(Editor’s note: This story was first published on June 1, 2023. Some information may have been updated.)
Whether we’re talking about mainstream sports, combat sports, or sports entertainment, the spectacle of top athletes has always been a promotional tool to help draw in casual crowds and create almost larger-than-life standards that helped set the standard where it is today.
That’s why the “worst man on the planet” is defined within the heavyweight division and why title fights on the cards are usually prioritized from biggest to youngest – unless there’s an exception like Conor McGregor on the card, of course.
An unfortunate byproduct of this traditional format, however, is that lighter fighters, who are usually more technical and arguably funnier, are often underestimated and sometimes lost in the shuffle.
In fact, the UFC has historically struggled with any division that falls farther down its proverbial totem pole. Whether we’re talking about the UFC’s three failed attempts to create a lightweight division, which is now one of the deepest divisions going in two decades, or the self-induced flyweight purge that began around 2018, the organization hasn’t exactly taken these divisions seriously.
This week, champ Brandon Moreno will put his title on the line for the first time in his second term when he faces rival Alexandre Pantoja, who beats him. Will it turn into a classic? We’ll have to wait and see.
So we know, take a look back at this decade’s first flyweight affair under the UFC banner and its top five.
Without further ado…
5
Matt Schnell vs. Su Moderjee, UFC on ABC 3 (July 16, 2022)
Today’s UFC matchmakers don’t often allow lightweight fighters to open their main cards, but men’s flyweights always seem to deliver when given a high chance.
This fight between Matt Schnell and Sue Madraghi, for example, was something I’m not sure the ABC Sports crowd was ready for on a Saturday afternoon.
The first round was pretty standard for a flyweight affair – although it did feature Mudaerji taking on Schnell’s Omoplata attempt with a stellar slam dunk that would make Kevin Nash proud.
But the second round was an unforgettable storm in which Schnell sailed straight.
Despite Schnell’s chin of failure at times throughout his career, the Fortis MMA producer valiantly walked through a hell of a fire of left hands and checked elbows in order to stage one of the craziest rallies of 2022 (with a final scene that gives me flashbacks to Jim Miller’s win over Yancy Medeiros). ).
In case you missed this amazing UFC rally yesterday
Matt Schnell vs. Sue my list pic.twitter.com/MOs6ZrQpCZ
– The Barber’s Chair Network, LLC (@BarbersChairNet) July 17, 2022
4
Louis Smolka vs. Paddy Holohan, UFC Fight Night 76 (Oct 24, 2015)
Fourth comes an impromptu flyweight title between Louis Smolka and Paddy Holohan that took place at the 3Arena in Dublin.
A lightweight bout between Joe Duffy and Dustin Poirier was initially supposed to head the card, but an unfortunate series of circumstances led to a surprising spotlight in the flyweight division.
Smolka and Holohan — who are tall and skinny for their weight class — ended up spending most of this fight engaging in some of the most entertaining action you’ll see from fighters who aren’t called Tim Elliott or Joseph Benavidez. However, Smolka’s tendency to give up small fights in order to win the bigger ones ends up paying off here.
Even though Smolka was spoiled by the idea of homecoming, the Irish crowd still gave Hawaiians their flowers as they picked up their man on their way out.
Lewis Smolka destroys Paddy Holohan at R3 and silences the Irish crowd. amazing. #UFCsuFOX #UFCDublin pic.twitter.com/Urf3d0VoWz
– zolino (phre) October 26, 2015
3
Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo 2, UFC 227 (Aug 4, 2018)
As my colleague Jorge Garcia always says, it’s okay for great battles to spark a little controversy.
Whichever way you score the second meeting between Demetrius Johnson and Henry Cejudo, it’s hard to deny the quality of this fight and how much it has aged since then.
Sejudo, who had to overcome a small calf’s adversity early on, seemed to have more initiative and urgency in the transitions given what happened to him clinching the first time around.
Whereas Johnson (who may also have been dealing with lower ligament issues) had to respond to Cejudo’s constant pressure with a mixture of clever counters while standing and speedy lunges when working from passive positions.
Although I had Johnson take three rounds to one heading into the final frame straight into the final frame, it’s hard not to appreciate the corner moments and airing drama you get from the final stretch of this fight.
UFC 227 (2018.08.04)
Henry Cejudo (12-2)
DJ’s fourth match of his career ends in a split decision loss ending his 13 W streak and 11 W title defense streak. The official decision has been widely criticized for favoring control over effective batting.
48-47 Johnson pic.twitter.com/UlyRbiUx1G
– Alexandre Volkara France (@VolkaraFrance) May 1, 2023
2
Demetrius Johnson vs. John Dodson 1, UFC on FOX 6 (Jan 26, 2013)
Given that I recently cleared my first fight with Johnson [autotag]John Dodson[/autoag] As my favorite from the pound-for-pound king’s catalog of top 10 fights that have ever aired on the big FOX, I’ll spare you any long-running repeats here.
However, if you’re a fan of pressing shows, action, or comebacks, I highly suggest coming back to watch this fun five-round affair.
Aside from the movement still aging nicely, it’s arguably when Johnson really starts to get his game together while displaying an almost unparalleled symbiotic nature with his coaches and cornerbacks.
If any of you can tell me how DJ survived this please tell me because Dodson moved out of nowhere here and grabbed him while DJ stands square with a full power hook. pic.twitter.com/RXGHgGLMl8
— Dan A (@TypewritingDA) April 7, 2020
1
John Lineker vs. Louis Gaudinot, UFC on FOX 3 (May 5, 2012)
Whenever I put together fun lists like this, I try to stress that it’s simply for me Top five fights and it’s okay to have a different set that reflects your taste.
However, despite my admittedly hipster sensibility, I still found myself drawn to one of the UFC’s first flyweight attractions when it came to deciding the number one spot on my list.
Although it wasn’t the most technical and there were no titles on the line, John Lineker vs. Louis Gaudinot was essentially the flyweight version of Ole Jung Garcia (or Bonar Griffin before him).
The power Lineker brings with his infamous physique was evident through the broadcast, bucking any smaller man stereotype we might have had before.
Guadinot, on the other hand, was more than happy to quibble and give a solid account of what was to come from the Tiger Schulmann fighters in the future.
There are just too many fights to precede this one on your list, but very few make me feel the way this one feels.
John Lineker vs. Louis Gaudinot pic.twitter.com/16v0kpl3go
– Dan Tom (DanTomMMA) May 29, 2023
*Honorable Mentions: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno 1 at UFC 256; Brandon Royal vs. Kai Kara-France at UFC 253; Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo in the TUF 24 Finale; Alexander Pantoja vs. Devson Figueiredo at UFC 240; Tim Elliott vs. Jared Papazian in the TUF 16 Finale.
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