VANCOUVER’S BEST UFC FIGHTS

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ali Bagautinov (UFC 174):

“Mighty Mouse” was just a couple of fights into his flyweight title reign and “Ali Bags” had won 11 straight, including a trio of UFC appearances. Whether you like his style or not, world title fights are important and this is the only one to touch down in Vancouver.

Junior dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin (UFC 131):

JDS was initially supposed to face Brock Lesnar after coaching with the former heavyweight champ on The Ultimate Fighter, but his diverticulitis flared up and he was pulled. The Brazilian dominated Carwin, showing new wrinkles to his game, and won the heavyweight title five months later on FOX.

Demian Maia vs. Carlos Condit (UFC on FOX 21):

Condit was coming back after losing a controversial decision to Robbie Lawler in the welterweight title fight at the start of the year and Maia was in the midst of a lengthy stretch of steamrolling fools, and the winner seemed likely to challenge for UFC gold.

Rory MacDonald vs. Tyron Woodley (UFC 174):

Both men were just starting to find their footing as elite contenders in the welterweight ranks and this had the makings of a title eliminator. While it wasn’t the most thrilling fight, it was a marquee matchup that helped propel MacDonald to greater heights, both domestically and abroad.

Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald (UFC 115):

Even though it was MacDonald’s sophomore appearance in the Octagon, hardcore fans knew this was a serious matchup as Condit was a former WEC champ and a major step up in competition for MacDonald, a Kelowna native. As great as it was on paper, it was even better as it unfolded and remains hands-down the most electric UFC fight to take place in Vancouver.