Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Memorable UFC Debuts
Number 2
Joe
Lauzon liked filling the role of underdog. | Photo:
Sherdog.com
2. Joe
Lauzon
UFC 63 “Hughes vs. Penn 2”
Sept. 23, 2006 | Anaheim, Calif.
Lauzon entered the UFC fray at age 22 against the promotion’s first lightweight champion. The bout was supposed to serve as a welcome-home party for Pulver, who was returning to the organization for the first time in more than four years. Oddsmakers paid Lauzon no mind, pushing the odds on the fight as high as 7-to-1 in Pulver’s favor.
It took no time for those in attendance to realize the veteran was in real trouble. Right off the bat, Lauzon scored with a takedown and showed off the grappling skills for which he has become known. Shortly after, the fighters returned to a standing position, and the underdog connected with a wicked left hand that knocked out Pulver.
Lauzon has gone on to appear on Season 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and participate in some of the most entertaining bouts in UFC history, collecting a record 12 post-fight performance bonuses along the way.
Number 1 » Anderson Silva
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