Nominees... Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2, UFC 189 Hard not to pick this one. Lawler and MacDonald went to war. Back-and-forth fight saw MacDonald almost win in the middle rounds. Iconic images and moments. Everything a title fight is supposed to be. Jeremy Stephens vs. Dennis Bermudez, UFC 189 Matchmakers put together fights like this hoping they will pan out. Never a guarantee that they will. This one did. Adding to the absolute gem of a PPV that was UFC 189, Stephens and Bermudez ran wild. Excellent featherweight bout. Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett, UFC 189 Noticing a bit of a theme, here? Promoted as the next big thing, Tom Almeida got in trouble early against the veteran Pickett but climbed back into the fight and won in the second round with a flying knee. Awesome! Justin Gaethje vs. Luis Palomino 1, WSOF 19 Sleeper pick. Gaethje/Palomino put on a classic at little watched WSOF 19. Gaethje the best lightweight not in the UFC at the moment. The two fighters rematched in September with Gaethje scoring a second TKO win.
Theres no other choice but Rory Lawler 2. That was one of the best fights I've ever seen. Was sad Rory did not pull through but he will hold the ww title someday