10 Bouts of MMA - Redemption Tickets

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that requires not only physical strength but also mental toughness. Fighters face numerous setbacks and failures throughout their careers, but it is often their ability to bounce back and redeem themselves that sets them apart from the rest.

Here are 10 notable bouts of MMA that showcase the concept of redemption:

1. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II - UFC 202

After suffering his first loss in the UFC to Nate Diaz earlier that year, Conor McGregor sought redemption by facing him again at UFC 202. This time, McGregor emerged victorious after a grueling five-round battle, solidifying his position as one of the top fighters in the promotion.

2. Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra II - UFC 83

Matt Serra famously upset Georges St-Pierre to win the welterweight title at UFC 69. However, in their rematch at UFC 83, St-Pierre dominated Serra en route to a second-round TKO victory, regaining his championship belt and re-establishing himself as the top dog in the division.

3. Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock III - UFC 61

Tito Ortiz had already defeated Ken Shamrock twice before they faced off for a third time at UFC 61, but this was his chance to silence his critics once and for all. Ortiz did just that with a first-round TKO win over Shamrock, cementing his status as one of the best light heavyweights in the world at the time.

4. Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II - UFC 232

In their first fight, Alexander Gustafsson gave Jon Jones one of the toughest fights of his career, losing a close decision. Their rematch at UFC 232 saw Jones completely dominate Gustafsson, finishing him with strikes in the third round to regain the light heavyweight title he had lost due to legal troubles outside the Octagon.

5. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II - UFC 148

Chael Sonnen had come as close as anyone to beating Anderson Silva in their first fight, but ultimately fell victim to a last-minute submission. In their rematch at UFC 148, Silva showed why he was one of the greatest fighters of all time by finishing Sonnen with strikes in the second round.

6. Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm II - UFC 193

Ronda Rousey had dominated the women's bantamweight division for years before being stunned by Holly Holm at UFC 193. Their rematch at UFC 193 was Rousey's chance to prove that she was still the top fighter in the division, but it was not meant to be as Holm knocked her out cold in the second round.

7. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III - UFC 136

Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard had fought twice before, with both fights ending in a draw or no contest. Their third bout at UFC 136 saw Edgar finally get the better of Maynard, knocking him out in the fourth round to retain his lightweight title.

8. Junior Dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez II - UFC 155

Cain Velasquez took Junior Dos Santos' heavyweight title in their first meeting at UFC 121, but Dos Santos had a chance to redeem himself at UFC 155. He did just that, outstriking and outworking Velasquez over five rounds to regain his championship belt.

9. Dominick Cruz vs. TJ Dillashaw II - UFC Fight Night 81

Dominick Cruz was once considered the top bantamweight in the world, but a series of injuries forced him to relinquish his title and put his career on hold. When he finally returned to action at UFC Fight Night 81, he faced TJ Dillashaw for the championship belt he never lost. In a closely contested fight, Cruz edged out Dillashaw to regain his title and cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

10. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II - UFC 189

Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald put on an instant classic at UFC 167, with Lawler emerging victorious by split decision. When they met again at UFC 189, it was another back-and-forth war, but this time Lawler finished MacDonald with strikes in the fifth round to retain his welterweight title and prove that his first victory over MacDonald was no fluke.

In conclusion, these 10 bouts of MMA serve as examples of the lessons that can be learned from experiencing defeat. By showing grit, determination, and resilience, fighters like Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Ronda Rousey, and Dominick Cruz were able to redeem themselves and come back stronger than ever before.