It’s a proven fact that some days just have more historical significance than others, and in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, today is one of those days. Not only does LastWordOnSports have rundowns of two past UFC events held on this day, but also a King of the Cage event that boasts three names who, though they no longer fight, are still very much involved with MMA society.
Three years ago at UFC 133:
Rashad Evans settles the score with Tito Ortiz, brutalizing Tito with a crushing knee to the body, followed by a volley of punches near the end of the second round to end Ortiz’s miraculous one fight comeback streak.
Vitor Belfort pounds Japanese poster boy Yoshihiro Akiyama into unconsciousness in the first round of their co-main event fight.
Rory MacDonald brutalizes Mike Pyle for a first round TKO, earning his third win inside the Octagon.
Alexander Gustafsson shows Jon “Bones” Jones the proper way to TKO Matt Hamill without getting disqualified, forcing “The Hammer” to succumb to inescapable ground and pound in round two.
Chad Mendes and Johny Hendricks, both earn decision victories, moving them closer to eventual title shots.
Nine years ago at UFC Fight Night 1:
Fight fans have come to cherish UFC Fight Night, offering them a chance to view exciting fights on cable TV without having to pay costly PPV fees. Fight Night has become a mainstay for the company over the years, showcasing up and coming fighters, even featuring title fights from time to time. The first took place at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nate Marquardt decisions Ivan Salaverry in the main event of the UFC’s first ever Fight Night.
The Ultimate Fighter season one competitor Chris Leben and Stephan Bonnar also score decision victories over Patrick Cote and Sam Hoger.
Fellow season one alumni Nate Quarry, Josh Kosheck, Mike Swick, and Kenny Florian all secure finishes in their fights, proving that TUF competitors can hang with the best that the UFC has to offer.
Ten years ago at KOTC 39:
It’s always important to respect the referee, not only because they have supreme authority inside the cage, but also because some of those refs know how to throw down.
In the main event, well known official Larry Landless won a decision over Manny Rodriguez.
Herb Dean, regarded by many as the best ref in the business, TKO’d Timothy Mendoza in the second round of their fight.
Also on the card was Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith, who was able to score a slick kneebar submission over UFC veteran James Wilks in just under two minutes of the first round.
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