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The UFC is the centerpiece of combat sports. While other MMA promotions and even other combat sports like boxing, kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu do their best, nothing quite captures the attention of global spectators like the UFC. Dana White is at the helm of a promotional juggernaut that cannot be denied.
As the king of combat sports, MMA's top promotion is in the business of making money but also of making memories and creating moments. Sometimes, moments are captured in highlight reels like thunderous knockouts that are replayed over and over again for years to come.
In other instances, however, moments are so clear-cut that they can be captured as images. Some of those moments are so cold and unbelievable that they achieve MMA immortality. These are the moments that this list covers by compiling the five coldest images in UFC history.
#5. Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino, UFC Fight Night 13
Nate Diaz has produced so many memorable moments that they're almost impossible to count. The 'BMF' claimant is one of the biggest MMA stars in history. Even prior to the mainstream spotlight he received by defeating Conor McGregor, he had a massive cult following in the sport.
In one of his first-ever UFC fights, Stockton's finest faced Kurt Pellegrino. The bout produced one of Diaz's most well-known finishes. In the second round, he managed to trap his opponent with a triangle choke. Upon securing the choke, he flexed his biceps to the surrounding crowd before flashing his middle fingers.
The premature celebration was well-deserved and the 'BMF' earned himself the Submission of the Night for his efforts.
#4. Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar, UFC on ABC 1
In the opening month of 2021, Max Holloway was fresh off his second failed attempt at defeating Alexander Volkanovski. It was a heated bout that resulted in a split-decision loss for 'Blessed'. But Hawaii's first-ever champion was adamant that 'The Great' hadn't proven himself to be the better fighter.
Working himself back into title contention, 'Blessed' faced off against Calvin Kattar. While many predicted a closely-contested affair, the bout that ensued was extremely lopsided. Not only did Holloway punctuate his performance with a record-setting number of significant strikes, he simply styled on his foe.
As the bout drew to a close, Holloway brought up Kattar's statements prior to the bout. Kattar had disrespected his boxing skills. Thus, in a karmic twist, 'Blessed' loudly proclaimed himself as the UFC's best boxer in front of its commentary team while evading his foe's punches.
#3. Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren, UFC 239
The rivalry between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren was as interesting as it was short-lived. The two men hold an inherent dislike for one another. 'Gamebred' found the former Olympic hopeful's use of trash-talking irritating and disrespectful. Meanwhile, 'Funky' often taunted his foe's allegedly fragile masculinity.
Additionally, the former Bellator champion claimed to have once dominated Masvidal in a sparring session. Thus, the floor was set for an epic clash come UFC 239. A mere five seconds into that clash and it was all over. The moment the clock ticked, Masvidal rushed forward.
Askren ducked under what he thought would have been a punch. Instead, he ducked into a flying knee that KO'd him stiff. Masvidal's image of him mockingly tapping the mat next to his foe's lifeless body has become a part of MMA folklore.
#2. Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, UFC 205
UFC 205 was the culmination of Conor McGregor's journey as a mixed martial artist. The Irishman was the reigning featherweight titleholder, but he had aspirations of claiming the 155 lbs throne to make history by becoming the promotion's first-ever simultaneous two-division champion.
The only obstacle to his dream was Eddie Alvarez, the then defending lightweight king. While 'The Underground King' was a formidable fighter, he stood no chance against the version of 'The Notorious' that he faced inside the octagon. During their bout, McGregor was the architect of his finest-ever performance.
The Irishman thoroughly outstruck his opponent, even scoring several knockdowns en route to a TKO in the second round. However, the most memorable moment of the bout was when McGregor folded his arms behind his back and dared Alvarez to hit him.
#1. Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida, UFC 140
At UFC 140, Jon Jones faced his toughest test at the time. At the time, Lyoto Machida no longer held the mystique of an undefeated fighter, but there was still tremendous intrigue in seeing how 'Bones' would fare against an elusive counter-striker like 'The Dragon'.
Once the two crossed swords inside the octagon, it became clear that the bout wouldn't be the walk in the park that Jones hoped for. Instead, he was stung several times by Machida's well-timed counter-straight left. It was the most that fans had ever seen Jones struggle at the time.
After some key corner advice, however, 'Bones' changed the trajectory of the bout. Machida was an expert at coaxing his foes into charging after him. The moment his opponent stepped forward, 'The Dragon' exploded with a counter-straight left. He was a master at creating collisions.
Jones was advised to stop halfway through his forward step and counter Machida's counter. He obliged and dropped his foe before securing a standing guillotine-choke after 'The Dragon' popped back to his feet.
Instead of tapping, Machida opted to slip into unconsciousness and onto the canvas as Jones walked away in one of the coldest moments in UFC history.
