Seventeen years ago, one of the most stunning upsets in UFC history unfolded, initiated by a heavyweight fighter who later admitted that he himself had doubted his ability to secure the victory.
The event in question was UFC 92, which took place in Las Vegas on December 27, 2008. While the headlining fight saw Rashad Evans knock out Forrest Griffin to become the new light heavyweight champion, the co-main event featured a crucial clash for the interim heavyweight title.
Frank Mir Silences Critics with Historic Knockout
Frank Mir entered the co-main event to challenge the legendary Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, affectionately known as ‘Minotauro’ or ‘Big Nog.’ Mir was working his way back to the heavyweight throne after a severe motorcycle accident in 2004 had prematurely ended his first title reign.
Having previously shocked the world by submitting Brock Lesnar, Mir’s showdown with Nogueira was highly anticipated. Since Lesnar had rebounded to win the undisputed title just a month prior, many expected Nogueira to defeat Mir and set up a massive unification bout.
However, those expectations were completely shattered. Mir delivered a technically dominant performance, showcasing vastly improved striking. He dropped Nogueira multiple times in the first round before finishing the fight with a devastating knockout in the second round.
This result was historic: it marked the very first time in Nogueira’s 38-fight professional career that the iron-chinned legend had been finished by strikes. Reflecting on the incredible victory and his long road back from injury, Mir confessed his own disbelief.
“I faced such demons after my wreck,” Mir said following the win. “To come back from that, I’m proof you can do things. I didn’t even think I could beat Nogueira.”
Mir’s Second Win Against ‘Minotauro’ Was Even More Brutal
Frank Mir’s name is not only etched in the history books as the first man to knock Nogueira out. When the two heavyweights met again three years later at UFC 140, ‘Minotauro’ was desperate for revenge. The result, however, proved to be even more brutal than their first encounter.
Nogueira’s attempt to submit Mir backfired spectacularly. Mir countered, secured a gruesome kimura lock, and ultimately snapped the Brazilian legend`s arm, forcing the submission.
By becoming the first fighter to finish, the first to knock out, and the first to submit the revered Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Frank Mir demonstrated a profound stylistic dominance over one of MMA`s most decorated legends.
Neville Whittle