Sherdog’s Top 10: Fights We Want to See in 2016

10. Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 3

The UFC 189 rematch between welterweight champion Lawler and challenger MacDonald was the 2015 “Fight of the Year” and one of the greatest brawls in Ultimate Fighting Championship history. They produced a pure and consistent violence rarely seen in championship bouts, and to make it even better, there was a definitive ending.

MacDonald suffered a shattered nose, along with numerous other cuts, lumps and bruises that masked his face. Lawler was not free of damage, as he too was a battered mess by fight’s end. The bout was so brutal that some within the sport called for MacDonald to retire because of the punishment he had absorbed.

Nevertheless, MacDonald had Lawler reeling more than once, held a lead entering the fifth round and nearly snatched away his title. Lawler stormed back for a finish 60 seconds into round five, with the Canadian unable to withstand another blow. “Ruthless” holds a 2-0 advantage over MacDonald, but no one would be upset to see them lock horns a third time.

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