Fighting Milestones: Top Moments in MMA History That Shaped The Industry

MMA has experienced quite a success as a niche, gladiatorial-style sport, which is heavily criticized for being one of the biggest combat sports on Earth. Behind its vast media influence in the world of sports and global events, multiple milestones have made MMA today.

In this article, we will recount historical moments in MMA history. From the most significant fights to the controversial ones, read more below to understand this action-packed, raw-knuckled sport in its roots.

Jake Shields Causes Historical Upset Over Dan Henderson

Before the popularity of MMA betting odds and mainstream media coverage the sport enjoys, MMA was divided into many fighting organizations, both regulated and unregulated, because MMA wasn’t well known until the late to mid-2000s. Despite this, this fight cemented the idea that MMA talents can come from anywhere worldwide. 

Upset with UFC, now-retired Dan Henderson left the group and called out Jake Shields, a middleweight champion from Strikeforce, for a match in 2010. Despite Henderson’s tenacity and power, Shields overcame the fighter through impressive performances from Round 2 and beyond, earning him a clear win.

This fight was a critical event. Competitive fighters come from many small organizations, not just the UFC. Shortly after, UFC offered Shield a lucrative deal before eventually absorbing the Strikeforce organization.

Ronda Rousey Sets Diversity Over MMA 

Ronda Rousey has cemented her spot in MMA’s glorious history after headlining the first official women’s match in professional combat sports. Defeating Liz Carmouche during UFC 157. This fight and her future matches beyond 2013 have impacted her image as a fighter and MMA, showcasing the best female fighters and promoting women empowerment.

Chuck Liddell Era Ends with Rampage Jackson’s Fists in UFC 71

During the early seasons of UFC, Rampage Jackson has placed himself as the one who ended the Chuck Liddell era in UFC 71.

The Chuck Liddell era pertains to Lidell’s powerful momentum in fame. Many thought the fight between Jackson was to clear up Lidell’s career record. However, the tables were turned as Jackson proved to be a better fighter and ushered a new weight division in a young but growing combat sport, the light heavyweight. 

Many predicted that Lidell’s devastating loss would affect the UFC. But through Rampage Jackson, it pushes through the doubts, attracting new fighters and opportunities alike. 

Liddell’s Historical Win Versus Randy Couture at UFC 57

Speaking of the Chuck Liddell era, Chuck is considered one of the greatest UFC fighters in the books and contributed to the sport’s commercial success and transition to cater to a vastly comprehensive, mainstream audience of the season.

His crowning achievement during the time was the defeat of the legendary Randy Couture at UFC 57 under TKO. It is recalled that this is a rematch of the whole Liddell vs. Couture trilogy, where both fighters amassed wins and losses, but eventually, Liddell took the title spot. The match was the most anticipated, and many believed in arranging a 4th Lidell vs. Couture bout that didn’t happen as Chuck Lidell made an official retirement announcement in 2010.

Anderson Silva Becomes Pound For Pound Fighter at UFC 82

Many fighters have come and gone under the UFC banner, but only a few are as memorable as Anderson Silva. 

Anderson Silva has many historical fights and bankable matches under his belt. But one of his memorable matches is against Dan Henderson at UFC 82. Henderson was thought to be a strategic fighter and could expose Silva’s blindspots and have a take on the title win. 

However, not only did Silva manage to get past Henderson’s tactics, but he also defeated him through submission. This fighter further cemented his place in the UFC world in multiple bouts until his contract release from the organization in 2020. While it’s not an official retirement, Silva can join many fighting organizations and explore other combat areas to put his name in. 

The Mcgregor vs. Poirier Trilogy Bout

Only a few can be as big as Connor Mcgregor versus Dustin Poirier in January 2021 when discussing the most significant bouts in MMA history. The buildup during this match is part of an eventual trilogy starting from their first bout in 2014, where Poirier received his first-round TKO. Eventually, this led to the most anticipated battle between their first rematch.

While Connor felt no hesitation coming into the fight for the second time, that set the stage for what would be his significant loss under Poirier’s powerful TKO punch in the second round that led to their third and final bout, which is also a controversy on its own when Connor suffered a vicious leg injury that put him out of the sport for a long time.

Final Thoughts

MMA, throughout history, has been an exciting sport to discuss within the sport industry. It combines modern fighting styles in a raw and ancient gladiatorial brawl between mind and muscles. The top moments in MMA history further shaped the organization’s values and impact on many people worldwide.

While the points above marked many organizational changes and events, we believe every fight within the octagon is as historical as others. So jump in with history and see how MMA has brought the rawest form of sports entertainment.