Top 3 MMA Fights To Watch: 5, 10, And 25 Minute Battles

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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The 5-Minute Frenzy: A Burst of Explosive Action

Five-minute rounds in MMA demand explosive power and quick thinking. There's little room for error; fighters need to bring their A-game from the opening bell. This format often leads to quick finishes, emphasizing knockout power and early submissions. A perfect example of a 5-minute fight showcasing this frenetic energy is the clash between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren.

• Fighter A's style (Jorge Masvidal): Known for his precise striking, incredible speed, and devastating power, Masvidal is a master of counter-striking and finishing opponents quickly.
• Fighter B's style (Ben Askren): Askren was a dominant wrestler with a strong grappling game, relying on takedowns and submissions. However, his striking was considered a weakness.
• Key moments: The fight is legendary for Masvidal's record-breaking flying knee knockout just five seconds into the first round. This lightning-fast knockout is considered one of the most impressive finishes in UFC history.

The 10-Minute War: Strategic Depth and Endurance

Stepping up to 10-minute rounds introduces a new layer of complexity to MMA. Strategic depth and considerable endurance become critical. Fighters must demonstrate tactical awareness, pacing themselves while searching for openings and adapting to their opponent's strategy. A prime example is the battle between Dustin Poitier and Conor McGregor.

• Fighter A's game plan (Dustin Poirier): Poirier employed a calculated approach, focusing on his strong boxing skills and mixing in takedowns to wear down McGregor. He displayed exceptional stamina.
• Fighter B's response (Conor McGregor): McGregor, known for his powerful striking, attempted to end the fight early but struggled against Poirier's improved takedown defense and overall resilience.
• Key moments: Poirier's ability to withstand McGregor's early power punches, his consistent pressure throughout the fight, and his ultimately superior endurance were key to his victory.

The 25-Minute Epic: Championship-Level Warfare

Championship MMA fights, typically lasting 25 minutes (five 5-minute rounds), demand the ultimate test of a fighter's physical and mental fortitude. These epic battles showcase the highest level of strategic depth and endurance. The UFC 229 main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor serves as a perfect example.

• Fighter A's strengths and weaknesses (Khabib Nurmagomedov): Nurmagomedov was a dominant wrestler with exceptional grappling and cardio. His weakness was his striking defense.
• Fighter B's strengths and weaknesses (Conor McGregor): McGregor was a powerful striker with quick hands, but his wrestling and grappling defense were his weaknesses.
• Key moments: The fight featured intense grappling exchanges, with Nurmagomedov controlling much of the fight on the ground. A late submission sealed the victory.
• Impact of the fight on the fighters' careers: This fight solidified Nurmagomedov's position as a dominant champion and further cemented McGregor's status as a major draw in the sport.

Conclusion

These three MMA fights, representing 5-minute rounds, 10-minute rounds, and 25-minute title fights, highlight the diverse tactical approaches and physical demands within the sport. Understanding the impact of fight duration on strategy is crucial for appreciating the nuances of MMA. From explosive knockouts to strategic grappling battles, each fight length presents unique challenges and opportunities for victory.

Ready to experience the thrill of these incredible MMA fights? Click on the links above to watch the highlights and discover more amazing . Dive deeper into the world of MMA and find your next must-watch fight!