3. Royce Gracie vs Matt Hughes UFC 60
Royce Gracie is possibly the most important pioneer of modern day mixed martial arts. He was chosen as the representative of his family and of jiu-jitsu in the 1st ever UFC events because of his small stature. Royce beating much larger opponents with jiu-jitsu would showcase to the world how effective a martial art it is. Sure enough, when Royce dominated the early UFCs it increased the popularity of jiu-jitsu all across the world.
Now anybody with the last name Gracie can open a jiu-jitsu school and be profitable.
But when Royce returned to the UFC to fight Matt Hughes, it was clear he was no longer the dominant martial artist he had once had been.
Hughes dominated Gracie, but gave up on a securely locked armbar, knowing Royce wouldn’t tap and not wanting to break the legend’s arm. He opted to mount him and punch him repeatedly until the ref stopped him instead.
