5 most boring fights in UFC history
The UFC is the top MMA promotion in the world for a reason. Fight fans tune in to watch the greatest mixed martial artists across the globe test their mettle in matchups that are both thrilling and intriguing. When Rory MacDonald challenged the then reigning UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler for divisional supremacy, it was a fight that captured the imaginations of spectators everywhere.
The bout stood the test of time and has since come to be regarded as one of the greatest fights in UFC history. Unfortunately, not every matchup features such a heart-racing clash of skill and determination. Sometimes, fighters shy away from firefights for a multitude of reasons. They might be prioritizing their health or trying to ensure a safe path up the rankings by simply outpointing their foes.
Whatever their reasoning, those fights have never endeared the participants to the fans. While hardcore observers grasp at straws and claim that certain matchups are technical, casual spectators drown low-volume fights in a chorus of boos. With that being said, we have listed five of the most boring matchups in UFC history.
#5. UFC 209: Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson 2
In the closing months of 2016, Tyron Woodley was still the UFC welterweight champion. With no title defense to his name, 'The Chosen One' hoped to defend the divisional throne against none other than Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson. Coming off seven consecutive victories, Thompson could not be denied his well-deserved title fight. With over 20,000 fans in attendance, 'Wonderboy' pushed Woodley to his limit.
Nick Diaz on Woodley vs. Wonderboy 2: "Can you believe how f--king boring that was?"
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Alas, he exited UFC 205 without a world championship. Thompson only managed to force a draw from his foe in their first meeting. Woodley retained his title and Thompson's only reward for his efforts was a Fight of the Night honor.
Months later at UFC 209, 'Wonderboy' was on a quest for redemption. Despite their previous encounter being scored a draw, Thompson fought with even less urgency than before. Woodley retreated in a straight line, hoping to draw Thompson into chasing him, while creating enough time, space and leverage to land a counter-right hand. Thompson rarely obliged him, largely maintaining a long range that Woodley hardly ever crossed. The fight featured very few strikes and only two takedowns. Woodley's knockdown in the last round was the only spark of excitement in a low-volume bout that few people will ever revisit.