A curated collection of legendary mixed martial arts championship bouts where significantly shorter odds or perceived dominance were overturned by dramatic late-stage comebacks. This list highlights fighters who overcame knockdowns, point deductions, or early dominance by opponents to seize the belt in fashion.
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After a controversial first loss and a year-long absence, Jones returned to reclaim the light heavyweight title by dominating Cormier for five rounds. It was a masterclass in grappling supremacy and resilience, silencing critics who questioned his post-DUI comeback.
St-Pierre suffered a severe cut from a knee strike in the third round but fought through pain and blood loss to finish Hendricks with elbows in the fifth. The victory is widely regarded as one of the greatest mental toughness displays in MMA history.
Edgar came into the fight as a massive underdog, having never faced Penn at featherweight. He exploited Penn’s aging legs and striking vulnerabilities, submitting the legend with a triangle choke in the fourth round to claim his first featherweight title.
Trailing on all scorecards and suffering a broken hand, Ngannou dropped Miocic twice in the fifth round to steal the heavyweight championship. The knockout ended Miocic’s historic reign and marked Ngannou’s ascent as the new face of the division.
Adesanya, a massive underdog against the dominant middleweight title holder, used superior footwork and striking range to neutralize Whittaker’s wrestling. He knocked Whittaker out in the fifth round, delivering one of the most shocking upsets in modern MMA.
After being knocked down early, Johnson rallied to take control with elite grappling and striking. He secured a unanimous decision victory, retaining his flyweight title and proving his ability to overcome early adversity against a dangerous counter-striker.
McGregor faced Alvarez in his first fight in over two years and against a heavyweight champion. He used precise boxing combinations to drop Alvarez multiple times, securing a second-round knockout to become a double champion in two weight classes.
As a massive underdog in terms of fan base and hype, Khabib executed a flawless ground-and-pound and wrestling masterclass. He forced McGregor to quit in the fourth round, retaining his lightweight title and delivering a dominant performance that silenced the stadium.
After years of defending her title, Shevchenko was knocked down and submitted by Grasso in a sudden death overtime round. The shocking upset marked the first time Shevchenko was defeated in her UFC championship reign, ending an era of dominance.
Seeking redemption after the draw, Grasso faced the legend again in a highly anticipated rematch. Shevchenko dominated but missed weight, allowing Grasso to capitalize on her opponent’s weakness and secure a controversial split decision to win the bantamweight belt.
Arlovski, once a dominant champion, faced a huge underdog narrative against Werdum’s grappling prowess. After being taken down and nearly submitted, Arlovski scrambled back to his feet and landed a decisive punch to win via TKO, retaining the heavyweight title.
Jones was dropped by a massive right hook in the second round and appeared vulnerable. He recovered with composure, using superior wrestling and ground control to secure a unanimous decision, showcasing his ability to bounce back from a devastating blow.
Cormier was considered an underdog against the heavier Miocic but used superior grappling and cardio. He dominated the later rounds, securing a unanimous decision to reclaim the heavyweight title and proving that technique could overcome significant size disadvantages.
Though not a title fight initially, this bout featured Shevchenko overcoming a cut and Eye’s aggressive striking to win by submission. It highlighted her resilience and technical ability, setting the stage for her subsequent title defenses and comeback narratives.
Facing the former champion in his title debut, Makhachev was an underdog against Oliveira’s submission skills. He used elite wrestling and ground control to secure a decision victory, neutralizing Oliveira’s most dangerous weapons and claiming the lightweight belt.
O'Malley, a long-time underdog in the division, faced the veteran champion in a unification bout. He used precise striking and movement to win a split decision, capturing the bantamweight title and fulfilling his long-held promise to reach the top.
Pantoja overcame a controversial first-round stoppage against Moreno to win the flyweight title. He utilized superior grappling and striking in the championship rounds to secure a unanimous decision, proving his ability to overcome early setbacks and secure the belt.
Edwards, facing the dominant champion in his hometown, was a significant underdog in betting markets. He knocked Usman out with a spectacular head kick in the fifth round, delivering one of the most dramatic upset victories in recent UFC history.
After losing the title via split decision, O'Malley sought revenge in a rematch that featured a controversial first-round knee. Despite the controversy, O'Malley dominated with striking, winning a clear decision to regain the bantamweight championship and settle the rivalry.
Jones, returning after a long hiatus and legal issues, faced a heavy favorite in Gane. He used reach and striking precision to dominate, securing a unanimous decision to win the vacant heavyweight title and proving his enduring elite status despite physical decline.
In a trilogy bout that ended in a historic first MMA draw, both fighters showed incredible resilience. The back-and-forth action highlighted Grasso’s ability to stand with and withstand the most dominant champion of her era, cementing their legacy as legends.