(This story first was published Dec. 24, 2020.)
The UFC never has been shy about trying to deliver fireworks.
Traditionally, the promotion has liked to close out the calendar year with a bang. (Although a few years, the way the dates fell, it meant starting the new year with one, instead.) But the point is, a big pay-per-view always was something fans could look forward to around the holidays.
The past few years, the UFC has shifted away from those, and the final pay-per-view of the year has been in the middle of December. But we still have memories of those big blowout events from the past.
In the spirit of the holiday season, here’s our countdown of the best fights from the UFC’s past year-end pay-per-views.
Disclaimer: Like all lists, these things are subjective. Maybe Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit was a truly great and competitive fight, but Amanda Nunes vs. Ronda Rousey was far from competitive and just a mauling. When we say “best fights,” we also mean best moments, so don’t get too hung up on Monday morning quarterbacking. Just enjoy the look-back.