A. Silva, R. Barão and R. Rousey were some champions surprised by surprises in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Prominent in bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.), Julianna Pena He asked for so much that he got the opportunity to challenge the legendary Amanda nunes for the Ultimate bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg). This Saturday (11), the Venezuelan will face the biggest challenge of her career and needs a great performance to nullify what, for many, is the best fighter of all time.
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Very underdog in the bookmakers, the athlete, however, does not have an unprecedented commitment. With a challenge that, for most, is practically impossible, our team selected moments in which great champions fell to obstacles within Ultimate.
Among those dethroned are names like Anderson Silva e Renan Barao: Brazilians who made history with UFC gloves.
1) Weidman shocks the world and dethrones 'Spider'
C. Weidman shocks the world by knocking out A. Silva. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The year was 2013 and Anderson Silva reigned supreme as the main star of Ultimate. Technical and hard-hitting, the Brazilian led the UFC middleweight division until he faced an undefeated and little-known fighter, Chris Weidman.
The stage for the fight was set in Las Vegas, home of historic fights in combat sports. The Brazilian was a favorite at the bookmakers, but most fans did not expect the tragic outcome for Brazilian fans.
The champion played his game, tried to mislead Weidman. Anderson, however, didn't count on a well-aimed left cross, which landed cleanly on the chin and led to an immediate knockout. With the victory, Chris interrupted a streak of 16 consecutive victories for the São Paulo native, a record that has not been broken to this day.
2) Renan Barão falls to Dillashaw
T. Dillashaw (right) in action in the first fight against R. Barão (left). Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Those who have been following MMA for a short time may not remember the reign of Renan Barao within Ultimate. The Brazilian was once a feared name within the bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg.) and was even called by Dana White as the 'best weight-for-pound' in the world.
The athlete was interim champion between 2012 and 2013, until being promoted to linear the following year. Everything was going well during the reign of the potiguar, however, the meeting with TJ Dillashaw would change the trajectory of the Tupiniquim within the UFC.
The clash with the North American took place in May 2014, a show that would mark both their careers. Known for his aggressive style and versatility, Barão was a huge favorite at the bookmakers, but was unable to repeat his good performances against a 'hungry' TJ. In the clash, Renan ended up being knocked out in the fifth round, losing the 'crown' to his opponent.
3) St-Pierre brutally beaten
G. St-Pierre is harshly punished by M. Serra. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Considered by many to be the best fighter of all time, Georges St-Pierre is another who made some win and lose money at the betting shops. In 2007, the Canadian had just won the welterweight title (under 77kg) and had everything he needed to begin an impeccable trajectory in the group.
To conquer the throne, Georges dispatched four opponents in a dominant way until reaching the then champion, Matt hugs, to whom he had lost in 2004, for the vacant belt at the time. St-Pierre finished off the leader and took the throne.
The scare would come in his first title defense, against historical underdog Matt Serra. The fateful fight took place at UFC 69 and, in the confrontation, the champion did not remotely repeat the great performances that took him to the top of MMA – quite the opposite. What we saw was a 'king' who was severely punished and knocked out in the first round.
Unlike previous cases, St-Pierre got revenge in style. Against the same Serra, in 2008, the Canadian returned the knockout and regained the straight title.
4) Rockhold makes Bisping champion
M. Bisping won the middleweight belt in 2016. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
Provocative and good at promoting his confrontations, Michael Bisping he lived in discredit for much of his career in Ultimate. Even though he held the TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) 3 title, won in 2006, the Englishman was challenged by fans.
The 'turning point', however, came in 2016. After ups and downs in the organization, the athlete managed to qualify for a title fight against Luke Rockhold, who, at the time, was going through a great phase, and had already defeated the Englishman in 2014.
An underdog in the betting shops, Michael knew he was capable of overcoming the North American – and he did. From a supporting role at UFC 199, Bisping reached the top of the world in a historic and resounding way. The fighter needed less than one round to shock the world and deliver one of the most memorable knockouts in the company's history.
5) Rousey falls in front of the world
H. Holm dethroned R. Rousey in 2015. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Directly responsible for the growth of women's MMA, Ronda Rousey he still receives credit for his services to the sport. Implacable with her opponents, the North American arrived at Ultimate undefeated and with the reputation of getting past almost all of her rivals in the first round.
In total, Ronda performed six times before experiencing her ordeal in 2015. Rousey's reign ended tragically for those who witnessed the historic UFC 193.
The person responsible for ruining the party was the former world boxing champion, Holly holm. Known as 'The Shepherd's Daughter', the underdog gave Ronda a taste of her own medicine and, like the then champion, dominated from start to finish. The outcome was a brutal knockout, with a straight shot followed by a kick to the head, which erased the legend of women's MMA.
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