Top 10 MMA Comebacks of All Time

Number 1.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
From the beginning, Sonnen implemented his game plan effectively by utilizing his exceptional wrestling skills to take Silva down repeatedly. Throughout the fight, Sonnen maintained top control, stifling Silva's offense and continuously landing ground-and-pound strikes. His relentless pressure and control on the ground surprised many fans and experts, dominating the first four rounds of the fight.
Despite Silva being known for his dangerous striking, Sonnen effectively nullified the stand-up game by taking the fight to the ground and imposing his wrestling dominance. Sonnen's ground control and effective striking from the top position seemed to have him comfortably ahead on the judges' scorecards.
However, in the final round, the fight took a dramatic turn. Chael Sonnen continued to control the fight on the ground, but with less than two minutes left in the fifth round, Silva, from his back, attempted a triangle armbar submission-a technique that was nearly impossible to secure against a wrestler of Sonnen's caliber.
Surprisingly, Silva managed to lock in the submission, forcing Sonnen to tap out with just over a minute left in the fight. The sudden and unexpected submission victory in the closing moments of the final round marked an incredible comeback for Anderson Silva, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Number 2.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
From the beginning, Sonnen implemented his game plan effectively by utilizing his exceptional wrestling skills to take Silva down repeatedly. Throughout the fight, Sonnen maintained top control, stifling Silva's offense and continuously landing ground-and-pound strikes. His relentless pressure and control on the ground surprised many fans and experts, dominating the first four rounds of the fight.
Despite Silva being known for his dangerous striking, Sonnen effectively nullified the stand-up game by taking the fight to the ground and imposing his wrestling dominance. Sonnen's ground control and effective striking from the top position seemed to have him comfortably ahead on the judges' scorecards.
However, in the final round, the fight took a dramatic turn. Chael Sonnen continued to control the fight on the ground, but with less than two minutes left in the fifth round, Silva, from his back, attempted a triangle armbar submission-a technique that was nearly impossible to secure against a wrestler of Sonnen's caliber.
Surprisingly, Silva managed to lock in the submission, forcing Sonnen to tap out with just over a minute left in the fight. The sudden and unexpected submission victory in the closing moments of the final round marked an incredible comeback for Anderson Silva, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Number 3.
Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin at UFC 116.
The first round of the fight was a rollercoaster of emotions for both fighters and the fans. Shane Carwin came out aggressively and immediately landed heavy strikes that had Lesnar in trouble. Carwin showcased his immense power by rocking Lesnar and landing a barrage of punches, which had Lesnar on the brink of defeat. Carwin's striking accuracy and power were evident as he dominated the round and had Lesnar in a compromised position, nearly finishing the fight.
However, Lesnar's resilience and ability to survive Carwin's onslaught were remarkable. Despite being badly hurt and taking severe damage, Lesnar managed to weather the storm and intelligently defend himself on the ground. He showcased his durability and heart by enduring Carwin's powerful punches and maintaining his composure.
As the first round progressed, Carwin visibly tired himself out while relentlessly trying to finish Lesnar. This exhaustion proved to be a turning point in the fight. Lesnar took advantage of Carwin's fatigue and managed to secure a takedown late in the first round, transitioning to a dominant position on the ground.
In the second round, Lesnar capitalized on Carwin's weakened state and quickly gained control on the ground. He utilized his superior wrestling skills to secure a submission hold, transitioning into a dominant position on the ground where he eventually locked in an arm-triangle choke. Carwin, drained from his earlier burst of energy, had little left to defend against Lesnar's submission attempt and was forced to tap out, giving Brock Lesnar the victory via submission.
Overall, the Lesnar vs. Carwin bout at UFC 116 remains one of the most memorable fights in UFC history, showcasing the heart, skill, and determination of both fighters while solidifying Brock Lesnar's legacy as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.