5 best UFC fights of February 2022

#4. Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson - UFC 271

At UFC 271, top middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson squared off in a three-round bout, with a potential shot at the title on the line. Cannonier and Brunson were ranked No.3 and No.4, respectively, going into the fight.

With Israel Adesanya, the reigning middleweight king, set to fight later that night, both fighters were well aware that an impressive performance would all but guarantee a title shot. Brunson, who was riding a five-fight win streak, was looking to come away with a win and overtake Cannonier in the rankings.

Their bout played out somewhat similarly to the Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa fight. Brunson clearly won the first round after knocking Cannonier down and almost choking him out. 'The Killa Gorilla' was arguably saved by the bell and could've lost the fight had there been 10 more seconds left on the clock.

Cannonier bounced back in emphatic fashion in the second round. He landed numerous thunderous strikes, which were clearly having a significant impact on Brunson. With his opponent tiring, Cannonier capitalized and secured a TKO finish at 4:29 of the second round.

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#3. Ji Yeon Kim vs. Priscila Cachoeira - UFC Vegas 49

Ji Yeon Kim and Priscila Cachoeira squared off in a flyweight bout on the main card of UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green. Both fighters were unranked going into their three-round bout and were looking to potentially edge closer to the top 15 with a win.

Kim showed off her slick boxing in the first two rounds of the bout and seemingly landed jabs at will. However, Cachoeira refused to back down. The Brazilian somehow ate all of her Korean counterpart's shots and continued to press forward.

In the third round, both fighters showed incredible heart as they slugged it out until the final bell. They were left bloodied after the bout and embraced moments after the final round.

Cachoeira came away with a unanimous decision victory, much to the surprise of many. Her bout with Kim won the 'Fight of the Night' honors on the night. After their contest, fans and fighters alike showered praise on the two women for their incredible performance.