Most Controversial Fights in MMA History

Across its three-decade history, Mixed Martial Arts has seen its fair share of controversial fights that have sparked debates among fans, fighters, and analysts. Here are just a few of those instances that were highly controversial at one point in time.

7. Nick Diaz vs Carlos Condit (UFC 143)

Carlos Condit punches Nick Diaz//Getty Images

In February 2012, Nick Diaz fought Carlos Condit for the UFC interim welterweight title. Condit ultimately got the nod on the judges' scorecards, however, the majority of fans believed Diaz should have claimed the interim title that night.

Condit's strategy was to circle around the octagon and avoid any exchange with Diaz, and despite his negative tactics, they were successful. After the bout, criticism of the MMA judging criteria surfaced.

6. Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin 1 (UFC 59)

Forrest Griffin def. Tito Ortiz//Getty Images

At UFC 59, little did we know at the time that Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin would eventually turn out to be an epic trilogy. The reason there was a series of this bout is simply because the fight in April 2006 was highly controversial.

Ortiz got his hand raised via split decision, but many thought Griffin had won the fight. Griffin would win the rematch which set up the trilogy.

5. Benson Henderson vs Frankie Edgar (UFC 150)

Frankie Edgar punches Benson Henderson//Getty Images

Benson Henderson had defeated Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision in their first fight at UFC 144 to capture the UFC lightweight championship. The fight was competitive, but Henderson's striking power seemed to give him the edge, leading to the decision.

Many fans and analysts believed the first fight was close, with some even arguing Edgar could have won. Due to the closeness of the first encounter, a rematch was scheduled for UFC 150. The rematch went all five rounds and was another highly competitive contest.

Edgar had moments of success, particularly in the later rounds, where he landed significant strikes and even dropped Henderson with a punch in the second round. Henderson, on the other hand, controlled some rounds with effective leg kicks, striking, and his ability to stay active and aggressive, which ultimately won him another close fight.

4. Jon Jones vs Dominick Reyes (UFC 247)

Dominick Reyes punches Jon Jones//Getty Images

There are many MMA fans that argue Jon Jones has never lost a fight in his life. Meanwhile, there are some which state he has: the Matt Hamill disqualification loss, and perhaps the Alexander Gustafsson first fight, and a more recent fight against Dominick Reyes.

At UFC 247, Jones retained his light heavyweight title via unanimous decision, but many believed Dominick Reyes won the fight. The controversy mainly centred around the judges' scoring, with some arguing that Reyes won the first three rounds after successfully limiting Jones’ striking and grappling effectiveness.

3. Michael Bisping vs Matt Hamill (UFC 75)

Michael Bisping def. Matt Hamill//Getty Images

In September 2007, Michael “The Count” Bisping won via a split decision in a fight many felt the American Matt Hamill had clearly won. The decision was widely criticised, with accusations of hometown favouritism since the fight took place in London, England, Bisping's home country.

2. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 1 (UFC 117)

 Referee Josh Rosenthal, Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva//Getty Images

In August 2010, Chael Sonnen dominated Anderson Silva for nearly five full rounds before being submitted by a triangle armbar in the final minutes of the fight. There was controversy over Silva’s performance and whether Sonnen could have avoided the submission if the referee had caught an earlier illegal strike from Silva.

This prompted the pair to rematch a couple of years later, in 2012, as “The Spider” wanted to put an exclamation mark on the rivalry, and he did this with aplomb winning via TKO in the second round.