Absurd Wins: The Most Unpredictable Victories in UFC History

4 months ago By Jhon Woug

UFC is a sport in which it is possible to predict everything and, at the same time, expect the unexpected. Of course, not all fights go down as planned, which makes some of the outcomes truly memorable and often even ridiculous, which is why fans love MMA so much. Such victories are usually achieved by fighters who are considered to have no chance against their opponents or through unexpected and puzzling events. Here, it is important to focus on some of the most unexpected and mind-boggling upsets in the history of the UFC so that viewers can see the best of the sport in terms of the unbelievable.

1.Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre: Fight of the Night (UFC 69)

The fight of the year was between Matt Serra and the then-champion, Georges St-Pierre, at UFC 69 for the UFC welterweight title. GSP, who is regarded as one of the best fighters to have ever lived, was entering the fight as a heavy favorite. Serra, who claimed his right to face the champion after winning the ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ comeback series, was not expected to beat the champion.

But then Serra stunned the world with a first-round knockout of GSP. Serra knocked the champion down with a looping right hand and followed up with more punches that made the referee stop the fight. This battle is still considered one of the most shocking and unexpected in the history of MMA and is a perfect example of how, in this fighting discipline, anything is possible.

2.Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey fight held in UFC 193.

Ronda Rousey was a dominant force in women’s MMA and had submitted all of her previous opponents in her career, usually in the first round. Holly Holm, who used to be a professional boxer and kickboxer, was considered just another opponent for Rousey to destroy. Many people believed that the fight at UFC 193 would only last a few moments, with Rousey emerging as the bantamweight champion.

However, what Holm did to Ronda was one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history. Holm, having a taller reach and better striking, managed to control Rousey throughout the fight, and in the second round, she landed the ultimate head kick, which knocked out Rousey. The result caused a massive upset in the MMA community and saw the end of Rousey’s dominance in spectacular fashion.

3. Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva (UFC 162)

Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, was on a 10-fight title defense streak when he faced Chris Weidman in 2013. Silva’s striking prowess and elusive style made him a heavy favorite against the relatively unheralded Weidman.

In a stunning turn of events, Weidman capitalized on Silva’s showboating, landing a left hook that knocked Silva out in the second round. This victory ended Silva’s legendary reign and marked the beginning of Weidman’s championship career.

4.Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (UFC 70)

Mirko Cro Cop was famous for his head kicks, and the fight fans loved to hear the phrase, “Right leg, to the hospital; left leg, to the cemetery.” Due to his striking skills, Cro Cop started as a big favorite against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70.

Ironically, Gonzaga produced one of the most shocking and cruel moments in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The first round saw Gonzaga land a powerful head kick to Cro Cop’s head, making him unconscious and falling off the mat in a heap. As if it could not get any more ridiculous, an element of humor was added with Cro Cop being knocked out by his own move, making this fight one of the most absurd wins in UFC history.

5. Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes (UFC 269)

With a 12-fight winning streak and eight straight as the UFC bantamweight champion, Amanda Nunes was widely regarded as not only the best female fighter in MMA history but also one of its all-time greats regardless of gender when she squared off against Julianna Peña back in November. A strong challenger, Peña was a heavy underdog.

Peña was able to weather an early storm from Nunes on the feet and ultimately dominated, unloading a rear-naked choke in Round 2, capturing his first bantamweight title. Fans were thoroughly surprised by this upset, which showcased just how much of a warrior Peña is, making it to the list as one of the most surprising outcomes in recent UFC history.

6. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor (UFC 196)

Back in early 2016, Conor McGregor was undefeated as the UFC featherweight champion and on his way to a shot at lightweight gold when he fought Nate Diaz at welterweight on short notice. Heavy favorite McGregor had a reputation built on knockout power and precision.

Diaz, on short notice, overcomes an early barrage from McGregor, then taps him out with a rear-naked choke in the second round. This loss set back the momentum of McGregor as well as put Diaz on the map regarding some incredible toughness and skill in what would become another classic UFC moment.

7. Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold (UFC 199)

Michael Bisping stepped in on short notice to face middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in 2016. Rockhold had previously defeated Bisping and was heavily favored to retain his title.

Bisping shocked the world by finishing Rockhold with punches in Round 1 to win gold at middleweight. Bisping was a long-time underdog but reached the pinnacle of his sport against Rockhold, who, in comparison, entered as an overwhelming favorite due to his skillset.

8.Matt Hughes defeated Frank Trigg through a rear naked choke at UFC 52.

The fight between Matt Hughes and Frank Trigg at UFC 52 not only has people remembering the ridiculous ending but also the lead-up to it. Trigg, who had a score to settle with Hughes having lost to him earlier, landed a cheap shot on the champion’s privates, which the referee did not observe. Noticing that the fight had been stopped, Trigg locked in a submission on Hughes and could have easily submitted him with punches and a rear-naked choke.

To everyone’s amazement and the sheer strength and determination of Hughes, he manages to escape the choke, lift Trigg up, and deposit him on the floor of the octagon. Hughes then quickly locked in a rear-naked choke on Trigg and was able to get the submission win. The fight’s swing and Hughes’ comeback were as memorable and ridiculous as any fight in UFC history.

9.Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov Fight Video: UFC 229

Derrick Lewis may be recognized as a knockout artist, but his fight against Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 looked like one on the brink of being stopped. Volkov was doing a great job on the outside for two and a half rounds, outjabbing Lewis and outworking him.

In the very last second of the final round, Lewis got in a tremendous right that put Volkov on the canvas. This came as a shocker and was thoroughly absurd, proving that MMA was all about the unexpected and Lewis was capable of knockout with a single punch.

10.Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman (UFC 278)

In UFC 278, there was a rematch between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman that many people were looking forward to seeing. Usman, who is recognized for his strong wrestling skills and long championship rule, was expected to keep winning. During the first four rounds of this fight, it went as anticipated, with Usman controlling things and preventing Edwards’ strikes from being effective.

But, in the last round, Edwards successfully hit a head kick at just the right moment that knocked Usman unconscious. This dramatic ending to his rule showed off Edward’s abilities and determination, for which he is known. The sudden victory not only emphasized his skills and resilience but also highlighted how mixed martial arts can be full of surprises and excitement.

The role that UFC’s most absurd wins play in the organization

This organization has earned its reputation for presenting fans with edge-of-the-seat, heart-stopping entertainment, incredible athleticism, and, perhaps most infamously, some of the most jaw-dropping upsets in the history of combat sports. These are not only the battles in which the participants struggle for their victory but also the important stages in the development of the organization, increasing its popularity, and creating its history. That is why the UFC’s greatest upsets are of paramount importance to the organization.

Creating unforgettable moments

Upsets are the kind of moments that are easy to remember and that make fans feel a certain way. They are the games that are discussed for years, which are replayed so many times and enter the history of sports. For example, Matt Serra’s win over Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 was not merely a win; it was a shift, and people love the fact that anything can happen. They are the kind of incidents that can engage the viewer and are typical of what attracts new followers to athletics. This makes them weave a story that anything can happen, and thus every fight is essential to watch.

Building Fighters’ Legacies

The underdog win has the potential to transform the fighters involved into celebrities and summarize the whole course of their careers. Matt Serra over GSP, Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, and Julianna Peña over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 are a few of them. Many of these victories changed the lives of the winners and made them famous, while at the same time motivating thousands of other fighters. This is the story of the underdog who suddenly rises against all odds to beat the champion, a story that is popular in all activities, including sports, hence making these fighters heroes in the eyes of many.

