3. T.J. Dillashaw def. Renan Barao
UFC 173 “Barao vs. Dillashaw”
May 24, 2014 | Las Vegas
Barao had gone nearly a decade between losses, and some experts began to whisper that he might be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. No matter what one’s view of him was, the Brazilian had proven himself a supremely talented martial artist and one of the top bantamweights competing in MMA.

Many fans and media members criticized Dillashaw being named the No. 1 contender. He had not done much to warrant such an opportunity, as he had just bounced back from a loss to Raphael Assuncao with a unanimous decision over Mike Easton. Dillashaw, they thought, was going to get his rear end handed to him. He had other plans.

Almost nothing Barao tried worked against Dillashaw, who fought like a man possessed. He took down the champion, outstruck him, fended off his attacks and slowly broke the Nova Uniao star’s spirit. Midway through the fifth round, a head kick and follow-up punches took out Barao and made Dillashaw the new UFC bantamweight champion.

Number 2 » Holm-Rousey