Five times UFC title fights ended in dramatic draws

Interim flyweight UFC champion Brandon Moreno. Photo via YouTube

Last weekend’s title fight draw between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev is still making headlines in the MMA media.

However, it’s not the first time a title fight ends without a winner. During the years, no less than five UFC title fights have ended in draws.

Check them out here!

Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev – Light heavyweight title (2022)

Jan Blachowicz. Photo: Per Häljestam – USA TODAY Sports

In the recent light heavyweight title bout at UFC 282, Jan Blachowicz won the first three rounds according to two of the judges. However, Magomed Ankalaev got 10-8 in the last round by two judges, therefore the fight ended up being a draw.

Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill will fight for the vacant title at UFC 283 in January.

Figueiredo vs. Moreno 1 – Flyweight title (2020)

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The first epic clash between flyweight rivals Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno took place at UFC 256 back in December 2020.

In the exciting and even five-rounder, Figueiredo had a point taken from him by the referee for a low blow. The point reduction proved to be crucial as it turned two 48-47 scorecards in his favor into even 47-47 decisions.

In the end, the fight ended up being a majority draw (47–46, 47–47, 47–47) and we saw the birth of one of the biggest rivalries in the promotion’s history.

Woodley vs. Thompson – Welterweight title (2016)

Tyron Woodley. Photo: Kevin Jairaj – USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 welterweight title bout between wrestling-heavy champion Tyron Woodley and striking specialist Stephen Thompson turned out to be one hell of a fight.

After five rounds, the judges scored the bout a majority draw, and Woodley kept his title.

The promotion then booked an immidiate rematch between the two top dogs.

Edgar vs. Maynard – Lightweight title (2011)

UFC legend Frankie Edgar

At UFC 125 in January 2011, the lightweight title bout between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard ended up being a draw after five dramatic rounds. The judges scored the fight 46–48, 48–46, 47–47.

However, in October the same year, the two clashed again and this time Edgar knocked out his rival in the fourth round.

Penn vs. Uno – Lightweight title (2003)

BJ Penn and Caol Uno back in 2003.

The first title fight to end in a draw was B.J. Penn’s fight with Caol Uno for the vacant lightweight title in 2003.

After the final bell, it stood clear that the judges saw the outcome of the fight differently, resulting in a split draw.

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