MMA FanHouse Reveals More On Classic Fights
MMA FanHouse has an exclusive look at Undisputed's Classic Fights mode, which is more than just watching the fight being played out. Read the article here for more information, such as the rationale behind choosing those fights.
The development team had a lot more to say on this than would fit, but you can check it out if you continue reading here.
UFC 66: Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz II
UFC 47: Liddell versus Ortiz was the first UFC event I attended live. Since then, I’ve been to a number of shows, but I must say, I’ve never heard the crowd get as loud as it did during the flurry that Liddell finished Ortiz with to get the title. That place exploded. It was crazy, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
When Liddell/Ortiz 2 was announced, I couldn’t wait. Two of the sport’s most popular fighters were set to tangle again, and I believe that the fight lived up to the hype. Liddell won the first round; many believe Tito won the second. The third round went back-and-forth, with both fighters connecting with some pretty good shots. Ultimately the outcome was the same, as Liddell came out on top again, but I still thought it was a great fight.
-Wesley Bunn, Game Designer
UFC 71: Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
If Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes 2 was included here, I would’ve gone with that because it was my birthday, I’m Canadian, and GSP just came out and turned Hughes something lovely. But since it’s not, I’ve gotta go with Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson. That was the first UFC I attended live. I was and always will be a huge Rampage fan, and thought I was going to get murdered by the pro-Liddell Vegas crowd when he got smoked in the first round and I was the only one clapping and screaming, “I told you so!” I lost my voice for 10 full days from all the drinking, cheering and all-around goonery that ensued. Good times.
- Antoine Peltier, Audio Director
UFC 76: Forrest Griffin vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
We included this UFC 76 bout because it showed that if a fighter is in good shape and executes a solid fight plan, he can exceed everyone’s expectations. This wasn’t a lucky punch; it was a well executed strategy that added to Forrest Griffin’s legacy as a warrior of the Octagon.
Going into UFC 76, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was considered to be the best light heavyweight fighter in the world of MMA by almost everyone. He had an impressive fight resume, including a PRIDE Championship Belt, which Rua ripped from Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s hands in 2005 by breaking Rampage’s ribs. Rua boosted world class skills both on his feet and on the ground and had won his last four fights in PRIDE preceding his move to the UFC. Even though this was his first UFC appearance, no one wanted to step in front of him.
To many UFC fans, Forrest Griffin is the guy who launched the sport into the mainstream with his TUF fight against Stephan Bonnar. While he was known for taking a punch, he hadn’t shown the kind of skill that people thought it would take to beat someone of Rua’s caliber. When he accepted the fight, many thought he was going to be a minor bump in the road to a Rua/Rampage rematch.
As the fight unfolded, Forrest showed that his conditioning outclassed Rua’s and that he did have the skill to seal the deal. Forrest forced Rua to tap with just 15-seconds left in the third and final round. His fight against Rua proved a lot of people wrong and opened the door for a shot at the belt against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
- William Schmitt, Senior Producer
UFC 79: Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
Being a long time fight fan, this was an easy choice. These two guys, while in separate organizations, dominated their respective divisions. Both of these guys are fearsome strikers - one with punches and kicks, the other with Muay Thai Knees and devastating ground-and-pound. To put these two guys in the Octagon together had been every fight fan’s dream, and it finally came to pass at UFC 79 and turned out to be an explosive three-round war.
-Brian Chambers, Art Director
UFC 83: Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre II
UFC 83 is when we saw the current UFC Welterweight Champ take his belt, and I believe it is the start of a long reign for Georges St-Pierre. He avenged his one loss to Matt Serra, a man he sorely underestimated at UFC 69. I believe Matt Serra is the man responsible for making GSP who he is today. Because of him, Georges won’t take another opponent lightly again. His rematch and victory over Serra at 83 showcased his commitment to his career and title. At UFC 83, GSP was exacting, calculating and relentless, and he has been ever since.
- Rob Pearsall, Associate Game Designer
UFC 84: BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk
I’m a long-time BJ Penn fan, and I was excited to see him return to the 155-pound division and defeat Jens Pulver back at The Ultimate Fighter 5 finale. Lightweight is where BJ is at his best, and he proved it again as he took on Joe Stevenson at UFC 80 and claimed the Interim Lightweight Title.
The stage was now set for him to take on veteran wrestler and cardio machine, Sean Sherk, at UFC 84. Once again, BJ stepped up to the plate and proved his critics wrong, as he put on a clinical display of striking skills for three rounds and finished the fight with a vicious knee, becoming the Lightweight Champion.
- Neven Dravinski, Producer
