In the realm of the UFC, a fighter’s ability to endure can significantly impact their success. However, there are instances where a fighter’s toughness may actually work against their long-term well-being. Throughout UFC history, we’ve witnessed title fights that extended beyond what many would consider safe, leading to the belief that they should have been stopped sooner to protect the fighters’ health.
At the time of these fights, the competitors likely would have protested vehemently against a stoppage. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, their perspectives may have shifted. Here are five UFC title fights that, in retrospect, perhaps should have been halted to safeguard the fighters involved.
One such fight was between Rich Franklin and David Loiseau at UFC 58. In 2005, Loiseau, known for his devastating elbow strikes, earned a title shot after defeating former champion Evan Tanner. Many believed ‘The Crow’ had a solid chance to claim the title. However, despite a promising knockdown of Franklin in the third round, Loiseau suffered a severe beating throughout the five-round fight. He endured multiple takedowns and by the final bell, both of his eyes were swollen shut, marking the beginning of a decline in his career. A stoppage in the second round might have spared him from the subsequent downturn.
Another memorable fight was the third bout between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos at UFC 166. Although the fight did eventually come to a stop in the fifth round, many argue it should have ended much earlier. Dos Santos, who had previously knocked out Velasquez to win the heavyweight title, was on the receiving end of a relentless assault that left him unrecognizable. Referee Herb Dean allowed the fight to continue despite Dos Santos being knocked down multiple times and appearing unconscious at one point. The prolonged beating is believed to have had a lasting impact on Dos Santos’s career, which saw a decline following this brutal encounter.
The featherweight title bout between Jose Aldo and Mark Hominick at UFC 129 is another example. Hominick’s performance was reminiscent of a Rocky movie, as he managed to win the final round despite being heavily outmatched. Fighting in his hometown of Toronto, Hominick absorbed a significant amount of damage from Aldo, including a third-round knockdown and a severe swelling on his forehead. Although he was allowed to continue and even took the final round, the toll of the fight was evident in his subsequent performances, leading to his retirement in 2012.
Georges St-Pierre’s welterweight title defense against Jon Fitch at UFC 87 was a one-sided affair that saw Fitch take a severe beating. St-Pierre’s aggression and power left Fitch bloodied and battered, yet the fight continued to the final buzzer. Incredibly, Fitch showed resilience by going on a six-fight unbeaten streak after this loss, but the fight was still a disturbing display that could have been stopped earlier.
Lastly, the bantamweight title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera at UFC 299 featured a rematch where O’Malley sought to prove his superiority following a previous loss due to a leg injury. O’Malley’s striking was overwhelming, resulting in a significant strike differential and leaving Vera in a dire state. While Vera never hit the canvas, the referee could have ended the fight based on cumulative damage. A stoppage might have been more beneficial for Vera’s long-term health.
