5 best fights of the UFC APEX era

As the world came to a stop, the UFC did its part in keeping people entertained as they stayed home. No fans were present, but the fights continued. The UFC Apex proved rather useful and kept the organization about as steady as one could be during a pandemic.

Two MASSIVE takedowns in the final ten! 👏

The prelims have delivered tonight from the UFC APEX. #UFC252 https://t.co/HJoyUxRewh

Home to many great fights, the Apex era will forever be one of the most unique in the company's history. The lack of fans seemed very off-putting at first, but silver-linings were quickly found. The Apex era allowed fans to experience a more intimate view of the fights and changed how fighters felt going in to their fights, be it for better or worse.

There are pros and cons to the Apex era of fights, but largely, most are happy to have fans back to fill stadiums and show the competitors some love and energy. Though this was a low time in many ways, the fights themselves didn't skip a beat and remained as exciting as ever. Here are the 5 best fights of the UFC APEX era.

#5. Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez

Fresh off of his career-best performance, Holloway was slated to face Yair Rodriguez to see who should get the next grab at the featherweight title. 'El Pantera' has always been a dangerous outing, and was addressed as such regardless of the long layoff he was coming back from.

We were blessed with two epic Max Holloway fights in 2021!

His five-rounder to welcome back Yair Rodriguez is number 5️⃣ in our Top 10 fights of 2021! https://t.co/rka6jh9Kkf

As predicted, this fight was fireworks. Trading kicks and punches left both participants looking beat up. 'Blessed' really got to show his boxing chops in his previous bout against Calvin Kattar, but he's no one trick pony. His always-improving skillset paid dividends, as the takedowns and ground control were the factors that won him this fight.

Rodriguez answered any questions revolving around his stature as a top featherweight and put on possibly his best performance, although it didn't end with his hand raised. Holloway yet again showed that he has the toughest chin in the UFC -- he absorbed kicks and elbows that could put welterweights to sleep.

This remains one of the best fights in featherweight history, let alone during the UFC APEX era. While only Holloway had a hand raised after all was said and done, Rodriguez and the fans should all feel like winners for being part of such an incredible fight.