You could argue that 2011 was the most exciting year in UFC history. We had a perfect blend of old stars still active, PRIDE fighters still giving it their all, an expanded roster with Strikeforce absorbed, and the lighter-weight divisions featuring former WEC fighters stealing show after show. Not to mention, the matchmaking was utterly perfect. We did our best to decide on the top five fights of 2011 and the cards that sync up with these classic matches, but this list could easily be 20 deep. In fact, UFC 139 is represented twice in the top five, and both fights received “Fight of the Night” – which has never been done before or after. Let us know what you think. Is there anything we missed?
These cards have been chosen because of the exciting in-cage performances by the featured UFC fighters and the historical context of the fights themselves. Some of these fights changed UFC history forever.
Top Five Fights of 2011
2012 Topps UFC Finest #A-WS Wanderlei Silva Auto
UFC 139: Wanderlei Silva vs. Cung Le
Fight info
• The ultimate clash of styles – a kickboxing karate style vs pure violent brawler
• one of the few fights between a former Pride champion and a former Strikeforce champion
Card info
• autos feature only 35 fighters
• four PARALLELs (Gold Refractor 1/25, Black Octa-fractor 1/8, Red Refractor 1/1, Printing Plates (4 per card) 1/1
card back
• all details around the UFC 139 fight card’s date and results, along with a short recap of this “fight of the night” bonus-winning battle
2012 Topps UFC Finest Finest Moments Gold Refractor FM-CK Cheick Kongo /88
UFC Live: Pat Barry vs Cheick Kongo
Fight info
• one of the craziest heavyweight fights ever, with three knockdowns and an improbable comeback finish – all in under 2.5 minutes
• easily in the top three all-time comeback wins in UFC history
Card info
• 100 card base set
• six parallels (gold is 1/88)
card back
• A who/what/when/where of the UFC on Versus 4 card, along with a bio of the fight that was deemed a “comeback win for the ages”
2012 Topps UFC Finest UFC 137 Event Used Mat Jumbo Relic Card FFJM-ND Nick Diaz RC
UFC 137: BJ Penn vs Nick Diaz
Fight info
• Nick Diaz’s first UFC fight as the incoming Strikeforce welterweight champion (a title he vacated when UFC absorbed Strikeforce)
• At this point, Penn was coming off a draw against Jon Fitch and 21-second knockout of Matt Hughes, and still had an aura as one of the best in the welterweight division
Card info
• 26 fighters featured
• 3 parallels Black Octa-fractor #/8, Red Refractor 1/1, Printing Plates (4 per card) 1/1
card back
• A certificate of authenticity and guarantee that this mat relic came from UFC 137
2012 Topps UFC Bloodlines Dual Relic Auto/Fighter Worn Jersey FAR-FE Frankie Edgar /35
UFC 136: Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard 3
Fight info
• Edgar and maynard fought in two classics against each other in 2011 – the first at UFC 125, which ended in a draw, the other at ufc 136 , where edgar won via comeback ko
Card info
• dual relic autos capped at 35 cards with 3threeparallels Red 1/8, Platinum 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1
card back
• a guarantee of the autograph and relic’s authenticity – the fighter-worn relic is not from any specific event
2012 Topps UFC Finest Moments #FM-DH Dan Henderson Auto
UFC 139: Dan Henderson vs Shogun Rua I
Fight info
• One of the greatest combat sports fights ever – bar none.
• Entered into the ufc hall of fame fight wing
Card info
• 25 finest moment cards total
• Five parallels Blue X-fractor 1/188, Gold Refractor 1/88, Black Octa-fractor 1/8, Red Refractor 1/1, Printing Plates (4 per card) 1/1
card back
• A recap of hendo’s incredible 2011, in which he won the strikeforce light heavyweight belt, moved up to heavyweight to knock out fedor Emelianenko, and then beat shogun rua in one of the greatest fights of all time
