Spoiler warning: If you're planning to watch Saturday night's tape-delayed UFC 95 broadcast on Spike and don't want to know what happened in the welterweight fight between Josh Koscheck and Paulo Thiago, you will want to skip this post. In the biggest MMA upset of the year so far, the little-known Brazilian welterweight Paulo Thiago defeated the well-known Josh Koscheck by first-round knockout today at UFC 95 in London.
Koscheck had been completely controlling the first round until Thiago suddenly connected with a brutal left uppercut to Koscheck's chin, followed by a left hook to Koscheck's ear. That sent Koscheck flat on his back, and although he appeared to be sticking his hands up to defend himself, the referee quickly stepped in and stopped the fight. It was the first career knockout win for Thiago, a Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist.
Koscheck thought the stoppage was too fast, and I think he was right. But that doesn't change the fact that it was a big-time win for Thiago in his UFC debut, and a major loss for Koscheck. Thiago's professional MMA record improves to 11-0, while Koscheck's falls to 12-4.
UFC 95 Photos
Rory Markham, right, attempts to punch Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rory Markham punches Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rory Markham punches Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy, right, connects with a devastating left hook against Rory Markham during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy watches Rory Markham recoil after his punch during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy quickly pounces on Rory Markham after his powerful punch during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy exalts after the ref stops his fight against Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy celebrates his first-round TKO of Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy celebrates his first-round TKO of Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Diego Sanchez knees Joe Stevenson during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
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