The 10 Greatest Moments in UFC History

There are hundreds of great moments in UFC history.

The goal here is to find the best of the best. The ultimate moments of the Ultimate Fighting Championship have been chosen.

Not only were the best UFC moments selected, they are also ranked.

Dana White delivers.

These are the 10 greatest moments in UFC history, ranked in reverse order for your entertainment.

10. Matt Hughes Outlasts B.J. Penn at UFC 63

The build-up for this fight was huge. Matt Hughes, the seemingly invincible UFC welterweight champion, was to face his most dangerous opponent ever in the form of BJ Penn.

Two years prior, Penn had defeated Hughes. BJ was itching for a chance at taking the welterweight belt. No one really knew what would happen when these men met again inside the octagon.

Hughes had superior cardiovascular strength, however, and it proved to be the difference as Matt finished Penn via TKO.

Matt Hughes remained champion and began to notice a future challenger known as Georges St. Pierre.

This is what Georges had to say about Matt's victory:

9. Michael Bisping is Knocked Out by Dan Henderson at UFC 100

It seemed as the though the entire world shook with amazement as Michael Bisping was crushed by Dan Henderson.

Each man had been a captain of the previous season of "The Ultimate Fighter." Antagonism between the two leaders grew as Bisping seemed to perpetually irritate Henderson in all sorts of ways.

All of this was ended suddenly and violently by a right hook. A thunderous forearm to his seemingly unconscious body followed, and the fans went insane.

It seemed like the whole world (except maybe England) had been waiting for Bisping to fall, and the reaction was priceless.

8. Matt Serra Clobbers Georges St. Pierre at UFC 69

Choosing a moment for No. 8 is almost an impossible feat—a feat that must be accomplished, though, in order to complete this list. Therefore, this amazing upset was chosen as the eighth greatest moment in UFC history.

Georges St. Pierre is often compared to Fedor Emelianenko because of his fantastic record and incredible skill. He was set to destroy Matt Serra in his first title defense as the welterweight champion.

Unfortunately, Matt had other plans and executed a perfect gameplan that resulted in an embarrassing yet educational upset. Despite his disappointment, Georges would carry on and eventually avenge this loss.

This fight showed that tactics and strategy are just as important as raw talent and physical attributes.

The following is a postfight interview with St.-Pierre:

7. Frank Mir Submits Brock Lesnar at UFC 81

Frank Mir proved to the world that it takes more than a big name and popular pedigree to make it in the UFC.

Making his UFC debut, Brock Lesnar was a heavy favorite going into the fight. Most fans seemed to hope for a Mir victory, however, if only to prove that brains can overcome brawn.

Despite being truly damaged by Lesnar, Frank made the most of his opportunities as Brock made a novice error.

Brock left a leg exposed for Frank to pounce on. Lesnar was forced to tap or suffer major damage. He tapped.

Mir wants legs. He wants arms too; just ask Tim Sylvia.

If you give him a limb, Frank will take it home.

It was a great victory, and one that would plague Brock until UFC 100. Even though Brock was later able to avenge this loss, it will forever serve as a cautionary tale for anyone that thinks the UFC is a cakewalk.

Enjoy the full fight in all its glory...sort of:

6. Matt Hughes Defeats Royce Gracie At UFC 60

A true "passing of the torch" from one generation to another took place at this fantastic UFC event.

Fans salivated at the opportunity to see a modern-day legend face the greatest of all UFC legends. The Gracie family is largely responsible for the creation of the UFC. Royce and his kin will never be forgotten.

This night belonged to Matt Hughes, though. The crowd was bewildered as Royce calmly resisted all attempts at submission. Hughes finally finished the fight in spectacular fashion. The crowd was thrilled.

Once again, the UFC delivered a great show and a fantastic main event.

5. Randy Couture Defeats Tim Sylvia at UFC 68

With so many great fights to choose from, narrowing down the best moments of the UFC is no simple feat.

There are literally hundreds of fights to choose from: all of them amazing examples of MMA at its finest.

Not many fans would disagree that Randy defeating Tim Sylvia deserves to be on this list; however, many fights there are to choose from.

In a David vs. Goliath affair, the older, smaller Couture showed the world what can be achieved if a person truly desires it.

Randy overcame amazing odds and did so right from the start with an overhand right even Fedor would be jealous of.

Needless to say, the crowd went insane and Randy "The Natural" Couture suddenly was being referred to as simply "Captain America."

A title granted by the people—much like the title of "Last Emperor" granted to Fedor in the same manner.

Randy became an icon of the UFC and a star that will shine in the UFC Hall Of Fame for many years to come.

4. Tito Ortiz Defeats Vitor Belfort at UFC 51

This was simply one of the greatest battles of all time.

Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort gave spectacular performances. Both men had been champions and they were not about to give that title chance up.

Each man had the advantage at different times and they truly left it all on the mat. In fact, Belfort was so dehydrated from the event he had to be hospitalized for a short time.

Enjoy a rare full fight courtesy of Dana White and the UFC.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

3. Chuck Liddell Defeats Tito Oritz at UFC 47

For years, the people waited. For years, it seemed Tito would dodge Chuck forever. Tito held onto the belt while Liddell was forced to keep his head in the trenches.

Finally the match was scheduled. The UFC lived up to its motto of providing the best fights when it produced this titanic battle of legendary MMA heroes.

A 100-foot tall billboard of Ortiz and Liddell standing face to face was erected in Times Square, New York City. It seemed that the entire world was following this event.

Unfortunately for Tito, Chuck proved to be the better man that evening.

2. Brock Lesnar Crushes Frank Mir at UFC 100

The UFC made a heaping hoard of loot for this event and it was well-earned.

The highlight of the evening was, of course, the main event. UFC 100 featured the long-awaited rematch of Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir and the fans could not be happier.

The fight was brutal and the aftermath equally so. Despite the few mistakes that always seem to occur on live television, the UFC really delivered the goods.

The people that paid for the pay-per-view event definitely got their money's worth.

Brock Lesnar literally crushed Frank Mir and finally earned the right to wear the UFC heavyweight belt. No longer could his naysayers complain about his loss and weak competition.

Brock Lesnar's postfight celebration:

And Brock Lesnar's apology:

1. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonner

Dana always mentions this fight when asked what the No. 1 UFC moment is. He claims that it is the contest that really made the UFC what it is today..

Millions of people began to watch the fight as word of the intense action spread like wildfire. The ratings soared and so did the UFC's profits from that point forward.

By the way, It was also a great fight.

0. The Fall of PRIDE FC

Honestly, was this not the greatest moment in UFC history?

How many fighters did the UFC acquire? How many became champions or high-profile media figures within the fight community? Rampage, Rua, Nogueira, Anderson Silva, Machida, and more?

Gomi, Wanderlei Silva, Monson, Cro-Cop, and others had their contracts acquired by the UFC.

Truly no other day or moment can compare. The acquisition of so much talent at one time was an incredible victory for the UFC.

Final PRIDE FC press conference: