Sherdog’s Top 10: Moments When Titles Changed Hands

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2. Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton
UFC 34 “High Voltage”
Nov. 2, 2001 | Las Vegas

It was a finish that was talked about for years. Newton had risen to prominence on the strength of his dangerous submission game and had tapped Hughes’ longtime mentor, Pat Miletich, with a bulldog choke to claim the welterweight crown at UFC 31. Hughes posed a real threat but had not yet established himself as the most dominant 170-pound fighter in the sport. The clash with Newton started him down that path.

After a competitive opening round, Newton gained control of the fight in the second. Hughes was mired in the Canadian’s guard and eventually became ensnared in a deep triangle choke. The challenger fought to free himself, but, as the seconds ticked away, it became more and more apparent that Newton’s slick submission skills would prevail and allow him to retain his title. No one could have foreseen what happened next. In a desperate maneuver, Hughes scooped up Newton and walked him over to the cage. He rested “The Ronin” against the top of the fence. Hughes and Newton then slammed down hard onto the canvas, the impact knocking out the Canadian. Hughes was also appeared to be out, having lost consciousness in the clutches of the choke. However, when Newton’s triangle was undone by the slam, Hughes was set free and was the first to come to his senses. Since Newton was still knocked out, referee John McCarthy essentially had no choice but to award the Miletich protégé the victory.

To do this day, Newton claims Hughes collapsed from the choke, while Hughes remains adamant that he slammed the champion on purpose to prevent going to sleep.

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