My Top 5 UFC Fights That Are Life Affirming.

Intro.

The term life affirming means differant things to all people. To me it's a testement to what people have gone through in life, so these fights aren't just ones that are close to my heart, they mean loads to the fighters. Some have come through drug addiction, whilst others have gone through family issues, so this is a look at those fights that came at the right time, and the right place for many fans on a global level. so lets get stuck in and check out my top 5 list.

5. UFC 132 Urijah Faber vs Dominic Cruz.

Adversity comes in many shades and forms, this one comes off the back of a heated rivalry, that at this point had lasted for nearly half a decade. Dominic had to overcome the fact that he had already lost to Faber back in 2007 when both fighters were part of the WEC. This fight was an electric barn burner that lasted 5 rounds. I have lost count the amount of times that I have watched this fight, and everytime I see it. I end up discovering something new about myself. This affirmed the point that in life we all have things to overcome. It's how you do it that matters.

4. Jon Jones vs Quinton Rampage Jackson UFC 135.

This fight is essential when you look at what happened before both men entered the cage. Jon stopped a lady from getting mugged in a local park. Jon would go on to beat Rampage on this night. Later down the line Jon's career would take a few controversial turns surrounding failed drug tests, and a hit and run, that injured a pregnant lady. Jon has now since retired from MMA as a whole, even though fans still linger for him to return. Why is this life affirming is the main question? when someone has done terrible things? Well it comes down to the young age demo that watch the sport with there parents. you can't have someone on your roster who does bad things, without the younger members of the audience learning that his behaviour isn't the way to lead your life.

3. Chuck Liddell vs Wanderlai Silva UFC 79.

I was struggling to think why this Match means so much to me. And I came back to one thing. Both men gave everything. This is one of the best fights that has the most rewatch value in my opinion. Chuck was coming off the back of two disapointing fights one losing his Light Heavyweight Championship to Quinton Rampage Jackson at UFC 71, and the second a dream fight against Keith Jardine at UFC 76. This meant that Chucks back was against the wall. Wanderlai on the otherside had come over from Pride, and was etching to prove himself. This was life affirming for both men. Life is a funny thing, that at times prove that you can come back from anything, and if you've got something to prove, then it's up to you to do it.

2. Tito Ortiz vs Ryan Baber UFC 132.

Tito Ortiz at one point was seen as a bit of a laughing stock in the year of 2011. He had been on a 5 year losing streak at this point. So this is why I love watching this fight. The fighting spirit of an MMA Warrior is something that never dies. Tito in the years of him losing just felt very sad, Because look at what had become of this one time Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight Champion. But on this night back in 2011 something sparked into life when he submitted Ryan Baber. This is a fight that teaches you the lesson, of if you've still got it, then don't ever tarnish it or lose it, because there could be a chance that you won't be able to get it back.

1. Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman UFC 160.

This fight is sad look at what is to come. On this night in 2013. Chris Weidman beat Anderson Silva to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. On one hand Chris getting the belt was the combination of a lifelong dream coming to fruition, whilst on the other hand. A career was entering its twilight years under a sad note. Both men would then take different paths. Anderson would injure his leg in their rematch just six months later, and be on the sidelines for over a year, whilst Chris would go on to defend his belt against Vitor Belfort on two occasions.

Overview On This Piece And Advice.

I've been in some dark places in my life, and i've not always been helped when it comes to facing up to issues that i've had to overcome, in the ways that I should've been, and if you're facing the same problems just know that you can come through anything, because like Jellyroll once said It's Not Okay, But You're Going To Be Alright. This was my inspiration for writing this piece.