5 Biggest Upsets In UFC History
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), unpredictability is a constant. Fights can turn on a dime, and underdogs can rise to the occasion, shocking fans and pundits alike. Throughout the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), there have been moments that serve as reminders of just how unpredictable the sport can be. In this article, we delve into the five biggest upsets in UFC history, where fighters defied the odds and etched their names in MMA lore.
#5: Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman, UFC 162.
Anderson Silva, often hailed as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, had been virtually untouchable for years. He held the middleweight championship and boasted a 16-fight win streak when he faced Chris Weidman at UFC 162. Weidman, with an undefeated record of 9-0, was considered an underdog, but few expected the shocking outcome that unfolded.
In the second round, Silva employed his signature taunting, hands down by his side. However, Weidman remained composed and closed the distance, ultimately delivering a flurry of punches that knocked out the legendary champion. This loss marked the end of Silva’s seven-year winning streak and serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA.
#4. Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping II, UFC 199
Luke Rockhold entered UFC 199 as a formidable middleweight champion, riding a five-fight win streak and fresh off a knockout victory over Chris Weidman. On the other side of the cage stood Michael Bisping, who had lost to Rockhold previously and took the fight on just 17 days’ notice. Bisping was also considered past his prime at 37 years old.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Bisping unleashed a stunning left hook that led to a knockout victory, crowning him the new middleweight champion. His legendary heart and determination, combined with witty banter in the lead-up, made this upset an unforgettable moment in UFC history.
#3. Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm, UFC 193.
Ronda Rousey was the face of women’s MMA, boasting a perfect 12-0 record with her last four fights ending in the first round. Holly Holm, while undefeated at 9-0, had not displayed the same dominance in her early UFC career. Most expected another routine victory for Rousey, but UFC 193 would deliver one of the most shocking moments in MMA.
Holm utilised relentless movement, keeping Rousey off balance before landing a picture-perfect head kick in the second round, leading to a knockout victory. This upset was so monumental that oddsmakers declared it the single biggest upset in UFC history.
#2. Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pea, UFC 269
Amanda Nunes, often regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time, faced Julianna Pea at UFC 269. Nunes was on a dominant run with a perfect 12-0 record and had finished her last four opponents within the first round. Pea, despite a 2-2 record in her last four fights, was labelled a massive underdog, facing a seemingly invincible ‘Lioness.’
Nunes appeared to be on her way to another victory with a strong first round. However, in the second round, Pea rocked Nunes before securing a rear-naked choke, winning her first UFC championship. This recent upset immediately entered the conversation as one of the most shocking victories in UFC history.
#1. Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra, UFC 69
Georges St-Pierre, often considered the MMA GOAT, had only one loss in his UFC career—a defeat to Matt Hughes. St-Pierre had avenged that loss and was riding high as the welterweight champion when he faced Matt Serra at UFC 69. Serra had earned his title shot through The Ultimate Fighter, but his 5-4 UFC record did not inspire confidence.
In the first round of their fight, Serra shocked the MMA world by knocking out St-Pierre, becoming the welterweight champion in one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. This stunning victory, combined with the circumstances surrounding Serra’s title shot, solidified its place as the most incredible upset in UFC lore.
The UFC has provided MMA fans with countless memorable moments, but these five upsets stand out as the most astonishing in the sport’s history. They serve as powerful reminders that, in MMA, anything can happen on any given night, and underdogs can defy the odds, etching their names in the annals of UFC history.
