Sherdog’s Top 10: Undeserved Title Shots

Nate Quarry did not last long at UFC 56. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood/Sherdog.com

9. Nate Quarry vs. Rich Franklin
UFC 56 “Full Force” | Nov. 19, 2005 -- Las Vegas

Quarry was one of the good guys on the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” a “Rock” of the household, if you will. When Chris Leben was on the verge of an emotional breakdown, Quarry was there to lend an ear. Unfortunately for Quarry, good karma did not carry over to the competition portion of the reality show, as he suffered an injury and was unable to compete against his roommates for a shot at a six-figure UFC contract.

Quarry must have made an impression on UFC brass. After earning victories over the distinguished trio of Lodune Sincaid, Shonie Carter and Pete Sell -- combined they held a 5-9 UFC record -- the “Ultimate Fighter” alumnus was granted a middleweight title shot against Franklin.

What followed was one of the most brutal one-punch knockouts in UFC history: After picking apart his opponent at his leisure and scoring a knockdown early in the title bout, Franklin connected with a straight left hand that relieved Quarry of his consciousness midway through the first round.

“Just a perfect punch, straight down the pipe,” said UFC analyst Joe Rogan.

Despite the devastating defeat, Quarry managed to stick around the UFC until 2010, winning four of his last six bouts in the Octagon before officially retiring from the sport in March 2012. In November, he witnessed Franklin on the receiving end of a vicious knockout from Cung Le at UFC on Fuel TV 6. However, the former title challenger took no joy in Franklin’s fate.

“What a petty, childish person I would be if after all these years I took pleasure in seeing someone fail who simply showed up to do his job and I was on the receiving end,” Quarry said on “MMA Uncensored.”

Number 8 » Belfort vs. Jones