5 UFC fights that exceeded expectations
When UFC fights are announced and anticipation builds around a particular bout, the hype can raise our expectations too high only for the actual fight to be underwhelming.
Only the great and legendary fighters can handle the pressure of expectations and deliver on the biggest stage of them all. The fans always want an even fight. Nobody wants to see one fighter dominate the other.
Fights that play out to be even are loved by the audience and they tend to watch it back multiple times.
The UFC always tries to set up epic fights, whether those be title fights, grudge matches or number one contender fights, but only a few of these turn out to be must-see.
Let's take a closer look at five UFC fights that exceeded expectations:
#5. Justin Gaethje vs. Micheal Chandler at UFC 268:
Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler was one of those fights that gave everyone goosebumps as soon as it was announced. Gaethje and Chandler were both coming off losses in title fights and were looking for a win to get back into title contention.
As the fight started, both charged towards each other with reckless abandon and landed huge shots. Gaethje and Chandler are both known for their knockout power, but they also showed off their granite chins as they were unable to finish one another.
Watch the full fight below:
Both fighters got wobbled and cut. Chandler was dropped by Gaethje in the second round with a beautiful right upper cut. 'Iron', however, brushed it off and continued to charge forward, which earned him the respect of the fans.
Gaethje won the fight via unanimous decision and the fight was voted the 'Fight of the Year' for 2021.