If you are a sports fan, you’ll agree that the element of surprise makes it more interesting. For example, if you knew your favorite team would win, would you really be eager to watch the game? In MMA, shocking surprises are more likely to happen than in other sports.
In this sense, if you usually wager on MMA events, you must do your due diligence to get your predictions right. Also, if you are on Gamstop, you can wager using UK sportsbooks not on Gamstop, to continue putting your betting prowess to the test. Several shocking moments in MMA events have caught even those wagering on them by surprise. Here are the five most shocking surprises in MMA history:
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Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier
Over the years, Conor McGregor has been responsible for some of the most shocking moments in the history of UFC. For instance, his wild knockouts of Eddie Alvarez and Jose Aldo. There is also the insane brawl and then his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
MacGregor was also responsible for the most shocking UFC moment of 2021. In his bout with Dustin, McGregor twisted his left ankle as he went to the ground. That forced the referee to call off the match. He was taken off on a stretcher.
Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn
This was a bout that surprised fans. Penn came to the UFC 112 with Edgar as the favorite. But, Edgar utilized his boxing for five rounds with his head movement for five rounds. This approach confused the champion for 25 minutes.
Therefore, Penn never got a chance to corner Edgar while Edgar kept moving. His excellent movement and precise striking helped Edgar win the UFC lightweight by a unanimous decision.
Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia
After losing the trilogy fight to Chuck Liddell at UFC 57 in 2006, Randy Couture announced his retirement. He enjoyed his retirement doing some broadcasting work for UFC. On the other hand, Sylvia was on a six-fight winning streak. He had also defended UFC heavyweight title twice.
The heavyweight division was unstable and had no viable contenders. Consequently, UFC managed to lure Randy out of retirement for a bout with Sylvia.
This was an apparent mismatch to many UFC fans. Randy was 6’1’ while Sylvia was 6’8’, boasting a five-inch reach advantage. Additionally, Sylvia was 31 years old, while Randy was 43 years old.
The crowd was thrilled as the two fighters took to the cage as they cheered Randy on. Randy dominated all five rounds to do what was deemed impossible and win the UFC heavyweight title aged 43!
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum
Fedor Emelianenko had established himself as invincible, as no one believed he would ever lose again. Therefore, before this fight, everyone was sure that Fedor would win it as he was on a 28-match winning streak.
Fedor started the match well but made a blunder of taking Werdum to the ground. That was a wrong move because Werdum was regarded as the best jiu-jitsu fighter in the MMA. He used his prowess to put Fedor in a triangle armbar, and Fedor tapped out 69 seconds into the bout. It was considered one of the most significant upsets in MMA history.
George St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra
Serra featured in Ultimate Fighter Season 4 as an underdog. It was a comeback season based on fighters who had featured in UFC before but never won the title. Middleweights and welterweights took part in that season.
St-Pierre came to the fight with a superior record and was the apparent winner. However, three minutes into the bout, Sierra connected with a right hook that hit his opponent behind the ear sending him stumbling to become the champion! This remains the biggest bombshell in MMA history.
