UFC: The Top 5 TUF Finale Fights Ever

Fans have been talking about the matchup between Clay Guida and Anthony Pettis since the day it was announced, saying it has the potential to be another Fight of the Year to take place at an Ultimate Fighter finale.

The event that follows every season of the reality show has had some of the best fights in UFC history take place there, and hopefully another classic can be added to this list after Saturday night.

5. Roger Huerta vs. Clay Guida

Roger Huerta was the UFC’s golden boy during the first part of his career after he was the first MMA fighter to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.

However, fans thought the UFC was throwing Huerta to the wolves when they matched him up against top lightweight Clay Guida at the TUF 6 Finale, and for two rounds they were right, as Guida dominated the wrestling and beat on Huerta.

But in the opening seconds of the third round Huerta caught Guida with two separate knees and soon after locked in the fight-ending rear naked choke.

4. Scott Smith vs. Pete Sell

A fight between friends that is actually fun to watch is a rare occurrence inside the Octagon, but Smith and Sell touched gloves, gave each other a hug and proceeded to beat the hell out of each other.

The fight got crazy about midway through the second round, when Sell caught Smith with a shot to the body that hurt him. Smith doubled over in pain, but when Sell rushed in, Smith threw a hard right hand that knocked Sell out in one of the most incredible finishes the UFC has ever had.

3. Diego Sanchez vs. Nick Diaz

The pre-fight buildup was great due to Diaz not believing Sanchez deserved to be in the UFC for winning a TV show. Sanchez was determined to prove him wrong.

Two of the most intense fighters in UFC history made sure the fight lived up to the hype, trading positions on the ground and having some wild exchanges on the feet in one of the most exciting fights in UFC history.

Sanchez won a decision and earned Diaz’s respect, although the Stockton native said Sanchez “still didn’t deserve to be there.”

2. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar

It’s unquestionably the most important fight in MMA history, but I can’t call it the best in TUF finale history, let alone MMA history.

Griffin and Bonnar went to war for three rounds and captured the attention of millions by constantly pushing forward and throwing punches from their hips to try to score the knockout.

Eventually the fight went to the judges, and Griffin won a close decision. He went on to win the UFC light heavyweight title, while Bonnar has had an up-and-down UFC career.

1. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida

Yup, it was that intense.

The 2009 Fight of the Year winner was highly anticipated by fight fans since they knew that both Sanchez and Guida put on a show every time the stepped inside the Octagon.

The fight started with both men stepping up and furiously throwing punches, but Sanchez got the upper hand early, beating Guida up with huge uppercuts against the cage and then knocking him down with a head kick.

The second round was all Guida, as he quickly secured the takedown and beat on Diego for the duration of the round. A extremely close third round showed Diego slightly beat Guida on the feet, but a last-minute takedown by Guida seemed to even the fight.

The end result saw Sanchez win a close split decision and earn a title shot against BJ Penn, while Guida was once again forced to try to get back into contention.