Issue 161
November -0001
Why losing your first fight isn’t the end of the world
Kazushi Sakuraba
July 1996
Many people assume the Japanese legend’s toe-hold loss to Kimo Leopoldo was fixed. He says he can’t even remember the fight.
Jacaré
September 2003
Ronaldo Souza’s first opponent, Jorge Patino already had 25 fights and 18 wins to his name. That hardly seems fair.
Carlos Newton
April 1996
The future UFC champ submitted due to exhaustion against Jean Rivière. No wonder – he was outweighed by 75lb!
Forrest Griffin
October 2001
A trial by fire for the future UFC 205lb champion – a bout against heavyweight legend Dan Severn…
Jon Fitch
July 2002
Crafty veteran Mike Pyle got the better of him by first-round submission. It took 11 years for anyone else to finish Fitch.
Cub Swanson
July 2004
He might be one of the UFC’s most-gifted fighters now, but Shannon Gugerty choked him in 15 seconds at Total Combat 4.
Renan Barao
April 2005
He dropped a decision to Joao Paulo Rodrigues de Souza, then went unbeaten for 32 fights and won UFC Gold.
Cris Cyborg
May 2005
Erica Paes didn't do much after winning a first-round kneebar. Her opponent hasn't lost since, dominating the women's game.
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