Sherdog’s Top 10: Canadian Mixed Martial Artists
Mike SloanSep 01, 2016
Newton was the first Canadian ever to win an Ultimate Fighting Championship title. That accomplishment alone gives his career historical significance.
One of the more dangerous grapplers in the early days of the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships, Newton menaced opponents with his skills on the mat. He had a particular affinity for the armbar, a maneuver with which he victimized Erik Paulson, Jose Landi-Jons and others. “The Ronin” reached the final of the UFC 17 tournament before losing a split decision to future two-division Pride champion Dan Henderson. Newton did not compete inside the Octagon again until he submitted Pat Miletich with a bulldog choke at UFC 31 on May 4, 2001, the victory bringing with it the welterweight championship.
After surrendering the title to Matt Hughes six months later in one of the wildest finishes in MMA history, Newton bounced between the UFC and Pride before making stops in the International Fight League, K-1 Hero’s and a few regional organizations. He made his final professional appearance at an Impact Fighting Championship event in Australia on July 10, 2010, losing a unanimous decision to Brian Ebersole.
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