10 Most Memorable Championship Shockers: Part 2

UFC Welterweight Championship
Matt Serra def. Georges St. Pierre -- TKO (Punches) 3:25 R1
UFC 69 “Shootout,” April 7, 2007

The Setting: Coming off his George Foreman-like destruction of Matt Hughes at UFC 65, St. Pierre had seemingly emerged as the total package, dethroning a UFC legend in high-octane style. It was the dawn of a new era, to be sure. Serra, meanwhile, had lurked as a UFC midlevel contender for years and, by edging out a close decision win over Chris Lytle, had landed himself a title shot thanks to winning Season 4 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” All in all, it looked like MMA’s equivalent to the kind of non-conference NCAA football game in which the home team picks up an easy win and the loser -- usually drubbed by six touchdowns or more -- gets a nice payout.

On paper, St. Pierre had every possible advantage. He was 25, in his prime, a better striker and emerging as the game’s best takedown artist. He had blitzed through a series of tough contenders prior to his rematch win with Hughes and was so good he got away with spinning back kicks that often landed clean. Serra, meanwhile, stood four inches shorter, was 32 and had not been known for his striking. He was lauded as a submission specialist who beat people on hustle. It sounded like a recipe for a beating.

The Swing Moment: Somebody forgot to tell Serra he had no chance, as the Long Island, N.Y., product had been working on his muay Thai. Uncorking a big right hand in the first round, Serra staggered St. Pierre -- the punch was more of forearm to the back of the head, but the result was the same -- and then went after the champion in pit bull-like fashion. Jumping on the Canadian, Serra wobbled and dropped him with a series of all-in rights, then pounded him out in a furious assault. Just like that, St. Pierre’s promising first reign was over.

The Aftermath: St. Pierre rebounded to retake the title, dominating Serra in a rematch before impressive wins over Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves. Serra, meanwhile, took a year off with a back injury before the St. Pierre sequel and then lost a close decision to longtime rival Hughes. If anything, the bout showed what hard work can do for a guy and made St. Pierre a better fighter, quick to apply his superior wrestling as early as possible in the cage.