10. Amanda Lemos vs. Mackenzie Dern – UFC 298
Amanda Lemos showcased her striking dominance in a unanimous decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Despite Dern’s renowned grappling skills, Lemos kept the fight standing, using her power and precision to outpoint her opponent in a thrilling strawweight contest.
9. Dustin Poirier vs. Benoît Saint Denis – UFC 299
Dustin Poirier returned to the win column with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benoît Saint Denis. Poirier’s experience and striking accuracy proved crucial in this back-and-forth lightweight bout, reaffirming his place among the division’s elite.
8. Dan Hooker vs. Mateusz Gamrot – UFC 305
Dan Hooker delivered a career-reviving performance, edging Mateusz Gamrot via split decision. Hooker’s crisp striking and ability to fend off Gamrot’s grappling threats made this lightweight clash a closely contested and memorable battle.
7. Caio Borralho vs. Jared Cannonier – UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Borralho
Caio Borralho pulled off a major upset, defeating Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision. Utilizing a mix of wrestling and striking, Borralho controlled the pace and secured a breakthrough victory that announced his arrival as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
6. Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo – UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley
Cub Swanson delivered a vintage performance with a stunning KO victory over Billy Quarantillo. The featherweight veteran landed a devastating right hand in the third round, capping off an action-packed fight and reminding fans of his finishing prowess.
5. Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis – UFC 297
The middleweight title bout between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis was a razor-close contest. Both fighters showcased their strengths, with Strickland’s technical striking and du Plessis’s power creating an electrifying back-and-forth. Ultimately, du Plessis claimed the belt via split decision in a fight that left fans debating the outcome.
4. Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler II – UFC 309
The rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler lived up to its billing. Oliveira’s grappling brilliance dominated the early rounds, but Chandler’s explosive late rally nearly turned the tide. Oliveira’s unanimous decision win was a testament to his skill and composure in high-stakes matchups.
3. Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. – UFC 307
Alex Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr. in a thrilling contest. Pereira’s striking clinic ended in a fourth-round TKO, marking his third title defense of the year and solidifying his reign as one of the division’s most dominant champions.
2. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje – UFC 300
The "BMF" title fight between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje was a rollercoaster of action. Holloway’s precision striking clashed with Gaethje’s relentless power, leading to an unforgettable final exchange. In a stunning conclusion, Holloway landed a last-second knockout to claim the belt in one of the year’s most dramatic moments.
1. Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier – UFC 302
The lightweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier was the pinnacle of MMA excellence in 2024. Poirier started strong, testing Makhachev’s resolve, but the champion’s grappling mastery took over. In the fifth round, Makhachev secured a D'arce choke submission, retaining his title in a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination.
