Best UFC Pay-Per-View Events of All Time

Legendary UFC Pay-Per-Views That Defined MMA

Exploring the Most Unforgettable Nights in UFC History

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a global powerhouse in combat sports, and one of the main reasons is its ability to deliver high-stakes, action-packed pay-per-view (PPV) events. From the early days when UFC was still fighting for legitimacy to modern spectacles drawing millions of viewers worldwide, PPVs have been the proving ground for fighters and the birthplace of legends.

Each event carries its own story — rivalries boiling over, underdogs shocking the world, champions cementing their legacies, and unforgettable finishes that live on in highlight reels forever. More importantly, these events were not just about victories inside the Octagon; they were about fighters earning the right to hold the UFC championship belt, a symbol of grit and greatness. Fans today can celebrate these historic nights with replica UFC belts from WWFBelt.com, keeping the legacy alive.

Let’s dive into the greatest UFC pay-per-view events that changed the sport and thrilled fans across the globe.

The Early Days: Building Pay-Per-View Momentum

Before UFC became a mainstream attraction, early pay-per-views in the 1990s focused on proving that mixed martial arts could be a legitimate sport. These events showcased raw fighting, limited rules, and stylistic clashes like striker vs. grappler. While not polished, they set the stage for the mega-events that would follow.

By the 2000s, UFC PPVs had evolved into must-see events with star fighters like Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Matt Hughes drawing audiences. The growth of pay-per-view sales mirrored the rise of UFC itself, turning it from a niche promotion into a global empire.

UFC 100 (2009): A Historic Celebration

When UFC hit UFC 100, it celebrated in grand style with one of the most stacked cards in history. The event featured:

  • Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir II – A heavyweight clash where Lesnar avenged his earlier loss with a dominant TKO win, cementing himself as a crossover superstar.

  • Georges St-Pierre vs. Thiago Alves – GSP defended his welterweight title, showing his technical brilliance.

  • Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping – Henderson’s iconic right-hand knockout became one of the most replayed finishes in UFC history.

UFC 100 sold over 1.6 million PPVs, a record at the time, and solidified UFC as a pay-per-view giant.

UFC 129 (2011): A Stadium Spectacle

UFC 129 in Toronto, Canada was historic for another reason — it was the UFC’s first stadium show, with over 55,000 fans in attendance.

  • Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields – GSP successfully defended his welterweight title in front of a roaring home crowd.

  • José Aldo vs. Mark Hominick – A featherweight war that showcased Aldo’s dominance and Hominick’s toughness.

  • Lyoto Machida vs. Randy Couture – Machida knocked out Couture with a crane kick, sending the legend into retirement.

The spectacle of a stadium filled with MMA fans proved UFC’s global draw and ability to host events on par with the biggest sports in the world.

UFC 189 (2015): McGregor’s Rise

UFC 189 marked a turning point, not just for the fights but for UFC production and fan energy. Originally slated for Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo, Aldo pulled out due to injury. Chad Mendes stepped in on short notice.

  • Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes – McGregor survived takedowns before finishing Mendes with strikes, proving his star power and capturing the interim featherweight belt.

  • Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II – One of the greatest fights in UFC history, a brutal five-round war that ended with Lawler stopping MacDonald in the fifth.

This event highlighted McGregor’s rise as the sport’s biggest star while also delivering an unforgettable classic between Lawler and MacDonald.

UFC 196 (2016): The Diaz Upset

UFC 196 will forever be remembered for one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

  • Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor – On short notice, Diaz shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round, silencing critics and proving his toughness.

  • Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm – Tate’s last-minute submission earned her the women’s bantamweight belt, stunning Holm, who had dethroned Ronda Rousey just months earlier.

The drama of this event captivated fans, and the Diaz-McGregor rivalry would go on to define an era.

UFC 202 (2016): The Rematch of the Century

The rematch between McGregor and Diaz at UFC 202 was one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history.

  • Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II – A five-round war that McGregor narrowly won by decision, redeeming his earlier loss.

The fight delivered on all fronts, breaking pay-per-view records at the time and proving that rivalries could generate as much excitement as championship fights.

UFC 229 (2018): The Biggest UFC PPV Ever

No UFC PPV has had the global impact of UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor – The most heated rivalry in UFC history culminated in Khabib submitting McGregor in the fourth round. The post-fight brawl made headlines worldwide.

With 2.4 million PPV buys, UFC 229 remains the biggest event in UFC history. It proved the sport’s worldwide reach and cemented Khabib as one of the all-time greats.

UFC 251 (2020): Fight Island

During the global pandemic, UFC shocked the world by hosting events on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, dubbed “Fight Island.” UFC 251 was the most notable.

  • Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal – Usman dominated on short notice against fan-favorite Masvidal.

  • Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway II – A razor-thin featherweight title fight.

  • Petr Yan vs. José Aldo – Yan claimed the bantamweight crown, showing the sport’s next generation rising.

UFC 251 symbolized the sport’s resilience, continuing to deliver during challenging times.

Other Iconic PPVs Worth Mentioning

  • UFC 205 (2016): UFC’s debut at Madison Square Garden, where Conor McGregor became the first fighter to hold two belts simultaneously.

  • UFC 217 (2017): Three title fights changed hands in one night, including GSP’s legendary comeback win over Michael Bisping.

  • UFC 200 (2016): A milestone event featuring Brock Lesnar’s return.

  • UFC 264 (2021): McGregor vs. Poirier trilogy bout that drew massive global attention.

The Symbol of UFC Pay-Per-Views: Championship Belts

At the heart of every PPV is the championship belt — the ultimate prize for which fighters put their bodies and legacies on the line. These belts symbolize dominance, honor, and the history made in every fight. For fans, owning replica UFC belts from WWFBelt.com is the ultimate way to celebrate these legendary events.

FAQs About UFC Pay-Per-Views

1. What is the highest-selling UFC PPV of all time?
UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor, with 2.4 million buys.

2. What was the first UFC event to sell over 1 million PPVs?
UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz II in 2006.

3. Which UFC PPV had the biggest live attendance?
UFC 193 in Melbourne, Australia, with over 56,000 fans.

4. What makes UFC PPVs special?
High-profile rivalries, title fights, and unforgettable moments.

5. Has a women’s fight headlined a UFC PPV?
Yes, starting with Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche at UFC 157.

6. Which fighter has sold the most PPVs?
Conor McGregor holds the record for the most PPV buys.

7. What is considered the best fight in UFC PPV history?
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II at UFC 189 is often cited.

8. Are UFC PPVs available worldwide?
Yes, though broadcasting rights vary by country.

9. Can fans buy UFC replica belts from historic events?
Yes, authentic replicas are available at WWFBelt.com.

10. Why do rivalries boost PPV sales?
They create personal stakes that draw casual and hardcore fans alike.

Conclusion

The history of UFC pay-per-view events is filled with unforgettable nights that shaped MMA into a global sport. From UFC 100’s milestone celebration to UFC 229’s record-breaking rivalry, each event brought drama, excitement, and legendary performances. Rivalries, shocking upsets, and championship triumphs have turned PPVs into cultural phenomena.

For fighters, the reward is the coveted championship belt — the symbol of ultimate glory. For fans, the legacy of these PPVs can be celebrated through replica UFC belts from WWFBelt.com, bringing a piece of MMA history into their own collection.

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