On this day in 2010, one of the most significant UFC events ever unfolded in Las Vegas. Before Conor McGregor’s rise and record-breaking pay-per-view success, Brock Lesnar was the UFC’s biggest star. At UFC 100, Lesnar avenged his only career loss by defeating Frank Mir and helped the promotion set a new PPV record. Already a major draw from his WWE fame, Lesnar’s status skyrocketed after winning the UFC heavyweight title.
Dana White described UFC 116 as “the biggest heavyweight battle in history,” where Lesnar defended his title against interim champion Shane Carwin. Despite a tough start in the first round, Lesnar came back to submit Carwin. The event was packed with excitement, with seven of the 11 fights ending in dramatic finishes, including Gerald Harris’s knockout of David Branch and bonus-worthy battles like Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar and Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben. White praised the entire card, calling UFC 116 one of the best nights in his UFC career and thanking all the fighters who competed.
Following UFC 116, the heavyweight division remained thrilling as Lesnar’s next challenger, the undefeated Cain Velázquez, earned his title shot after six consecutive wins. At UFC 121, Velázquez delivered one of the most iconic finishes by defeating Lesnar in the first round to claim the heavyweight championship. However, Velázquez’s reign was short-lived; he lost his belt in a first-round knockout to Junior Dos Santos on his first defense.
Fan Take: This landmark event highlights the evolving landscape of the UFC heavyweight division, showcasing legendary fighters and unforgettable moments that helped grow MMA’s global appeal. For fight fans, it underscores the sport’s thrilling unpredictability and the significance of each title defense in shaping MMA history.
