50 MMA Fights You Must Watch Before You Die
2. Robbie Lawler Vs. Rory MacDonald 2 - UFC 189
Although the UFC has had its fair of incredible title fights, it's easy to see why this might be considered the finest of the lot. If not the bloodiest battle in UFC history, it might go down as the most violent as both men left it all inside the Octagon.
Despite losing to Lawler already in a closely fought split decision, the rematch gave both fighters an opportunity to re-stake their claim as not only the better man, but as the champion too.
MacDonald had his fair share of standout moments during this bout, landing consecutive high kicks to Lawler's temple and also hitting the champion with a flurry of elbows, knees and punches during the two rounds he won.
However, Lawler was at his very violent best in this fight too, snapping MacDonald's head back repeatedly with stiff jabs and dangerous combinations whenever he could get his hands on the Canadian.
By the end of the fourth round, both men were an absolute mess. MacDonald's nose was as flat as a pancake, whilst Lawler's lip was hanging off of his face. Yet as the referee signalled for the end of the round, MacDonald and Lawler had an extremely intense staredown, with both men knowing that the fifth round would decide who walked away with the title.
Once the fifth round began, Lawler wasted no time in attacking MacDonald's flattened nose. The sheer excruciating pain of having it smashed in by Lawler was simply too much and he crumpled to canvas in a heap before the referee could finally signal the end of the fight.