The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has delivered some of the most physically demanding contests in the history of combat sports.
Over the years, the Octagon has hosted battles that went beyond technical mastery, evolving into grueling tests of heart, durability, and sheer willpower.
Some fights weren’t just about winning or losing — they became unforgettable wars that showcased the raw toughness at the core of mixed martial arts.
Below is a retrospective look at the 10 bloodiest UFC fights of all time, ranked from intense to truly legendary.
10. Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar – UFC 110 (2010)
In February 2010, Stephan Bonnar and Krzysztof Soszynski produced a fight that quickly turned chaotic.
An accidental clash of heads caused a serious cut on Bonnar’s forehead, leaving him visibly compromised.
Despite pushing forward with determination, the bout was stopped in the third round due to the severity of the injury, awarding Soszynski a TKO victory. Bonnar later found redemption by winning their rematch.
9. Jim Miller vs. Joe Lauzon – UFC 155 (2012)
When Jim Miller faced Joe Lauzon in December 2012, expectations were high — and the fight delivered.
A sharp elbow from Miller early on opened Lauzon up, setting the tone for a relentless back-and-forth battle.
Lauzon showed immense toughness by fighting through the damage until the final bell. Miller secured a unanimous decision, and the bout earned Fight of the Night honors.
8. Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva – UFC 146 (2012)
This heavyweight matchup in May 2012 became one of the most dominant performances in UFC history. Cain Velasquez wasted no time taking Silva to the canvas and unleashing relentless offense.
The damage accumulated rapidly, forcing the referee to intervene in the first round.
The visual aftermath made the fight one of the most memorable stoppages the UFC has ever seen.
7. B.J. Penn vs. Joe Stevenson – UFC 80 (2008)
At UFC 80 in January 2008, B.J. Penn delivered a commanding title-winning performance against Joe Stevenson. Penn’s precise elbows caused a severe cut, yet he remained composed and methodical.
He eventually secured a rear-naked choke submission, sealing a dominant victory that remains a defining moment in lightweight division history.
6. Renato “Babalu” Sobral vs. David Heath – UFC 74 (2007)
The August 2007 light heavyweight bout between Renato Sobral and David Heath was both intense and controversial.
Sobral controlled much of the fight, inflicting significant damage before locking in an anaconda choke in the second round.
The encounter drew attention not only for its brutality but also for the prolonged submission hold, sparking debate among fans and officials.
5. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II – UFC 189 (2015)
Few fights capture the emotional and physical extremes of MMA like the rematch between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald in July 2015. Both fighters absorbed and delivered immense punishment over five rounds.
The contest ended when MacDonald was unable to continue, handing Lawler a TKO victory. The fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest championship bouts in UFC history.
4. Stefan Struve vs. Denis Stojnić – UFC 99 (2009)
In June 2009, Stefan Struve and Denis Stojnić engaged in a chaotic heavyweight clash. Struve used his reach advantage to land repeated strikes, causing visible damage as the fight progressed.
After two exhausting rounds, Struve secured a rear-naked choke submission, ending a physically taxing encounter that highlighted the division’s raw intensity.
3. Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva – UFC Fight Night 33 (2013)
December 2013 featured an unforgettable heavyweight battle between Mark Hunt and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
Over five punishing rounds, both fighters traded powerful strikes, refusing to back down. With neither man able to secure a finish, the fight ended in a majority draw — a fitting conclusion to one of the most grueling bouts in UFC history.
2. Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier II – UFC on Fox 30 (2018)
The July 2018 rematch between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier was a showcase of elite striking and relentless pace. The fight escalated rapidly, with both men landing heavy shots.
Eventually, Poirier’s sustained offense forced a stoppage in the second round, earning him a TKO victory and further cementing his reputation as an elite finisher.
1. Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal – UFC 244 (2019)
Claiming the top spot is the highly anticipated BMF title bout between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal in November 2019.
Masvidal controlled the early rounds with sharp, accurate striking that caused significant damage. Before the fourth round began, the doctor ruled Diaz unable to continue, awarding Masvidal a TKO win.
Despite controversy surrounding the stoppage, the fight remains one of the most talked-about and unforgettable moments in UFC history.
FAQ
Which UFC Fight Had The Most Blood Loss?
Fights like Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Silva and B.J. Penn vs. Joe Stevenson are infamous for the sheer volume of blood spilled.
Has Anyone Ever Passed Out From Blood Loss In The UFC?
While no fighter has officially passed out due to blood loss, several bouts have been stopped to prevent serious medical risk.
Why Are UFC Fights Sometimes Stopped Because Of Cuts?
Fights are halted if a cut obstructs vision, poses a severe medical threat, or prevents a fighter from defending themselves safely.
What Was The Bloodiest Women’s UFC Fight?
Many fans point to Jessica Andrade vs. Weili Zhang and Joanna Jędrzejczyk vs. Weili Zhang as some of the bloodiest women’s bouts in UFC history.