over 1 year ago: NEW YORK NY - JANUARY 13: Lorenzo Fertitta UFC Chairman and CEO speaks during a press conference to announce commitment to bring UFC to Madison Square Garden and New York State at Madison Square Garden on January 13 2011 in New York City.



In its short history, the UFC has seen many unforgettable moments in the Octagon, from the 180 lb Royce Gracie submitting men twice his size to Edson Barboza knocking out Terry Etim with a spinning kick that looked more like it belongs in a Kung Fu movie than in a professional fight. Not all of these moments are highlight reel finishes; others are wars of attrition like Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua at UFC 139. Whatever the reason, some fights leave fans with the feeling that they just witnessed special. With that in mind, David Deiber of Postmedia News compiled a list of 10 of the most significant fights in UFC history. At UFC 148, he caught up with Zuffa CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, to get his thoughts on the fights.

Here's what Lorenzo had to say about Dieber's top 5 UFC fights:

5.) Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz at UFC 66

Tito was the champion. Chuck was a guy that was a faithful friend, but, at the same time, Tito had what he wanted, which was the belt. He made no bones about it. Tito took it very personally. And a rivalry was born.

4.) John McCain vs. UFC

That's what really drove UFC to becoming the sport that it is today. Guys like John McCain and other politicians holding the previous owners' feet to the fire. You had to structure around it. That was an obvious tipover point with UFC. We're glad John McCain won that one.

3.) Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock at UFC 40

A lot of it had to do with their personalities. [Ortiz] was young, he was brash, he was irreverent. Ken Shamrock was a guy who was well-respected, had accomplished a lot in this sport.


2.) Royce Gracie vs. The World at UFC 1-5.

[Royce] probably did more for martial arts in those series of fights than had been done for martial arts in the previous 500 years.


1.) Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 1

It's one of those perfect storms.


What do you think? Are these the biggest fights in UFC history? Let us know in the comments.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/7/18...story-mma-news