10) Jordan Williams defeats Gregory Rodriguez via knockout method via punches – Dana White’s Contender Series – Week 7
Jordan Williams got the opportunity in the main event of the Dana White’s Contender Series to get a UFC contract and did against Gregory Rodriguez.
9) Taylor Johnson submits Ed Ruth – Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2
There are times when a fighter is looking to regroup and in doing so gives an opportunity for an up and comer and that’s what happened when Taylor Johnson was able to upset Ed Ruth in a move up to middleweight.
8) Sabina Mazo submits Justine Kish – UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill
Sabina Mazo further extended her winning streak in the UFC to three, this time against the veteran Justine Kish with a submission victory.
7) Neiman Gracie submits Jon Fitch – Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Mix
It’s not often that a fighter retires another one with a win but that’s exactly what Neiman Gracie did against Jon Fitch in this final Fitch match.
6) Ovince Saint Preux knocksout Alonzo Menifield – UFC Fight Night 176
Ovince Saint Preux needed a win after an ill fated fight at heavyweight and got it against Alonzo Menifield for a Performance of the Night.
5) Israel Adesanya TKOs Paulo Costa – UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa
This was a rare battle of undefeated fighters when defending champion Israel Adesanya knocked out Paulo Costa in impressive fashion.
4) Jan Błachowicz defeats Dominick Reyes via technical knockout victory method – UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa – Upset of the Month
Jan Błachowicz win was an upset only by betting odds but it didn’t make his win over Dominick Reyes any less impressive all things considered.
3) Mackenzie Dern defeats Randa Markos via submission victory – UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley – Submission of the Month
The rise of Mackenzie Dern continued with another submission win, this time against the veteran strawweight fighter Randa Markos.
2) Khamzat Chimaev defeats Gerald Meerschaert via knockout victory – UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley – Knockout of the Month
Khamzat Chimaev finished his year in fine fashion against Gerald Meerschaert with his second knockout in a row at middleweight.
1) Brandon Royval defeats Kai Kara-Francis via submission victory method – UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa – Fight of the Month
While this fight didn’t last half way into the scheduled time, Brandon Royval in his submission win over Kai Kara-Francis got Fight of the Night. The win earned Royval a title shot match which ultimately didn’t pan out.