A panel of ten Russian MMA journalists collaborated to create a ranking of the worst title fights in UFC history. Among the selections, Israel Adesanya versus Yoel Romero from 2020 placed third on the list. The bout was criticized for its extreme inactivity, with the first round recording just 48-40 total strikes and 0-1 significant strikes to the head. Over 25 minutes, neither fighter attempted a takedown, and both appeared hesitant to engage despite Romero needing to claim the belt as the challenger. The article author noted that several other lackluster title fights were considered, including Francis Ngannou versus Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones versus Chael Sonnen, before settling on the Adesanya-Romero matchup as emblematic of a championship bout that failed to deliver action.
A panel of ten Russian MMA journalists has published a collaborative ranking of the worst title fights in UFC history, with the 2020 middleweight championship bout between Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero landing at number three on the list.
The fight drew sharp criticism for its historic inactivity. Across five rounds and 25 minutes of championship time, neither man attempted a single takedown. The first round alone saw just 48-40 total strikes thrown between them, with a remarkable 0-1 significant strikes to the head recorded in that opening frame. The dynamic was made stranger by the fact that Romero, as the challenger, needed a finish to claim the belt, yet neither fighter showed urgency to engage.
Adesanya, now 36 years old and ranked eighth in the UFC middleweight division, carries a professional record of 24-6. The Nigerian striker representing City Kickboxing lands 4.03 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent accuracy, and his grappling output is minimal — averaging just 0.05 takedowns per 15 minutes. His style is built on timing and distance management, qualities that proved counterproductive when Romero matched his patience.
The journalists noted the Adesanya-Romero bout edged out other candidates for the top-three spot, including Francis Ngannou versus Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones versus Chael Sonnen. Jones, a 38-year-old orthodox fighter standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, did not ultimately make the final cut for the list despite that contest being considered.
Why it matters
- The ranking reignites debate about how inactivity should factor into championship-level judging and fighter accountability
- Adesanya-Romero remains a touchstone example of a technically skilled striker failing to produce meaningful output against an equally cautious opponent
- The inclusion of other high-profile bouts in the conversation signals broader concern about championship fights that do not meet fan expectations for action
