Looking Back at the Greatest UFC Upsets: Part IV

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1987 days ago

From Michael Bisping’s brutal knockout on his old foe Luke Rockhold, we go back in time. UFC legend and record holder Randy “Captain America” Couture in UFC 68 did the unthinkable to many. It was here, that he pulled off a memorable upset that warmed the hearts of every UFC fan. In this mind-blowing five-round grueling fight, the 43-year-old defeated Tim Sylvia to gain the heavyweight championship. Now, of course, Randy was no stranger to big fights or UFC gold. Winning this crowd-pleaser would break a UFC record as he won the heavyweight crown for the third time. The fans were on their feet to see if the old man still had it, and they certainly got their answer.

UFC 68: Couture vs Sylvia

UFC 68: The Uprising, took place in Columbus, Ohio, March 3, 2007. Here, Randy Couture came out of retirement at the age of 43 to retain the heavyweight title from Tim Sylvia. Fans around the world were shocked to see the old Couture dominate the younger Sylvia for all five rounds. Randy came in with a game plan locked and loaded. He came out aggressive but also calculated his shots very well. Couture used a fake leg kick to set up a huge overhand right. This shot dropped the towering Sylvia and dictated the rest of the fight. The judges gave a rightfully earned unanimous decision victory to Couture on his record-breaking night. Somehow, someway, Couture’s legendary status just reached beyond a platinum level.

Fans were captivated and watched in wonder as a classic UFC bout was taking shape. A David vs Goliath story was the perfect way to describe the main event. An enhancing moment in all of sports where everything came together in dramatic and flawless form. Sylvia wasn’t an easy task by any means, however, against the legend, he folded under the veteran. Sylvia’s highlight reel of combinations in his previous fights were put on the other end of the stick that night. Make way for the true heavyweight champion, Randy Couture.

Hall of Fame, And Then Some

Couture, on June 24th, 2006, became the fourth inductee of the UFC Hall of Fame. He joined UFC 1 champion Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Ken Shamrock. On top of winning the heavyweight title, Couture was also the first UFC fighter to ever hold the light heavyweight along with it. Accolades upon accolades define Couture. as he ended his career in 2011 when he was 47 years old. The last time Randy appeared in the octagon was at UFC 129, where he lost to Lyoto Machida. But as fans know, this loss was the farthest thing on their minds.

Couture went on rose petals to the Hall of Fame. Some of his most impressive achievements include being in a total of 16 title fights, 6 wins in heavyweight championship bouts, and 6 title reigns in his career. Through the many moments of his superb career, this has to be the most memorable. Who would have ever thought that the old man could defeat the “Maniac” Sylvia at a staggering age of 43? Take a bow, Randy Couture!

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