Best UFC fights with historic surprises

Nate Diaz's submission victory over Conor McGregor was a massive upset, as McGregor, the featherweight champion, was heavily favored despite moving up two weight classes. Diaz, taking the fight on short notice, derailed the McGregor hype train dramatically.

Frankie Edgar's unanimous decision victory over B.J. Penn was a major upset, ending Penn's dominant reign as lightweight champion. Edgar, a significant underdog, showcased his ability to overcome a highly-regarded and seemingly unbeatable champion.

Julianna Pena's victory over Amanda Nunes was a monumental upset, as Nunes was a double-champion on a six-year unbeaten streak. Pena's submission win defied all expectations and is frequently cited as one of the biggest surprises in UFC history.

This fight featured one of the most dramatic come-from-behind victories, with Leon Edwards delivering a stunning head kick knockout in the final minute. Usman had been dominating the fight, making Edwards' last-gasp win incredibly unexpected and memorable.

Alexa Grasso's submission victory over Valentina Shevchenko was a significant upset against one of the most dominant female champions. Grasso capitalized on a rare mistake from Shevchenko, marking a changing of the guard in the flyweight division.

Sean Strickland's unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya was a major championship upset, as Strickland, a considerable underdog, completely neutralized and dominated a highly-regarded champion. He out-worked Adesanya for five rounds, never allowing him to find his rhythm.

This fight from November 2024 was a very recent and significant betting upset, with Gabriella Fernandes, a massive underdog, shocking Wang Cong with a head kick and submission. It highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA, especially against a recently debuted favorite.

Ricky Simon's knockout victory over the undefeated Javid Basharat in 2025 was a notable historic surprise. Basharat was a massive favorite with a perfect record, making Simon's patient and precise striking performance a significant upset.

This 2025 fight featured one of the biggest betting upsets, with unranked Carlos Vera, a heavy underdog, submitting the heavily favored Josias Musasa. Vera's first-round finish after a head kick defied extreme odds.

Punahele Soriano's quick knockout of Uros Medic in just thirty seconds of the first round in 2025 was a swift and decisive historic surprise. Medic was favored, making Soriano's rapid victory against expectations particularly impactful.

This 2025 rematch saw Petr Yan surprisingly defeat Merab Dvalishvili, who was on a 14-fight winning streak and considered unbeatable. Yan not only stuffed Dvalishvili's takedowns but also out-wrestled him, making it a major turnaround and surprise.

Matt Serra's knockout of Georges St-Pierre is one of the most legendary upsets in UFC history, as Serra, a massive underdog, dethroned one of the sport's biggest superstars. This fight remains a benchmark for unexpected championship changes.

T.J. Dillashaw's dominant TKO victory over Renan Barao was a monumental upset, as Barao was a long-reigning champion and considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. Dillashaw's complete domination defied the 9-to-1 odds against him.

Michael Bisping's first-round knockout of Luke Rockhold was a classic underdog story and a shocking victory. Bisping, taking the fight on short notice and having previously lost decisively to Rockhold, avenged his loss and claimed the title against all odds.

Gabriel Gonzaga's knockout of Mirko Cro Cop with a head kick was a historic surprise due to the sheer irony of Cro Cop being defeated by his own signature move. Cro Cop was a heavy favorite, making the outcome even more shocking.

Chris Weidman's knockout of Anderson Silva ended one of the most dominant championship reigns in UFC history. Silva, known for his elusive style and long unbeaten streak, was considered invincible, making Weidman's victory a truly historic surprise.