4. Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira | UFC 275
While a recent fight, Prochazka-Teixeira was an instant classic that finishes all the way at fourth. Personally, I like it more than any of the fights ahead of it and believe it will either retain its position or move up in the years to come. The setup for the fight was absolutely brilliant, something straight out of an anime, as I wrote in a piece about the challenger. Prochazka, the powerful young upstart, the samurai with the most brilliant and unique striking style in MMA history, was facing Teixeira, the legendary old master with limitless wisdom, toughness and fighting spirit. This incredible duel between two avatars of martial arts greatness lived up to its billing and then some. Teixeira used his decades of experience, technique, and toughness to hold his own against Prochazka's overwhelming standup. Meanwhile, he expertly transitioned to takedowns at the right moments, winning the fight on the strength of his outstanding top game. Grappling was always Prochazka's weak point and with less than a minute left, it appeared the wily old master had triumphed again. Then, the improbable happened. Prochazka, who hadn't recorded a submission win since 2014, before he even joined the Rizin promotion that first made him famous, finished with a rear-naked choke against BJJ black belt and grappling wizard Glover Teixeira, who had never been tapped in his entire long, storied career. It occurred with just 28 seconds separating Teixeira from a decision win, adding to the ludicrous anime feel of fight. Personally, I also consider the fight a superior version of Anderson Silva-Chael Sonnen 1, which received votes on this list. It was also won by a clutch submission moments before Silva would have lost the verdict. However, Silva was always a talented BJJ practitioner and Sonnen had been tapped many times before in his career. Prochazka tapping Teixeira, by contrast, would have been a laughable absurdity if anyone had suggested it before their showdown. Moreover, Prochazka-Teixeira was a more brilliant, exciting battle prior to its shocking conclusion. While it happened recently, I think we will be discussing it with fondness for many years to come.
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