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Top UFC APEX Fight Night Brawls You Can’t Afford to Miss
When the UFC APEX arena in Las Vegas opened in 2019, it became the home of some of the most memorable and jaw-dropping Fight Night bouts we’ve seen in recent years. Although smaller in scale compared to the larger arenas and stadiums typically associated with UFC events, the APEX still served up action-packed showdowns that left fight fans stunned and clamoring for more. The intimacy of the venue allowed fighters to hear every corner instruction and for fans to experience an unparalleled level of intensity.
But let’s cut straight to it—here’s a rundown of the top UFC APEX Fight Night brawls you can’t afford to miss! If you didn’t catch these fights live, spoiler alert: These are some of the wildest wars inside the Octagon.
1. Max Holloway vs Calvin Kattar – UFC Fight Night, January 16, 2021
If one fight made fans redefine striking excellence, it’s this one. Talk about domination—Max Holloway’s performance against Calvin Kattar at UFC APEX is, to put it lightly, an absolute striking masterclass. Holloway, the former featherweight champion, reminded the world of his elite caliber by landing a jaw-dropping 445 significant strikes on Kattar, setting a UFC record.
This fight was relentless, with Holloway in complete control from the start to finish of the five-round contest. Kattar deserves credit for enduring the barrage, solidifying his role as one of the UFC’s most resilient competitors. But this was Holloway’s night, and his mid-fight call-out to the commentary team while dodging Kattar’s shots is now part of UFC lore.
Why It’s Unmissable: It was an all-time clinic of precision striking, with Holloway practically putting on an exhibition of offensive output, defense, and overall Octagon brilliance.
2. Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno I – UFC 256, December 12, 2020
There are fight cards, and then there are all-time great rivalries. Deiveson Figueiredo’s flyweight title defense against Brandon Moreno at UFC 256 marked the beginning of what many will argue as one of the most exciting rivalries in UFC history. Their first clash was an absolute war from beginning to end, marked by brutal exchanges, high-level grappling, and, quite frankly, the “never back down” attitude that fans crave.
While Figueiredo retained his title after five rounds of warfare that ended in a majority draw, questions were raised about who the better man was in the Octagon that night. Not only did fans get a thrilling contest, but they were also gifted a fight that required—and delivered—a sequel with even higher stakes.
Why It’s Unmissable: It tied for Fight of the Year honors across multiple sports outlets—including my own!—and gave birth to a legacy rivalry.
3. Dustin Poirier vs Dan Hooker – UFC Fight Night, June 27, 2020
What happens when two of the most exciting lightweights in the world lock horns? You get Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker, a bout that many would argue is one of the best fights ever to take place at UFC APEX. A five-round slugfest that showcased world-class stand-up, heart, and sheer determination, this bout was a war of attrition from the very first round.
Poirier and Hooker both had their moments; Hooker looked like a world-beater early on, pushing Poirier to the limits with stunning combinations, but “The Diamond” rallied back in the later rounds, demonstrating his heart and championship-level grit. In the end, Poirier secured a unanimous decision victory after one of the most exhausting bouts we’ve ever witnessed.
Why It’s Unmissable: This fight was a high-octane thriller with non-stop action, back-and-forth momentum shifts, and an incredible display of courage.
4. Khamzat Chimaev vs Li Jingliang – UFC 267, October 30, 2021
Khamzat Chimaev made a triumphant return to the Octagon against Li Jingliang after a year-long hiatus due to health issues. The Swedish phenom entered the Octagon with much hype surrounding him, and to say he delivered is an understatement. Chimaev put on one of the most dominant displays we’ve ever seen at APEX, picking up Li Jingliang like a ragdoll and slamming him to the canvas before finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke.
Chimaev’s ability to overwhelm high-level opponents while taking minimal damage has been something to behold, and this fight further solidified his rapid ascent in the UFC.
Why It’s Unmissable: It was sheer dominance from start to finish, and Chimaev proved he’s more than just hype. If you’re a fan of fast-rising stars, this performance will blow you away.
5. Vicente Luque vs Tyron Woodley – UFC 260, March 27, 2021
Coming off a string of losses, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley was desperate to make a statement against Vicente Luque. But it was Luque who ultimately shone in a wild, chaotic brawl at UFC 260. It was a chaotic affair right from the start, with both men trading monstrous shots. Woodley came out swinging, and for a brief moment, it looked like the former champion might turn back the clock, but Luque’s precision punching dropped him and led to a D’Arce choke finish.
Woodley’s aggressive start was thrilling, but Luque’s ability to weather the storm and counter effectively made this a memorable fight that showcased his durability and finishing prowess.
Why It’s Unmissable: It’s a rare sight to see a fighter as established as Woodley go out with such unbridled aggression. Plus, Luque’s ruthlessness in capitalizing on any mistake solidified his spot as one of the UFC’s most dangerous welterweights.
6. Marvin Vettori vs Paulo Costa – UFC Fight Night, October 23, 2021
When Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa clashed, it wasn’t just about MMA tactics—it was about staying power. Both fighters were willing to go past their limits, and the crowd felt every single moment. Vettori managed to outpace Costa, whose brutal body kicks should have ended most men in the middleweight or light heavyweight division. But Vettori fought back blow for blow, utilizing a steady jab and relentless pressure to win a unanimous decision in this grueling contest.
What added extra fuel to the fire was the now-infamous weight controversy surrounding Costa, who came in much heavier than the initially planned middleweight limit. Vettori didn’t complain—he rolled with the punches (literally) and delivered an all-time performance.
Why It’s Unmissable: The fight felt personal, carried plenty of additional narrative weight due to the last-minute weight controversy, and—most importantly—delivered on all levels of competitiveness and sheer physicality in the Octagon.
The Takeaway
There’s something special about the UFC APEX venue. Sure, it’s intimate, but it consistently brings out the heart and fight in every competitor who sets foot inside its Octagon. From striking masterclasses and gritty wars of attrition to one-sided displays of dominance, the UFC APEX has become a crucible where the sport’s top athletes are forged into legends.
If you missed any of these fights, stop what you’re doing and queue them up. Trust me, these are moments you won’t forget.
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