George Sotiropoulos entered 2011 appearing to be on the verge of a lightweight title shot. Now he's on a two-fight losing streak, and at
UFC 132 he suffered the most brutal loss of his career.
Rafael dos Anjos took care of that on Saturday night, landing a right hand directly to Sotiropoulos's chin that turned his head and sent him flat on his back with his eyes rolling up into his head. Referee Yves Lavigne quickly jumped in and stopped the fight, and that was the right decision: Sotriopoulos was out of it.
The whole fight lasted just 59 seconds.
For dos Anjos, it was a big win in his first fight in nearly a year, and the kind of victory that serves as a reminder that when he's on his game, dos Anjos is a threat to finish anyone, either by knockout or by submission.
For Sotiropoulos, it's back to the drawing board: The year 2011 was supposed to be something of a coming out party, but it's been a disappointment. And there's not much more disappointing than getting knocked out in less than a minute.
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UFC 132 Fight Night Photos
The referee checks on Wanderlei Silva after his knockout loss to Chris Leben at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 132 Photos
Urijah Faber knees Dominick Cruz in their UFC bantamweight championship bout at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Urijah Faber exchanges with Dominick Cruz at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Dominick Cruz misses a punch against Urijah Faber at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Dominick Cruz tries to avoid a kick from Urijah Faber at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Dominick Cruz punches Urijah Faber at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Dominick Cruz throws a right hand at Urijah Faber at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Urijah Faber knees Dominick Cruz at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Urijah Faber takes a breather at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Urijah Faber punches Dominick Cruz at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
Dominick Cruz throws a flying knee at Urijah Faber at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 132 Photos
