SUPER FIGHTS Retrospective: Remember the ten best fights of 2021

J. Gaethje (right) defeated M. Chandler (left) in the UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

2021 is coming to an end and it cannot be denied that it was a year of excellent fights in the major MMA organizations. And in this end-of-season climate, the SUPER FIGHTS prepared a retrospective with the ten duels that left fans of mixed martial arts with adrenaline high.

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Michael Chandler vs Justin Gaethje – UFC 268

Considered by many to be the biggest fight of the season, Michael chandler e Justin gaethje put on a spectacular duel at the opening of the main card of the UFC 268, which took place on November 6th. In a historic confrontation, complete with a comeback and knockdown, the two lightweights (up to 70,3kg) exchanged blows 'as if there were no tomorrow' for around 15 minutes. At the bell, the former interim champion emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision.

Kamaru Usman x Colby Covington II – UFC 268

K. Usman (right) and C. Colvington (left) in UFC 268 Foto: Reprodução / Instagram

On the same card as the historic duel between Michael chandler e Justin gaethje, Kamaru Usman had another confrontation against Colby covington in the main fight of the show. Just like in the first fight, the welterweight champion (under 77,1kg) was pushed to the limit by the challenger and needed to remain firm in the Octagon to remain the absolute leader of the category.

Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega – UFC 266

A. Volkanovski (left) defeated B. Ortega (right) in the UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The second defense of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg) by Alexander Volkanovsky It was more complicated than previously imagined. Before Brian ortega, UFC 266 which took place in September, the Australian was slightly superior but went through some hardships, such as a guillotine from the challenger in the fourth round, which left the audience on their feet at the T-Mobile Arena, and a blitz in the last round that made Ortega land some good blows in the champion. In the end, the title remained with 'The Great', but with much more 'sweat' than expected.

Santiago Ponzinibbio x Miguel Baeza – UFC Las Vegas 28

S. Ponzinibbio won a battle against M. Baeza in the UFC Las Vegas 28. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In his second fight after two years away from the octagon due to injury, Santiago Ponzinibbio was looking to win again with Ultimate gloves for the first time since 2018. On the other side of the cage, a previously undefeated athlete, Miguel Baeza. After 15 minutes of 'war', the Argentine showed resilience after a difficult first round and emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision. After the show, the 'Argentino Gente Boa' and his opponent received the 'Fight of the Night' bonus and earned US$50.

Max Holloway x Yair Rodriguez – UFC Las Vegas 42

M. Holloway (right) defeated Y. Rodriguez (left) at UFC Vegas 42. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

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The battle between Max Holloway e Yair Rodriguez promised to move the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg) and bring the winner very close to a title shot. In five rounds of intense frank striking and strategy, the former category champion emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision. To get an idea of ​​how tough the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 42, the two fighters were unable to attend the post-event press conference and were taken directly to a hospital in Las Vegas (USA) for more detailed examinations.

Petr Yan x Cory Sandhagen – UFC 267

P. Yan and C. Sandhagen fought a war in UFC 267 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

With the bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) aljamain sterling still injured, it was up to Petr yan e Cory Sandhagen fight for the interim belt in the category. At the UFC 267, in Abu Dhabi (UAE), the two athletes delivered an excellent show, with a high level of strategy, changing levels and a lot of tension. In the end, the result crowned the Russian as the new temporary leader, after being declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges.

TJ Dillashaw x Cory Sandhagen – UFC Las Vegas 32

C. Sandhagen lost to T. Dillashaw in a split decision by the judges. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Cory Sandhagen had a very busy 2021. Before the 'war' against Petr yan, the bantamweight was chosen to welcome TJ Dillashaw, on his return to MMA after a two-year suspension for doping. In an electrifying and highly technical duel, the former division champion emerged victorious in a split decision from the judges. The result of the battle still generates controversy today, with many fans and journalists disagreeing with Dillashaw's victory.

José Aldo x Rob Font – UFC Las Vegas 44

J. Aldo defeated R. Font in the UFC Las Vegas 44 Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In the duel between numbers four and five in the bantamweight rankings (up to 61,2kg), José Aldo e Rob font starred the UFC Las Vegas 44 and delivered a fight worthy of two contenders for the category belt. After a good start from the North American, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) found himself in the fight, started to invest in high kicks, managed three knockdowns and emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision. It was the Brazilian legend's third consecutive triumph in the division led by aljamain sterling.

Charles Do Bronx x Michael Chandler – UFC 262

Charles of the Bronx wins belt in UFC 262. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In the dispute for the vacant lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg), charles do brox was considered 'zebra' against the North American Michael chandler. On UFC 262, which took place in May, the former Bellator champion started the fight better, even taking the Brazilian to a knockdown and narrowly coming out on top. The Brazilian returned for the second round more focused and in the first few seconds he landed a left hook that took Chandler to the ground. The veteran tried to recover and get up, but the Brazilian athlete put pressure on his rival, landing a few more blows until referee Dan Miragliotta interrupted the duel and crowned Charlinho as the new leader of the most difficult division in professional MMA.