The Biggest Upsets in Combat Sports History

Douglas vs Tyson upset

In combat sports, few things generate excitement and drama like an unexpected upset. It’s the moment when the underdog shocks the world, defying all odds to conquer a supposedly invincible opponent. Here, we dive into some of the most monumental upsets in combat sports history—moments that will forever be etched in the annals of greatness.

1. Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas (1990)

This is perhaps the most famous upset in boxing history, if not in all of sports. Mike Tyson was a destructive force, undefeated and feared across the globe as the "Baddest Man on the Planet." In 1990, Tyson stepped into the ring against James "Buster" Douglas, a fighter who wasn’t expected to last more than a few rounds. Douglas, whose mother had passed away weeks before the fight, came in with grit and determination.

Against all odds Douglas outboxed Tyson, knocking him down in the 10th round to win via knockout. The world was in shock—Tyson had seemed untouchable until that moment. Douglas' victory wasn’t just a personal triumph but a symbol of the unpredictability and resilience that combat sports offer.

2. Leon Spinks vs. Muhammad Ali (1978)

Muhammad Ali was already a global icon and a three-time heavyweight champion when he squared off against Leon Spinks, a young fighter with only seven professional fights under his belt. Ali was expected to breeze through Spinks with little effort. However Spinks, an Olympic gold medalist, came out aggressive and confident.

In a grueling 15-round fight, Spinks shocked the world by defeating Ali via split decision, capturing the heavyweight championship. This upset not only disrupted Ali’s legendary career but also catapulted Spinks into the spotlight. Ali would later reclaim the title in their rematch, but the night of February 15, 1978, remains one of boxing's greatest shockers.

3. Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva (UFC 117, 2010)

Anderson Silva was the undisputed middleweight king in the UFC, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time. Chael Sonnen, known for his brash trash talk, was seen as an overwhelming underdog. Yet for nearly five rounds, Sonnen dominated Silva in a way that no one had ever seen before. Using his superior boxing and wrestling, Sonnen controlled Silva on the ground and seemed on the verge of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

But Silva, as he so often did, pulled off a miraculous finish. Late in the fifth round, he locked in a triangle submission to force Sonnen to tap out, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. While Sonnen didn’t officially pull off the upset, his performance sent shockwaves through the MMA world.

4. Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland (UFC 293, 2024)

Coming into UFC 293, Israel Adesanya was a dominant figure in the middleweight division, regarded as one of the best strikers in UFC history. Sean Strickland, a hard-nosed fighter with a reputation for toughness, was given little chance to topple the Nigerian-Kiwi superstar.

When they met in the Octagon, Strickland executed a flawless game plan, applying constant pressure and showcasing a striking clinic that left fans and analysts stunned. Strickland’s ability to neutralize Adesanya’s offense and control the fight for five rounds led to a unanimous decision victory. This upset was one of the most shocking in recent memory and proved once again that in MMA, no one is invincible.

Upsets like these remind us why combat sports are so thrilling. On any given night, the supposed underdog can rise to the occasion and topple a giant. These moments stand as a testament to the unpredictability of human competition and the resilience of the warrior spirit. Fight.TV is here for it!