Improving the Randomness Factor and Fun Element in the Game

Another reason why MMA and the UFC have become so popular is their uncertainty. Contrary to other sports, where the probabilities of the final results could be more or less expected in most cases, MMA is unpredictable and complex, which makes any fighter vulnerable to a loss. This inherent unpredictability makes the fans sit on the edge of their seats and makes it to the point that every fight card is capable of surprising the fans. That is the passion that gets people to return, to buy tickets, PPV’s, and tune into the next event.

Gaining media coverage and publicizing the existing storylines

Fights that end in upsets therefore receive a lot of attention not only in MMA circles but also in the mainstream sports media. They give interesting narratives, which media practitioners such as journalists and commentators can analyze, focus on, and report, from the buildup to the fight and its aftermath. The post-upset talks, assessments, and controversies sustain sport attention and post-sport interest and involvement. Upsets are also good for the UFC because they increase the circulation of the sport when it is featured on media outlets, and they also keep the sport relevant in today’s highly saturated market of entertainment.

Maintaining the Meritocratic Character of the Race

Upsets remind the fans of the promotional line of MMA, where fighters are illusioned to have an equal chance of winning irrespective of their rank and experience. This is a fundamental rubric for the UFC because fighters are selected based on their performance, not their popularity or ability to sell merchandise. This meritocratic aspect is one of the key elements in the sport’s pure nature, which in turn makes it a true test of the fighters’ abilities.

Effects on Betting and Fan Interaction

Over the years, upsets have been seen to affect the betting industry and fans so much. That is why the possibility of losing is one of the main attractions of betting on UFC fights, engaging many customers. This in turn boosts fan engagement because the audience is more likely to tune into a fight live if they have a bet on it. This element of surprise entails increased involvement for the fans, which in turn boosts their level of enjoyment.

Conclusion

The UFC is responsible for an extensive collection of memorable moments, yet the victories that are most unexpected emphasize the suddenness and twists in this sport. These fights remind us that in MMA, there’s always a chance for anything to happen; nothing can be taken as a definite outcome. The ridiculous wins of fighters such as Matt Serra, Holly Holm, and Derrick Lewis, among others, signify why fans find attraction towards this game: its unpredictability, drama-filled nature, and constant prospect that something impossible may become a real-life scenario at any given moment. These triumphs shape not just the profession of fighters but also add to the fabric of the UFC’s past. This keeps sports thrilling and appealing.

1.Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre: Fight of the Night (UFC 69)
The fight of the year was between Matt Serra and the then-champion, Georges St-Pierre, at UFC 69 for the UFC welterweight title. GSP, who is regarded as one of the best fighters to have ever lived, was entering the fight as a heavy favorite. Serra, who claimed his right to face the champion after winning the ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ comeback series, was not expected to beat the champion.

2.Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey fight held in UFC 193.
Ronda Rousey was a dominant force in women’s MMA and had submitted all of her previous opponents in her career, usually in the first round. Holly Holm, who used to be a professional boxer and kickboxer, was considered just another opponent for Rousey to destroy. Many people believed that the fight at UFC 193 would only last a few moments, with Rousey emerging as the bantamweight champion.

Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva (UFC 162)
Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, was on a 10-fight title defense streak when he faced Chris Weidman in 2013. Silva’s striking prowess and elusive style made him a heavy favorite against the relatively unheralded Weidman.
In a stunning turn of events, Weidman capitalized on Silva’s showboating, landing a left hook that knocked Silva out in the second round. This victory ended Silva’s legendary reign and marked the beginning of Weidman’s championship career.

4. Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (UFC 70)
Mirko Cro Cop was famous for his head kicks, and the fight fans loved to hear the phrase, “Right leg, to the hospital; left leg, to the cemetery.” Due to his striking skills, Cro Cop started as a big favorite against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70.

5.Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes (UFC 269)
With a 12-fight winning streak and eight straight as the UFC bantamweight champion, Amanda Nunes was widely regarded as not only the best female fighter in MMA history but also one of its all-time greats regardless of gender when she squared off against Julianna Peña back in November. A strong challenger, Peña was a heavy underdog.

