Biggest Upsets in​ UFC‌ History: Pena, Serra, and More

⁢ Updated June 03, 2025
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The UFC, known for its unpredictable nature, has ​witnessed numerous ‍shocking upsets. While skill often ⁣prevails, unexpected victories ⁢and‌ stunning knockouts have become part of ‌the sport’s allure. Here’s a look at some of the biggest upsets in UFC history, showcasing ultimate underdog victories and Cinderella stories.

Michael Bisping’s journey ⁢to⁣ UFC gold is a prime example. After 12 years of‌ fighting, bisping ​finally ‍got his chance at​ the title against Luke Rockhold at UFC⁢ 199. Stepping⁤ in on​ two weeks’ notice, Bisping defied the odds and knocked out Rockhold in the⁤ first round, ​securing‌ a title win⁤ few ⁢saw coming. ​This victory is⁣ a testament to Bisping’s resilience and determination in ⁢the​ face of adversity.

Sean Strickland’s ‍dominant performance against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293⁤ was another major ‍shock. Adesanya, a heavy⁢ favorite and reigning champion, was⁢ handily defeated over five rounds. Strickland’s‍ victory to claim the UFC⁤ Middleweight championship was a stunning display of skill and strategy, leaving Adesanya to describe ‍the​ loss as a “bad dream.”

Ronda Rousey’s ‌reign of dominance⁤ in ‍the UFC ⁣Women’s divisions came to an abrupt end at UFC 193 when she faced Holly Holm.⁢ Rousey, seemingly unprepared‌ for Holm’s boxing expertise, suffered a ​second-round knockout. Holm’s victory not only claimed the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title ⁣but also ‌marked a important ⁢turning point in the division.

Julianna Pena’s victory over Amanda Nunes stands out as one ‌of the most significant upsets in UFC history. Pena, a massive underdog, defeated Nunes, who hadn’t lost since 2014‌ and had defended her ⁤title against ‌some of the sport’s ⁢all-time ⁣greats. ⁣Pena’s journey, ⁤beginning ​with her debut after winning ​The Ultimate Fighter, culminated​ in a stunning submission‍ victory, ⁣forcing Nunes to ‍tap out to a ⁢rear-naked choke.

Perhaps the most significant upset of all time remains Matt‌ Serra’s knockout⁢ of Georges st-Pierre at UFC 69. Serra, a winner of ​The‍ Ultimate Fighter, was a heavy ⁢underdog against St-Pierre, a two-division champion and one of the greatest fighters from canada. ⁤Serra ‌defied expectations, dropping St-Pierre ⁢multiple times in the first round and ⁢ultimately securing a TKO⁤ victory, shocking the world⁢ and becoming⁣ the new⁢ world‌ champion.

What’s next

These upsets serve as a reminder that in the world of UFC, anything can happen, and the next shocking⁤ victory is always just around the corner. ⁣The unpredictability ‌of the sport keeps fans engaged and eager to witness the ​next unexpected turn of events.