lotusyouthcouncil.com – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been a global phenomenon since its inception, captivating audiences with its high-stakes, high-intensity fights. Here, we delve into the top 10 most-watched UFC events based on reported pay-per-view (PPV) buys in the United States, highlighting the fights that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
1. UFC 200: The Return of the King
UFC 200, held on July 9, 2016, was a monumental event that featured the highly anticipated return of former UFC Lightweight Champion, Frankie Edgar. The event also included a main event between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, which became one of the most talked-about fights in UFC history.
2. UFC 202: The McGregor vs. Aldo Rematch
The rematch between Conor McGregor and José Aldo on December 12, 2015, was a spectacle that drew millions of viewers. McGregor’s dominant performance and the sheer excitement of the fight made it one of the most watched UFC events ever.
3. UFC 205: The Return to Madison Square Garden
UFC 205, held on November 12, 2016, marked the return of the UFC to Madison Square Garden. The event featured a main event between Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez, which was a thrilling display of skill and strategy.
4. UFC 229: The Khabib vs. McGregor Showdown
The highly anticipated fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor on October 6, 2018, was a blockbuster event. The intense rivalry and the global appeal of both fighters made it one of the most watched UFC events, breaking PPV records.
5. UFC 242: The Khabib vs. Ferguson Showdown
UFC 242, held on September 7, 2019, featured a main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje. The event was a massive success, with Nurmagomedov’s victory cementing his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
6. UFC 254: The Poirier vs. McGregor Showdown
The fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier on October 24, 2020, was a thrilling encounter that drew a large PPV audience. The high-stakes nature of the fight and the global popularity of McGregor made it a must-watch event.
7. UFC 257: The Poirier vs. McGregor Rematch
The rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier on January 23, 2021, was another massive success. The event featured a highly competitive and exciting main event, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
8. UFC 264: The Khabib vs. Gaethje Showdown
UFC 264, held on July 10, 2021, featured a main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje. The event was a massive success, with Nurmagomedov’s victory marking his final fight in the UFC.
9. UFC 267: The Usman vs. Masvidal Showdown
The fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal on November 6, 2021, was a highly anticipated event. The main event was a thrilling encounter that drew a large PPV audience, making it one of the most watched UFC events of the year.
10. UFC 279: The Poirier vs. McGregor Showdown
The fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier on July 10, 2022, was another massive success. The event featured a highly competitive and exciting main event, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
These events not only showcased the best of what the UFC has to offer but also highlighted the global appeal and excitement that the sport continues to generate. Each of these fights has left a lasting impact on the world of mixed martial arts, cementing their place in UFC history.