Rashad Evans knocked out Chuck Liddell with a brutal punch to pull off a stunning upset tonight at UFC 88 in Atlanta.
It was the best moment of Evans' young career, a powerful right-handed strike directly on the chin in the second round. That right hand firmly establishes the undefeated Evans as one of the up-and-coming stars of the UFC, and potentially a light heavyweight title contender.
On the other side of the coin, the loss was Liddell's third in his last four fights, and it raises the question of whether The Iceman -- long UFC's biggest star -- still has anything left. One of the most accomplished fighters in the history of the sport may be nearing retirement.
Liddell's professional MMA record falls to 21-6. Evans improves his record to 12-0-1.
In other UFC 88 action, Rich Franklin beat Matt Hamill by third-round TKO, Dan Henderson beat Rousimar Palhares by unanimous decision, Nate Marquardt beat Martin Kampmann by first-round TKO, Dong Hyun Kim beat Matt Brown by split decision, Kurt Pellegrino beat Thiago Tavares by unanimous decision, Tim Boetsch beat Mike Patt by first-round TKO, Jason MacDonald beat Jason Lambert by second-round submission (rear naked choke) and Ryo Chonan beat Roan Carneiro by split decision.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-07-2008 @ 1:05AM
Phildo said...
I cannot remember seeing anyone go out like that from a punch. I couldn't even imagine the fight ending like that. It was awesome.
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9-07-2008 @ 1:39AM
Spoonman said...
Sounds amazing. I wish they didn't black it out in Atlanta, they sold out Phillips, so there was no way to watch it.
And I can't believe Chuck was knocked out. Suppose he is fighting again in 2-3 months?
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9-07-2008 @ 1:24AM
scotty said...
That was a big surprise. The UFC flagship is now just a memory, I guess. I am a big Liddel fan, but now I am not so sure.
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9-07-2008 @ 1:29AM
liddell fan said...
Awesome? That was horrific. Liddell went went limp in a way that was scary and un-natural. You never want to see an athlete go down like that. Unless it is Tito Ortiz, lol. Evans proved that he is a contender without a doubt. But, 9 out of 10 times Liddell is the one landing that shot. It was just Evan's night.
p.s. Evans was ridiculously quick. I mean Mayweather quick. That speed hasn't been seen in the UFC yet. Evans vs. Rampage is looking quite fascinating at the moment.
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9-07-2008 @ 1:42AM
Machetero said...
I am happy for Rashad, he's always been an underestimated puncher. Do you remember the championship fight in the Ultimate Fighter?
He's elite by his own merits because as far as I am concerned Liddell was not a looser. He was in great shape and was coming from a formidable win.
Congratulations Rashad! It's your time.
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9-07-2008 @ 1:44AM
Dee said...
Why is Chuck Liddell's photo being shown rather than Rashad Evans'? Rashad won by devastating knockout. His picture should be posted, not Chuck Liddell. Get with it and wake up Michael David Smith.
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9-07-2008 @ 1:57AM
mma said...
I've been behind Rashad since the next Ultimate fighter... most people doubted him but he's gotten better and better.
I have a lot of respect for Chuck, Shamrock, Wanderlei, even Couture however i think you have to know when to throw in the towel.
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9-07-2008 @ 7:30PM
chaz said...
i am happy for rashad, i am dissapointed that he has become such an arrogaunt person tho. the man used to be down to eart. but showing off has a way to come back and bite you in the ass. its a matter of time he will lose. and when he holds the record and the defeats that chuck has given out, well then maybe by then he will realize that no man is unbeatable
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9-07-2008 @ 2:51AM
antonio said...
I think its time for Chuck Liddell to hang'em up and needs to be a reporter now. He's proved his point and has beat the best.
there's too many new bad ass fighters out there that are a lot tougher.
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9-07-2008 @ 6:36AM
Trueblood said...
Wow, that was a great KO, but give chuck some credit, that could happen to anyone. Long live a legend.
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9-07-2008 @ 8:47AM
MCCAIN'S The MAN! said...
YO TRUEBLOOD This the THIRD one LIDDELL has lost. He's done. Evan's dropped him hard! Made Chucky boy his B itch!
Liddell had his time.
9-07-2008 @ 7:32AM
finestdj said...
Even after losing Chuck is fighting for the title in Dec...
Acccording to Dana....
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9-07-2008 @ 8:44AM
MCCAIN's The MAN! said...
DROPPED LIKE A BOX OF ROCKS!
EVANS owned Liddell. I mean made him his bitoch! It was awesome. This is the third one Liddell has lost. Stick a fork in him!
HE'S DONE!
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9-07-2008 @ 9:06AM
Andrew said...
I love Chuck, he is my and my wife favorite fighter. He has accomplished more than anybody, and will be a legend for a very long time. But it is time to re think his career, he has the money, he has had a long career he also has a family. Mabey his wife and kids would like to see him more often. I still want to see him fight, but I dont think anybody wants to see him get seriously hurt. Mabey UFC president or something is in his future.
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9-07-2008 @ 9:39AM
Dandydon said...
Chuck's had his day,and he's been great, but it's time to hang it up while he's still got his marbles.
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9-07-2008 @ 11:42AM
Eric said...
does anyone know the name of the song that Matt Hamill walked to the ring to?
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9-07-2008 @ 11:38AM
Dark Gable said...
A whole lotta people crying over another great white hope gettin his ass Knocked out! I love it!
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9-07-2008 @ 2:56PM
RM said...
Why do you post so many racist comments? I think you have a complex or something. Give it s rest.
9-09-2008 @ 2:31PM
Bob said...
You racist
9-07-2008 @ 11:40AM
RM said...
That was one of the worst fights i've ever seen. It was as bad as some Tyson era matches. I hope Evans realizes that he got lucky; he was swinging wild with his head down. Evans was so scared he looked about to pee himself. Bottom line: lucky punch.
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