sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Five Of The Greatest Fight Nights At The Manchester Arena

Five Of The Greatest Fight Nights At The Manchester Arena

Just a few of some of the biggest nights in Manchester.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

The premier MMA organisation make their eagerly anticipated return to Manchester for UFC 204 as the first British UFC champion Michael Bisping makes the first defence of his newly-minted middleweight title by facing former foe Dan Henderson.

The promotion's return to the Manchester Arena (formerly M.E.N Arena) is part of a series of fight nights slated for the North of England including lightweight unification bout Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares and heavyweight unification rematch Tyson Fury vs. Wladimir Klitschko, as well as Anthony Joshua's second IBF defence, with the city becoming a hotbed for huge fights in the U.K.

To commemorate UFC 204, TheSPORTbible have named a few, among the many, great nights that lit up fight fans in Manchester from both the world of boxing and UFC:

Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu

Similar to what UFC 204 will be, beloved Mancunian Ricky Hatton challenged pound-for-pound great Kostya Tszyu in the middle of the morning.

Around 22,000 fans came in their droves to witness their hero in action who ultimately put on a career-defining performance.

Hatton's aggressiveness and pace took its toll on the Australian as his trainer halted the contest prompting an eruption from his adoring faithfuls claiming the super-lightweight IBF title in the process as well as pulling off a major upset.

A night Manchester boxing fans will never forget as the 'Hitman' dethroned Tszyu in impressive fashion in front of a crammed Manchester Arena, cementing one of the most illustrious nights in British boxing history, heck British sporting history.

UFC 70: Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko 'Cro Cop'


Cro Cop got Cro Cop'ed!

Gabriel Gonzaga was paired up with the feared Croatian former kick-boxer serving as the main-event for the promotions first event in Manchester.

The bout was to determine the No.1 contender for heavyweight kingpin Randy Couture. Cro Cop was considered by many to be best striker in the heavyweight division. His patented left high kick had become the thing of legend thanks to his devastating wins over in Japan under the Pride banner.

Though the batshit crazy sport that is MMA threw up a devastating turn of events. Perhaps the most dramatic twist of fate in MMA history left Manchester, and the world, stunned as the Brazilian landed a vicious head-kick sending the legendary fighter crumbling to the mat with his ankle twisted hideously beneath him.

To date, still one of the most shocking knockouts of all-time.

UFC 105: Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang


We couldn't have a list of best fights in Manchester without the the man himself, Michael Bisping. The Clitheroe-native was reeling off his first stoppage defeat to the hands of Dan Henderson at UFC 100, and eyes where firmly fixated on how Bisping would bounce back.

Despite getting dropped by a right-hand in the first round, Bisping survived the onslaught, and displayed a spirited comeback churning out a second-round TKO as the fight was rightfully awarded with Fight of the Night honours.

The middleweight title holder now eyes revenge as he faces the American legend at UFC 204.

UFC 105: Dan Hardy vs. Mike Swick

What was being touted as his toughest fight of his career, Hardy triumphed thus making history.

"The Outlaw" became the first British UFC fighter to earn a title shot by out-pointing Mike Swick at UFC 105.

He was able to defeat Swick over a three-round affair subsequently getting matched up with reigning 170lbs champions and all-time great Georges St-Pierre.

Unfortunately, Hardy lost a lopsided decision, but those armbar and kimura escapes.

Battle of Britain: Carl Froch vs. George Groves I

Before Carl Froch and George Groves sold out Wembley (If you didn't know) the pair fought a epic back-and-forth war in Manchester.

The fans in attendance at the Manchester Arena greeted the 'cocky' challenger with a shower of boos but by the end there were cheers for the 28-year-old following a gusty performance.

After flooring the world champion, Froch rallied back eventually getting a controversial stoppage victory. The Nottingham-fighter displayed his dogged determination en route to defending his titles but the Londoner was heralded for his brilliant performance.

The memorable night of November 23rd preceded the mammoth event at the national stadium.

Honorable mentions: Michael Bisping vs. Elvis Sinosic, Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, Lyoto Machida vs. Mark Munoz, Anthony Crolla vs. John Murray

Fight club members can purchase tickets on September 7, followed by a pre-sale for those signed up to the UFC newsletter on September 8. Tickets go on general sale on September 9. Each sale will start at 10am BST. Tickets are expected to fly out, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Words By @NasJabbar

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: UFC