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UFC championship fights are high-octane affairs. With more than just a win or a loss hanging in the balance, fighters often tend to go overboard.
The UFC, being the premier MMA promotion in the world, offers fighters an opportunity to be hailed as the best in their weight class across the globe. Hence, the pressure on fighters is inconceivable to most fans.
Considering all the external factors that hang in the balance when it comes to championship fights, it is not surprising that fighters often lose their cool or indulge in some ill-advised acts.
The drama that can ensue after a championship fight has the potential to send fans into a frenzy; whether it's a post-fight brawl or a fiery callout.
Let's take a look at five moments following a UFC championship fight that will remain etched in the memories of the fans for years to come.
#5. UFC 100: Brock Lesnar's post-fight interview
UFC 100 was a milestone event for the UFC. In the main event, Brock Lesnar took on Frank Mir in a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC heavyweight championship. Lesnar, the reigning heavyweight champion, was seeking redemption for his earlier loss to Mir, the interim champion.
The duo had previously locked horns at UFC 81, when Brock Lesnar was making his promotional debut. Mir caught Lesnar in a kneebar early on in the very first round, forcing the former pro-wrestling star to tap.
Having lost during their previous in-ring clash in his promotional debut at UFC 81, Lesnar walked into this fight with a massive chip on his shoulder.
Lesnar won the bout via a second-round TKO. However, his post-fight interview suggested that Brock Lesnar was far from done when it came to punishing Frank Mir.
Brock Lesnar was approached by Joe Rogan in the midst of an arena full of loud boos. Unfazed by what the fans had to say, Lesnar went on a fiery tirade in the middle of the octagon. 'The Beast' trashed Frank Mir, the company Bud Light, and more in his post-fight speech:
The move was made worse by the fact that Bud Light was the UFC's premier sponsor at the time.
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his a**. I told him that a year ago, I pulled that sum-b**ch out and beat him over the head with it! I'm going to be drinking Coors light. That's right Coors because Bud Light won't pay me anything. And hell I might even get on top of my wife tonight. See y'all later," exclaimed Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar's actions forced UFC President Dana White to offer him an earful backstage. Lesnar then issued an apology right after, during the post-fight press conference.
"First and foremost, I want to apologize. I acted unprofessionally. I'll leave it at that. I'm a sore loser. Frank and I in the first fight, I felt I gave it to him," said Brock Lesnar.
#4. UFC 226: Brock Lesnar shoves Daniel Cormier inside the octagon
In what marked a historic turn of events at UFC 226, Daniel Cormier was crowned heavyweight champion after knocking Stipe Miocic out and usurping his throne.
What followed 'DC's coronation was something right out of WWE's book. The freshly minted heavyweight champion called Brock Lesnar out to enter the cage in his post-fight speech.
Lesnar, who was never one to take threats lightly, was only happy to oblige. The two subsequently indulged in a bit of a push around that caused a slight stir before they broke apart.
Dana White subsequently revealed that a fight between Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar was on the UFC's agenda. The WWE star was looking to find his way back out of retirement.
Although that fight never materialized, the scuffle between the two heavyweight behemoths made for some excellent television.
#3. UFC 165: Jon Jones with Alexander Gustafsson in the hospital
Both Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson put on a barnburner in their light heavyweight main event at UFC 165 back in September 2013.
Although Jon Jones walked away with a decision win, Gustafsson was widely hailed for his performance. So much so that their clash was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame earlier this year.
The two fighters indulged in an unending back and forth that landed them in the hospital. However, they shared no ill will towards each other.
The same was evident in the way they greeted each other at the hospital and posed for pictures as. Gustafsson posted a picture he took with Jones on social media.
"Didnt go my way last nite but ill be back stronger thats a promise!!! Wanna thanks all my fans u r amazing!!! Had a great time in Toronto," wrote Alexander Gustafsson on Facebook.
Although Jones walked away with the win, he was the one looking worse for wear. In addition to his title, Jones exited the bout with a series of welts, a busted nose and a swollen lip.
Both Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson missed the post-fight press conference as they were being treated for their injuries at the hospital where they bumped into each other.
#2. UFC 253: Israel Adesanya's post-fight celebration
While fighters in the UFC don't always share a cordial relationship, the way Israel Adesanya celebrated his win over Paulo Costa is hitherto unheard of, bordering on actionable.
'The Last Stylebender' overcame the challenge presented by Paulo Costa in the second round after rocking the Brazilian with a left to his temple.
After a flurry of strikes from the mount position, referee Jason Herzog was forced to step in. However, before getting off Costa, Adesanya was seen humping his beaten foe from the back.
Adesanya's triumph over Costa marked his ninth consecutive win in the UFC, bolstering his then-perfect record to 20-0.
#1. UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov attacks Conor McGregor's team
The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor marked the end of one of the most heated rivalries in the UFC. The aftermath of their fight was equally in line with the way their pre-fight scuffles had transpired, if not worse.
After recording a submission win in the fourth round, Khabib Nurmagomedov leaped out of the octagon and set a massive fight in motion. The scrap involved members of McGregor's team like Dillon Danis and those from the Nurmagomedov camp.
The brawl earned both fighters their own set of punishments. The Irishman was fined $50,000 and suspended for a duration of six months. Khabib Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, endured a $500,000 fine and a nine month suspension from the octagon.
The trouble did not end there as the Dagestani phenom's camp expressed their issues with the disparity in the severity of their punishments. The charge was spearheaded by Khabib's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who dismissed the move as nothing but 'politics'.
