10 Biggest UFC Fights Taking Place Before 2017

2. Ronda Rousey Vs Amanda Nunes

Irrespective of what an MMA fan's personal stance towards 'Rowdy' Ronda Rousey may be, it is absolutely unequivocal that she did more to help bring the UFC into the crosshairs of the mainstream than anyone else to date. There's been superstars, lucrative crossovers such as Brock Lesnar, and other moments in which its prominence was enhanced, but the former Olympian judoka's name spread like wildfire throughout the entertainment landscape and allowed her to star in Hollywood blockbusters amid regular appearances on primetime talk shows.

As history has taught us, fame can be very treacherous to navigate and Ronda's grinding schedule with little respite would eventually catch up with her when she faced a far superior striker in Holly Holm and lost the Women's Bantamweight strap that she'd held since its inception.

An event that shattered Ronda's life and perception of herself, it's been a long road back since UFC 193 but she's finally prepared to make the walk once again. Since she was overthrown, the division has witnessed the downfall of a further two champions including longtime nemesis Meisha Tate, and the belt is now in the hands of Brazil's Amanda Nunes - the Brazilian fighter that claimed the title in convincing fashion at UFC 200 and etched her own name in the history books by becoming the organisation's first openly gay champion.

Prompting some backlash from other Bantamweights that feel she has been given preferential treatment due to her status, Rousey has been granted an automatic rematch and will square off against the ferocious jiu jistu black belt known as the 'Lioness' at UFC 207 on December 30. A fight that will be of paramount importance to the future of the division, it will be our first indication as to whether the mental wounds of Rousey's first taste of MMA defeat have healed or whether Nunes will use her adaptable style to hand the former champ her second high profile loss.