Sherdog’s Top 10: Strangest Endings

Mike SloanAug 25, 2015



3. Gray Maynard vs. Robert Emerson
“The Ultimate Fighter 5” Finale
June 23, 2007 | Las Vegas


This lightweight bout at “The Ultimate Fighter 5” Finale featured one of the wildest endings in MMA history.

Emerson reportedly entered the contest with damage to his ribs but elected to compete anyway. Maynard followed a right uppercut with a hard slam less than a minute into the second round. Emerson could no longer stand the pain and tapped out. Maynard, however, had knocked himself out in the process, driving his head into the canvas while executing the slam. Referee Steve Mazzagatti did not appear to notice that Maynard was unconscious because he was focused on Emerson. When medical personnel entered the cage, Mazzagatti realized what had happened and ruled it a no-contest.

Afterward, Maynard engaged in a heated argument with UFC commentator Joe Rogan during a post-fight interview. He tried repeatedly to convince Rogan and the crowd that he had not been short-circuited by the slam. Replay evidence proved otherwise.

Number 2 » Desperate Measures