand at 4:59 of Round 5. This fight was a testament to Holloway’s durability and Gaethje’s unyielding spirit, earning its place as an unforgettable battle.
4. Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier – UFC Lightweight Title
In a grueling five-round war, Makhachev defended his lightweight title against Poirier with a D’arce choke at 2:42 of Round 5. The fight saw Makhachev’s relentless grappling tested against Poirier’s striking and defensive grit. Bloodied and battered, both fighters left everything in the Octagon, making this bout a standout of 2024.
5. Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis – UFC Fight Night
“The Diamond” showcased his legendary resilience against rising star Benoit Saint Denis. After surviving relentless pressure in the first round, Poirier turned the tide with precise striking in the second. A crushing blow sealed the KO victory at 2:32 of Round 2, reaffirming Poirier’s status as one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history.
6. Mateusz Rebecki vs. Myktybek Orolbai – UFC 300
This bloody 160-pound catchweight bout was a testament to toughness. Rebecki’s early dominance was countered by Orolbai’s relentless pace in later rounds. Both fighters pushed their limits, with Rebecki ultimately winning a split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29). This back-and-forth war captivated fans at Etihad Arena.
7. Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira – UFC Fight Night Main Event
The flyweight main event between Royval and Taira was a tactical masterpiece. Striking versus grappling defined the fight, with each fighter trading dominant rounds. Royval’s striking edged out Taira’s grappling in the judges’ eyes, earning a split decision victory (47-48, 48-47, 48-47). Both fighters proved why they are among the elite at 125 pounds.
8. Dan Hooker vs. Mateusz Gamrot – UFC Fight Night
“The Hangman” Hooker delivered another thriller against Gamrot. Each round showcased their striking and grappling prowess, with Hooker’s impactful shots edging out Gamrot’s takedowns. Hooker’s split decision victory (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) highlighted his place as a top lightweight contender.
9. Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC 300 Co-Main Event
This strawweight title fight was a battle of wills. Zhang’s early submission attempts and ground control clashed with Yan’s striking resurgence in the middle rounds. Zhang’s grappling sealed the deal in the fifth, earning her a unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45). This gutsy performance affirmed her reign atop the division.
10. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya – UFC 305
Du Plessis retained his middleweight title in a thrilling showdown with Adesanya. After three close rounds, Du Plessis capitalized on a fourth-round opening, securing a rear-naked choke at 3:38. This victory showcased his evolving skill set and resilience, marking him as a formidable force in the middleweight division.
These fights defined 2024 as one of the most electrifying years in UFC history. Each bout displayed the fighters’ heart, skill, and determination, reminding us why MMA remains the pinnacle of combat sports. Which fight was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
