Mac Mally: The UFC’s Biggest Upsets
The Ultimate Underdog Triumphs: Mac Mally celebrates UFC’s most spectacular upsets.
In the wild and unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, nothing gets the adrenaline pumping and pulls at heartstrings quite like an underdog story. Over the years, the UFC has witnessed jaw-dropping upsets that have left fans speechless.
Let’s dive into what I consider some of the craziest Octagon underdog triumphs!
Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena (UFC 269)
Amanda Nunes, the reigning women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion, was a true queen of the octagon. Every fight she was in became more and more of a “let’s see how long the other woman lasts” storyline of matchups. Julianna Pena had relentless pressure and unwavering self-belief, and it showed on the mic during the lead-up to the fight. We’ve seen fighters talk crap to Nunes before, but it often comes off as all bark no bite. Nobody saw this one coming. Now, I don’t want to take anything away from Pena, but I question how seriously Nunes took the fight because she demolished her in the second as many expected. However, Pena put her stamp on history and shocked the world by submitting Nunes in the second round, showcasing her incredible heart and proving that sometimes, the underdog can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat no matter how wild it looks on paper or in person.
Anthony Hernandez vs. Rodolfo Vieira (UFC 258)
While this entry doesn’t have massive historical implications of any kind, it stands out to me. Rodolfo Vieira, a jiu-jitsu phenom and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is one of the best grapplers in the world. In no universe was anyone expecting what we were about to see that evening. Anthony Hernandez, a far from household name fighter but up-and-coming prospect, had a secret weapon: a never-say-die attitude or as others might say, “that dog in him.” In a stunning upset, Hernandez submitted Vieira with a guillotine choke in the second round, proving that sometimes, the jack of all trades can choke out even the most highly touted grapplers.
T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao (UFC 173)
Renan Barao was a monster with a 32-fight win streak and a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. He was paraded around as the #1 Pound-for-Pound ranked fighter in the world at the time. T.J. Dillashaw, a newer face in the UFC having come through The Ultimate Fighter house, however, saw holes in his game. I remember watching this one live and being completely blown away by how little respect T.J. got leading up to the fight and how absolutely lopsided the one-way @$$ beating was going. It’s one thing to win by quick flash KO or snatching a neck in a scramble but T.J. put on a whole 5-round show. Utilizing his unorthodox footwork and relentless pace, Dillashaw danced circles around Barao like Renan was stuck in the mud, landing punches and kicks until he finished the fight with a TKO in the fifth round. This fight showcased Dillashaw’s incredible talent and proved that sometimes, the wrong guy has the spotlight. T.J. did it again in the rematch and went on to have one of the best bantamweight careers we’ve seen.
Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC 69)
If you’re a true MMA fan, there’s nothing to really say about this one besides, “Yooo, that was crazy.” Georges St-Pierre, the reigning welterweight champion, and still considered one of the GOATs, was expected to steamroll Matt Serra. But Serra, a massive underdog, with an even more massive attitude had other plans. With a combination of heart, determination, and a perfectly timed punch to the jaw, Serra shocked the world by knocking out GSP in the first round. This performance defied the UFC odds and proved that even the greatest fighters can be humbled on any given night. I will however remind everyone that GSP beat the absolute dog out of everyone that ever beat him the second time around. Serra paid for it, but I bet it was worth it.
Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193)
Ronda Rousey was a force of nature, it’s inarguable. She single-handedly convinced Dana White to reverse his decision to never let women fight in the UFC. She was Conor before Conor, admittedly with less talent on a hot mic but she didn’t need it. She had Olympic judo pedigree, was undefeated, and seemingly unbeatable. Enter Holly Holm, a former professional boxer known for her head kicks and measured approach. She hadn’t looked like quite the world-beater we had seen in Ronda, but you know what they say about styles. Styles make fights. Holm’s stunning display of skill and precision saw her dance around Rousey, landing her trademark head kick that sent “Rowdy” Ronda crashing to the canvas and into hiding for an entire year.
These are the moments that define the spirit of MMA—where heart, the dogs within, and a bit of luck can lead to unforgettable upsets. These fights remind me why we love the sport and why, in the octagon, anything can happen so PROTECT YOURSELF AT ALL TIMES.