After the conclusion of UFC 269, we would like to recall the most sensational defeats in the history of the promotion. During the existence of the league there are several dozens of them, but we have distinguished Top 5 of the most unexpected defeats.
Georges St-Pierre – Matt Serra (2007)
Few great fighters have escaped defeat. One of them was Georges St-Pierre, who in 2007 lost to little-known puncher Matt Serra. At the time he faced the undefeated Canadian, Serra had a career record of 9-4. He worked predominantly in the counter, and of the “trumps” in his fight against St-Pierre, he only had a cannon punch.
At first it looked as though GSP would pick up another solid win. But it was all changed by Serra’s right-hander, who unleashed a series of deliveries. The referee had no choice but to stop the fight as St Pierre showed no signs of resistance. In a rematch a year later, Georges sent Matt “counting stars” in the second round, and deservedly regained the UFC championship belt.
Anderson Silva – Chris Weidman (2013)
UFC great fighter Anderson Silva has had a bad year in the league in 2013. On July 6, the Spider went out seemingly for another win. Despite Chris Weidman’s record of 9 wins with 0 losses, Silva was seen as the unconditional favourite for the fight. The Brazilian had an impressive winning streak of 17 straight, and was vastly superior technically.
The first round was surprisingly dictated by Wildman. In the second round, Silva started to wriggle, and he paid the price for it. Chris caught the Brazilian and knocked him out cold early in the second round. The rematch was even more tragic for Spider: he broke his leg and got technical defeat. That ended the Brazilian’s UFC career.
Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm (2015)
Before the fight, no one doubted that Ronda Rousey would defeat Holly Holm. Her next bout with Chris Cyborg was already in full swing by the league. But on November 15, 2015, things didn’t work out in Rosie’s favour. Holm opted for a wait-and-see tactic, successfully counter-attacking and scoring points. It turned out that Ronda has absolutely no attacking skills, at least in her fight with Holly she was clumsy at it.
In the second round, a stunned Rosie received a killer high kick to the head. An instant knockout and the championship belt goes to the underdog. Subsequently, Ronda Rousey never regained her former level. The American’s career went downhill, so she soon stopped being associated with the strongest woman on the planet.
Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz (2016)
Rising UFC star Conor McGregor moved up to lightweight for the title. The Irishman was originally scheduled to fight Rafael Dos Anjos, but he withdrew a month before the fight. Nate Diaz came out on short notice against Conor. Another easy victory for Notorious was expected.
The first round did not portend trouble, with McGregor confidently smashing Diaz in the counter. But it was not so easy to knock out the American. From the second round onwards Notorious started to lose his strength, but the American found a second wind. Conor’s stupidest decision was a leg pass: he basically dug himself a hole. Diaz did a great job in the parterre, went for the choke hold and the Irishman knocked. Yes, McGregor took his revenge a year later, but that refereeing decision is still criticised. Sometimes inflated ambition brings nothing but disappointment.
Amanda Nunez – Julianna Peña (2021)
Amanda Nunez is an iconic fighter in the UFC league. In her day, she destroyed Ronda Rousey and Chris Cyborg. But it was the Lioness’ turn to lose. All the more surprisingly, her offense was Julianna Pena, quite the average fighter with a 10-4 record. Peña survived the first round on character, counterattacked in the second, went for the choke and took the championship belt from Nunez. It may have been the end of an era for the legendary Lioness, which will be known for sure in the rematch. It will surely take place in 2022.
The UFC League is a renowned mixed martial arts promotion that has earned rabid popularity with audiences. It features some of the best fighters of the day. Many fights at UFC tournaments are unpredictable and that has been proven time and again. That’s what makes the sport so interesting.