2. Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell
UFC 88 “Breakthrough”
Sept. 6, 2008 | Atlanta
Liddell was no longer the UFC light heavyweight champion, and his career appeared to be winding down. Evans, meanwhile, had not yet captured 205-pound gold and was entering his prime. His speed and athleticism gave “The Iceman” fits.

Many an opponent had been drawn into Liddell’s counters, but Evans was smart, circling away and forcing the San Luis Obispo, California, native to give chase. That led Liddell to reach with his punches, and he did so one too many times. Evans timed one of his attacks perfectly and planted a crushing right hook on Liddell’s jaw that turned out the lights for good.

Referee Herb Dean immediately called for the stoppage. Spectators in the stands thought they had witnessed a fatality. For a man who had built his legacy on doing such things, it was jarring to see someone turn the tables on Liddell. Three months later, Evans defeated Forrest Griffin to become UFC light heavyweight champion. Liddell never won another fight.

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