Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA Upsets

Randy Couture melted “The Iceman” with ground-and-pound at UFC 143. | Photo: Garrett Poe/Sherdog.com

9. Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell
UFC 43 “Meltdown” -- June 6, 2003
Thomas & Mack Center | Las Vegas
Nearing the age of 40, Couture appeared to be at a crossroads in 2003. After losing the heavyweight title to Josh Barnett at UFC 36 and then falling to Ricco Rodriguez in an attempt to regain the crown, “The Natural” decided to try his luck at 205 pounds.

There would be no cautious testing of light heavyweight waters for Couture, however, as he was booked to face Liddell for the interim title in his 205-pound debut. The mohawked “Iceman” entered the bout riding a 10-fight winning streak and was just beginning to establish himself as a feared knockout artist, his path of destruction further fueled by the perception that Tito Ortiz, his most desired foe, was ducking him.

Considering his age and recent history, Couture was not expected to enjoy a warm welcome into a new division. Few could have predicted that the former Oklahoma State University All-American was just beginning what would arguably be the most memorable chapter of his career.

His knowledge for the fight game on full display, Couture repeatedly beat Liddell to the punch, never allowing his opponent to unload with one of his patented kill shots. Couture’s constant pressure and well-rounded effort made for an unexpectedly lopsided affair. If he was not outstriking Liddell, Couture was outwrestling him, and that was how it would end: a barrage of ground-and-pound forced referee John McCarthy to call a halt to the contest 2:40 into round three.

It would not be the last time Couture would enter the Octagon as an underdog, but because of how he handled Liddell on this night, it became a little less surprising each time he defied the odds.

Number 8 » Coleman vs. The Field