6.Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor (UFC 196)
Back in early 2016, Conor McGregor was undefeated as the UFC featherweight champion and on his way to a shot at lightweight gold when he fought Nate Diaz at welterweight on short notice. Heavy favorite McGregor had a reputation built on knockout power and precision.

7.Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold (UFC 199)
Michael Bisping stepped in on short notice to face middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in 2016. Rockhold had previously defeated Bisping and was heavily favored to retain his title.

8.Matt Hughes defeated Frank Trigg through a rear naked choke at UFC 52.
The fight between Matt Hughes and Frank Trigg at UFC 52 not only has people remembering the ridiculous ending but also the lead-up to it. Trigg, who had a score to settle with Hughes having lost to him earlier, landed a cheap shot on the champion’s privates, which the referee did not observe. Noticing that the fight had been stopped, Trigg locked in a submission on Hughes and could have easily submitted him with punches and a rear-naked choke.

9.Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov Fight Video: UFC 229
Derrick Lewis may be recognized as a knockout artist, but his fight against Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 looked like one on the brink of being stopped. Volkov was doing a great job on the outside for two and a half rounds, outjabbing Lewis and outworking him.

10.Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman (UFC 278)

The role that UFC’s most absurd wins play in the organization

Creating unforgettable moments
Upsets are the kind of moments that are easy to remember and that make fans feel a certain way. They are the games that are discussed for years, which are replayed so many times and enter the history of sports. For example, Matt Serra’s win over Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 was not merely a win; it was a shift, and people love the fact that anything can happen. They are the kind of incidents that can engage the viewer and are typical of what attracts new followers to athletics. This makes them weave a story that anything can happen, and thus every fight is essential to watch.

Building Fighters’ Legacies
The underdog win has the potential to transform the fighters involved into celebrities and summarize the whole course of their careers. Matt Serra over GSP, Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, and Julianna Peña over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 are a few of them. Many of these victories changed the lives of the winners and made them famous, while at the same time motivating thousands of other fighters. This is the story of the underdog who suddenly rises against all odds to beat the champion, a story that is popular in all activities, including sports, hence making these fighters heroes in the eyes of many.

Improving the Randomness Factor and Fun Element in the Game
Another reason why MMA and the UFC have become so popular is their uncertainty. Contrary to other sports, where the probabilities of the final results could be more or less expected in most cases, MMA is unpredictable and complex, which makes any fighter vulnerable to a loss. This inherent unpredictability makes the fans sit on the edge of their seats and makes it to the point that every fight card is capable of surprising the fans. That is the passion that gets people to return, to buy tickets, PPV’s, and tune into the next event.

Gaining media coverage and publicizing the existing storylines
Fights that end in upsets therefore receive a lot of attention not only in MMA circles but also in the mainstream sports media. They give interesting narratives, which media practitioners such as journalists and commentators can analyze, focus on, and report, from the buildup to the fight and its aftermath. The post-upset talks, assessments, and controversies sustain sport attention and post-sport interest and involvement. Upsets are also good for the UFC because they increase the circulation of the sport when it is featured on media outlets, and they also keep the sport relevant in today’s highly saturated market of entertainment.

Maintaining the Meritocratic Character of the Race
Upsets remind the fans of the promotional line of MMA, where fighters are illusioned to have an equal chance of winning irrespective of their rank and experience. This is a fundamental rubric for the UFC because fighters are selected based on their performance, not their popularity or ability to sell merchandise. This meritocratic aspect is one of the key elements in the sport’s pure nature, which in turn makes it a true test of the fighters’ abilities.

Effects on Betting and Fan Interaction
Over the years, upsets have been seen to affect the betting industry and fans so much. That is why the possibility of losing is one of the main attractions of betting on UFC fights, engaging many customers. This in turn boosts fan engagement because the audience is more likely to tune into a fight live if they have a bet on it. This element of surprise entails increased involvement for the fans, which in turn boosts their level of enjoyment.

Conclusion