UFC's Biggest Underdog Knockout Wins
The world of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is known for its unpredictable nature, where anything can happen once the octagon door closes. While skill, training, and strategy are crucial, sometimes the sheer will and determination of an underdog can lead to the most shocking and memorable knockouts. These are the moments that remind us why we love combat sports ā the upsets, the unexpected victories, and the sheer drama of seeing someone defy the odds. So, letās dive into some of the biggest underdog knockout wins in UFC history, moments that have left fans in awe and changed fighters' careers forever.
Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC 69)
When we talk about underdog knockouts, this fight immediately comes to mind. Matt Serra, a massive underdog with odds stacked heavily against him, faced the dominant Georges St-Pierre (GSP) at UFC 69 in April 2007. GSP was the welterweight champion and looked virtually unbeatable. Serra, on the other hand, had earned his title shot by winning The Ultimate Fighter 4, a season featuring fighters who had previously appeared on the show but hadn't reached the top. Nobody gave Serra a chance, but thatās why we love this sport, right guys?
From the opening bell, GSP came out confident, but Serra was ready. Serra landed a massive overhand right that wobbled GSP badly. St-Pierre, clearly hurt, tried to recover, but Serra swarmed him with punches. GSP went down, and Serra unleashed a barrage of strikes, forcing the referee to stop the fight. The crowd went wild! It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and Serra became the new welterweight champion. This fight is a perfect example of how, in MMA, anything can happen. Serra's victory wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a testament to the fact that heart and determination can sometimes overcome even the most significant skill disparities. Serraās win remains an inspiring story for any underdog stepping into the octagon. It just goes to show, with the right strategy and a whole lot of grit, even the most improbable dreams can come true. And letās be real, seeing the look on everyoneās faces when Serra won? Priceless!
Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193)
Another monumental underdog knockout occurred at UFC 193 in November 2015 when Holly Holm faced Ronda Rousey. Rousey was an absolute juggernaut at the time, an undefeated bantamweight champion who had demolished almost all of her opponents with ease. Her aura of invincibility was almost tangible. Holm, a former boxing champion transitioning to MMA, was seen as a credible challenger but still a significant underdog.
From the start, Holm's game plan was evident: use her superior striking and footwork to keep Rousey at bay. She circled and moved, frustrating Rousey's attempts to close the distance and initiate a grapple. In the second round, Holm landed a devastating head kick that sent Rousey crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up punches sealed the deal, and Holm was the new champion. The shockwaves from this knockout were felt throughout the sports world. Rousey's aura of invincibility was shattered, and Holm became an instant star. This fight highlighted the importance of strategic game planning and the ability to execute under pressure. Holm didn't just get lucky; she prepared meticulously and exploited Rousey's weaknesses. It was a masterclass in how to defeat a seemingly unbeatable opponent. Plus, the image of Holm standing over a defeated Rousey became iconic, symbolizing the changing landscape of women's MMA. Seriously, guys, who saw that coming?!
Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva (UFC 162)
At UFC 162 in July 2013, Chris Weidman stepped into the octagon as a sizable underdog against the legendary Anderson Silva. Silva was widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, holding the UFC middleweight title for a record-breaking 2,457 days. His striking was unparalleled, his movement mesmerizing, and his aura intimidating. Weidman, an undefeated collegiate wrestler with a burgeoning MMA career, was seen as a tough challenger, but few believed he could dethrone "The Spider."
The fight was filled with drama from the opening bell. Silva, known for his unorthodox and sometimes showboating style, taunted Weidman, dropping his hands and daring Weidman to strike him. In the second round, Silva's antics backfired spectacularly. As Silva leaned back to avoid a punch, Weidman landed a perfectly timed left hook that connected flush on Silva's chin. Silva crumbled to the mat, unconscious. The arena erupted in disbelief. Weidman had done the unthinkable; he had knocked out Anderson Silva. This victory not only earned Weidman the middleweight title but also marked the end of an era. Silva's reign of dominance was over, and Weidman had ushered in a new chapter in the middleweight division. This fight serves as a reminder that even the most legendary fighters are not invincible, and that timing and precision can be more potent than reputation. It was one of those moments where you had to rub your eyes and ask, "Did that really just happen?" Absolutely legendary!
Julianna PeƱa vs. Amanda Nunes (UFC 269)
While not a single knockout punch, Julianna PeƱa's victory over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 in December 2021 was such an underdog story that it deserves a place on this list. Nunes was considered by many to be the greatest female MMA fighter of all time, holding both the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously. She had looked virtually unbeatable for years. PeƱa, on the other hand, was a seasoned veteran but was seen as a significant underdog.
In the first round, Nunes came out strong, seemingly justifying the odds in her favor. However, in the second round, PeƱa turned the tide. She started to find success with her striking, engaging Nunes in a fierce back-and-forth brawl. Nunes, known for her composure, started to look flustered. PeƱa's relentless pressure and willingness to exchange punches seemed to break Nunes' spirit. Eventually, PeƱa secured a takedown and locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Nunes to tap out. The crowd went absolutely wild. PeƱa had pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, capturing the bantamweight title. This fight was a testament to the power of resilience and unwavering belief in oneself. PeƱa refused to be intimidated by Nunes' reputation and fought with everything she had. Her victory showed that heart and determination can sometimes overcome even the most significant skill advantages. Seriously, talk about David versus Goliath! PeƱa's win is a reminder that in fighting, and in life, you should never underestimate the underdog. The Lioness may be fierce, but The Venezuelan Vixen had more heart that night.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many underdog knockout wins that have shocked and thrilled UFC fans over the years. These moments remind us that anything can happen in the world of combat sports and that the human spirit's will to win can never be underestimated. Whether it's Serra's improbable victory over GSP, Holm's calculated dismantling of Rousey, Weidman's stunning knockout of Silva, or PeƱaās gritty win over Nunes, these fights have become legendary, etched in the memories of fans worldwide. They serve as a constant reminder that in the octagon, and in life, the underdog always has a chance. So, keep believing, keep fighting, and who knows, maybe you'll be the next one to defy the odds and achieve the impossible! What underdog knockout do you think will happen next, guys?