TOP MMA BOUTS OF 2016
The pursuit and defense of a mixed martial arts belt, and the high stakes of a long-sought showdown, have fueled the best MMA fights of the year. The intense action in the octagon is one reason why the UFC recently sold for $4 billion. Here’s a look at the five best MMA bouts this year (so far):
1. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit, Jan. 2, Las Vegas
Lawler followed his 2015 fight-of-the-year victory over Rory MacDonald by rallying to win the fifth round against Condit on all three judges’ cards and gain the split-decision triumph. Condit’s length, knees and elbows kept Lawler desperate until his barrage of blows nearly produced a stoppage.
2. Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm, March 5, Las Vegas
Holm had the option to wait for a big-money rematch against Ronda Rousey later this year. Instead, Tate opted to fight the top contender. Twice beaten by Rousey, Tate trailed Holm on scorecards before finding a way to somersault into position for a deciding rear naked chokehold that dramatically ended the bout in the waning moments of the fifth and final round.
3. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor, March 5, Las Vegas
Diaz, the substitute opponent from Stockton, insisted the bout be fought at a heavier weight. The confident McGregor agreed to move up 25 pounds, and paid the price for it. Diaz got hit in the first round but landed some heavy shots that fatigued McGregor, leading him to the canvas. Once there, Diaz — skilled in jiu-jitsu — finished McGregor by rear naked chokehold. Their rematch is the main event of Saturday's UFC 202 in Las Vegas.
4. Dominick Cruz vs. T.J. Dillashaw, Jan. 17, Boston
Dillashaw defended his belt against a proud former champion who’d had only one brief comeback fight after a run of knee injuries over three-plus years. Cruz, specializing in taking away his foe’s strength, did just enough in extremely close rounds to earn a split-decision triumph.
5. Michael Bisping vs. Anderson Silva, Feb. 27, London
England’s Bisping had always wanted a shot at longtime middleweight champion Silva, but kept losing right before his time might come. Finally, it did. In this bout Bisping’s activity won him a narrow unanimous-decision victory after a near-knockout by Silva at the close of the third round. Bisping parlayed the victory to the middleweight belt, knocking out Luke Rockhold on June 4 at the Forum.