3. Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes 2
Aldo and Mendes’ title rematch at UFC 179 would deliver one of the best back-and-forth title battles of the decade. The fight could easily have ended in the opening round as Mendes briefly clipped Aldo to the mat with a left hook, only to later be floored himself by a left hook and then mounted. He did then escape back to his feet. Yet he was knocked down again by a blow that clearly landed after the bell.
Mendes showed great heart to not only survive that injustice. He also continued to push a high pace in the rounds that followed, dishing out big shots and eating them too while also threatening with takedowns to make it anyone’s fight heading into the final round. The two warriors continued to fight tooth and nail until the finish, with Aldo’s sharp striking and strong takedown defense being just enough to earn him a unanimous decision victory.
