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Fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) have experienced some of the most exciting and unpredictable moments in sports thanks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The possibility of upsets is one element that makes the UFC so compelling. An underdog can overcome the odds and defeat a strongly favored opponent on any given night. On account of Sean Strickland's upset over Israel Adesanya, we'll look at the top 5 shocking upsets inn UFC history.
Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC 69 - April 7, 2007)
The ultimate underdog story, Matt Serra was given little chance against the dominant welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre. Serra was a gritty fighter and winner of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show, but he was considered a significant underdog. In a shocking turn of events, Serra secured a first-round knockout to claim the welterweight title. This victory remains one of the most remarkable underdog stories in UFC history.
Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193 - November 15, 2015)
Ronda Rousey was an iconic figure in women's MMA, unbeaten and seemingly invincible. Holly Holm, a former boxing champion, entered the octagon as a considerable underdog. Holm's striking prowess proved to be the kryptonite for Rousey, as she knocked her out in the second round, dethroning the queen of the bantamweight division. Holm's victory reshaped women's MMA and reminded fans that no one is unbeatable.
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman (UFC 162 - July 6, 2013)
Anderson Silva was hailed as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, with a unique, unorthodox style that had baffled his opponents. Chris Weidman, an undefeated contender, was considered a formidable opponent but still an underdog. In a shocking upset, Weidman knocked out Silva in the second round, ending Silva's dominant reign as the middleweight champion. This fight proved that even legends can fall.
T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barão (UFC 173 - May 24, 2014)
Renan Barão was on an extraordinary 32-fight unbeaten streak when he faced T.J. Dillashaw for the bantamweight title. Barão was regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters globally, and Dillashaw was given little chance. However, Dillashaw displayed unparalleled skill and determination, dominating Barão for five rounds and winning the title via a fifth-round TKO. This upset showcased the ever-evolving talent pool in the UFC.
Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn (UFC 112 - April 10, 2010)
BJ Penn, a UFC legend and reigning lightweight champion, was expected to easily dispatch Frankie Edgar, a talented but less-heralded challenger. However, Edgar's speed, footwork, and relentless pace proved to be Penn's undoing. Edgar won a unanimous decision and claimed the lightweight title, marking one of the most surprising upsets in the division's history.