Seventeen years ago today, an unexpected victory shook the UFC world as Rashad Evans stunned fans by knocking out Forrest Griffin to claim the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 92, held on December 27, 2008, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This event, headlined by the first title fight between two winners from The Ultimate Fighter, also featured knockout performances by Chek Kongo, Rampage Jackson, and CB Dollaway, culminating in a memorable night that left a heavyweight legend with a cracked jaw for the first time.
In the co-main event, Frank Mir returned with a historic performance against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, competing for the interim heavyweight title. Mir, who had previously suffered a devastating motorcycle accident and lost a shocking fight to Brock Lesnar, stunned the MMA community by dominating “Big Nog.” Mir’s precise boxing dropped Nogueira multiple times in the first round before knocking him out in the second, handing Nogueira his first professional loss in 38 fights—a result even Mir did not foresee.
Mir’s supremacy over Nogueira did not end there. The two met again three years later at UFC 140, with Nogueira seeking revenge. Yet, Mir bested him once more in more brutal fashion, this time submitting Nogueira with a kimura lock that broke his arm. Having the distinction of being the first to knock out, finish, and submit Nogueira, Mir unquestionably held the upper hand in their rivalry inside the Octagon.
Fan Take: This milestone event underscores how MMA is as much about perseverance and comeback stories as it is about skill and power, inspiring fighters and fans alike. For the sport, moments like Mir’s stunning victories highlight the unpredictable nature of MMA, continually pushing the boundaries of competition and legacy.
