MMA's Best Brawls of All Time

The process of creating a mixed martial arts countdown is like writing a recognition speech; you will inevitably leave someone out and anger others. But after watching Leslie Smith and Jennifer Maia put on one of the finest brawls in MMA history this past Saturday at Invicta 6, one feels compelled to recall the best brawls of all time.

Webster's Dictionary simply defines "brawl" as "a rough or noisy fight or quarrel." However, fans who have witnessed countless brawls know these fights are anything but simple. They are a primal explosion of hypnotizing violence, an hysterical hurricane of testosterone which permeates an adrenaline rush throughout a stadium or through a television. And what they lack in precise technical showmanship, they make up for with an indelible display of pure heart and courage.

Every fight fan has their favorite, so let's see which ones made the countdown.

10. Matt Grice vs Dennis Bermudez (UFC 157)

On February 23 of this year, Matt Grice and Dennis Bermudez not only won Fight of the Night honors at UFC 157, but propelled themselves into a candidate for Fight of the Year. The brawl, which was featured on the preliminary portion of the card, was mentioned at the end of the card with the same reverence given the historical and competitive title fight between Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche. 

9. Don Frye vs Yoshihiro Takayama (Pride 21: Demolition)

The first two minutes of Don Frye versus Yoshihiro Takayama have arguably not been rivaled in any combat sport. Both combatants embodied the phrase "toe-to-toe," as they stood in front of one another exchanging punches. 

8. Scott Smith vs Pete Sell ("The Ultimate Fighter 4" Finale)

Pete Sell and Scott Smith are good friends, but you would not know it by watching them fight on "The Ultimate Fighter 4" finale. "Drago" and "Hands of Stone" exchanged violent combinations, which ultimately resulted in one of the strangest finishes in UFC history. 

7. Mauricio Rua vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pride "Critical Countdown 2005")

When Mauricio "Shogun" Rua entered the ring at Pride: "Critical Countdown 2005," he was coming off a violent finish of fan favorite "Rampage" Jackson. In a similar vein, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira had just defeated Dan Henderson by arm bar. A clash between these two fighters seemed as if it could not have come at a better time. And, as it tuned out, we were right. Shogun and Nogueira put on a back-and-forth battle for the ages.

6. Leonard Garcia vs Chan Sung Jung (WEC 48)

No MMA countdown of the best brawls would be complete without Leonard Garcia. The Texas native is notorious for abandoning any game plans, for good or worse, and recklessly launching at his opponent with a violent tornado of punches and kicks. However, at WEC 48, Garcia was not the only one who showed up to fight. Chan Sung Jung was a perfect compliment for Garcia's style, as "The Korean Zombie" countered with precise blows. The ending, which most found controversial, did not damper the intensity of the brawl.

5. Josh Thomson vs Gilbert Meledez II (Strikeforce: Evolution)

Gilbert Meledez and Josh Thomson had fought for the Strikeforce lightweight title once before. The fight was entertaining, but as fans found out at Strikeforce: Evolution, it turned out to be a mere appetizer for their second. Strikeforce announcers had difficulty deciding whether their reckless abandon or pace was more impressive, as both violently engaged until the final bell.

4. Eddie Alvarez vs Tatsuya Kawajiri (Dream 5)

While Dream has not put on a show in 2013, some of its battles will remain in highlights for years to come. One of the many examples is the "Fight of the Year" candidate Eddie Alvarez vs Tatsuya Kawajiri at Dream 5. The fight embodied the story arc of most Alvarez fights; a feverish pace, violent knockdowns and an undeniable courage.

3. Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonner ("The Ultimate Fighter" Finale)

Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonner at "The Ultimate Fighter" Finale in 2005 was the impetus for national MMA popularity. The fight, which pit two men with "Average Joe" back stories against each other, was a brawl in the most rugged fashion. While the bout is now an historical MMA landmark, on that night it felt like the complete affirmation for hard core fans, who tried to show the sport to others for years.

2. Nick Diaz vs Takanori Gomi (Pride 33: "Second Coming")

Nick Diaz, while revered for his talent, was not always a household name. And it wasn't until the night the Stockton native took on Takanori Gomi that fans truly recognized. "The Fireball Kid" had been a tyrannical figure in the lightweight division, prompting most to regard him as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. So when Pride announced a fight between Gomi and Diaz, most thought the winner was a foregone conclusion. However, as fans witnessed at Pride 34: "Second Coming," anything can happen. 

1. Melvin Manhoef vs Evangelista Santos (Cage Rage 15: Adrenaline Rush)

Boxing has the infamous three-round war between Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler. And MMA has Melvin Manhoef vs Evangelista Santos. Both fighters, while taking part in one of the most violent fights, proved that when a bout is entertaining the promotion rarely matters. WARNING: If you watch, don't blink.