5 UFC fights from 2021 that deserved more attention

#4. Billy Quarantillo vs. Shane Burgos – UFC 268

The wild clash between Shane Burgos and Billy Quarantillo was overshadowed by UFC 268's marquee bouts

UFC 268 was one of 2021’s most stacked shows, featuring two title bouts, as well as one of the year’s most highly anticipated fights between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler.

However, while Chandler vs. Gaethje delivered in spades, producing an instant classic that was probably better than UFC fans were hoping, it also ended up overshadowing one of 2021’s best fights in the process.

The fans in attendance at Madison Square Garden didn’t seem to care about the featherweight clash between Shane Burgos and Billy Quarantillo, but more fool them. This was a hell of a fight that deserved far more plaudits than it got.

Both men came in looking to strike. Despite Burgos in particular having his back to the wall after two losses, they threw caution to the wind and simply exchanged wildly in the centre of the octagon.

In the end, it was Burgos who came out on top, largely thanks to a series of heavy low kicks that damaged Quarantillo’s leg and left him unable to really deliver his best offense.

However, neither man looked like a loser in the end, raising their stock substantially. While UFC 268’s stacked nature meant that the fight was largely overlooked, it certainly deserved more attention from the fans than it got.

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#3. Adrian Yanez vs. Randy Costa – UFC on ESPN 27

Adrian Yanez and Randy Costa produced an overlooked thriller in July

With three wins to his name this year, Adrian Yanez will undoubtedly be remembered as one of 2021’s breakout stars in the UFC. However, his best fight and his toughest challenge came against Randy Costa in July.

The fight was largely overlooked at the time, largely due to it being the main card opener on a somewhat under-the-radar show. However, it was undoubtedly one of the year’s best clashes.

Despite Costa having far less fanfare behind him, he was the early aggressor, coming out with some seriously sharp boxing skills that surprised Yanez and left him on the retreat. By the midway point of the opening round, Yanez was left bloodied by Costa’s punches and also appeared to be struggling with his opponent’s work to the body, too.

However, despite taking a beating, the Texan was undeterred. After having blood wiped from him before the second round began, he simply started walking Costa down, ignoring his offense in the process.

Within moments, Yanez had established a nasty jab, forcing Costa onto his back foot. From there, he chained combinations together until ‘The Zohan’ could simply take no more. Costa wilted under the abuse and referee Chris Tognoni rescued him midway through the round.

This fight was absolutely phenomenal, earning Yanez a well-deserved $50k performance bonus. Months later, it still deserves more attention than it got at the time.