UFC is always capable of producing surprises

When considering the huge popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), this is a promotion which seems to have no ceiling, insofar as the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is concerned. Always capable of producing excitement and action, fuelled by intriguing narratives which always tend to surround the participants, this is as real as it gets when it comes to contact sports.

There are no false and fictitiously created storylines, just the prospect of genuine contests between two great fighters, whenever it’s one versus one in the octagon. This authenticity is what makes the UFC so appealing to millions of people around the globe, given that while there are always favourites heading into any bout, there is always the possibility of surprising outcomes and monumental upsets.

Weighing up the odds for interesting outcomes

Whenever punters consider wagering on upcoming fights, many of them will inevitably look at UFC fight records for some indication, regarding the possible outcome of bouts. Just like in any other competitive sport, previous results and performances are largely shape the decisions of the oddsmakers, which inevitably shapes their handicapping and values for each fighter. But fans of MMA should also take those odds with a pinch of salt, and look around for comparisons.

Good advice for anyone who wants to bet on sports safely and securely, particularly in certain regions where gambling laws are a little more stringent, seeking reliable reviews is always a good way to start out. This is the aim of experts at Arabian Betting, who focus on evaluating the Arabic betting sites across the Middle East and North Africa, providing unbiased appraisals and recommendations for the most competitive offers available.

Armed with such useful information as our starting point, we can then delve a little more deeply into the respective form of UFC fighters, looking at who they have beaten and how their victories were achieved. From there, we can also consider the styles of each competitor, as contrasting combat methods in the octagon can also influence the outcomes, particularly in some of the highest level bouts.

Key upsets happen in memorable UFC encounters

Easily one of the biggest surprises in the UFC this year, Kamaru Usman was widely regarded as being almost invincible, prior to his Welterweight Championship contest with Leon Edwards. This was the headline fight at UFC 278 in August, and regardless of being heavily tipped for another victory, the 35-year-old Nigerian Nightmare was felled by a spectacular knockout head kick in the fifth round, as the British ‘Rocky’ defied all the odds and clinched the title belt.

Not so long ago in December 2021, Brazilian MMA queen Amanda Nunes was practically untouchable, having successfully defended her UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship eight times. But when she came up against American challenger Julianna Peña at UFC 269, all hell broke loose. The Lioness was remarkably defeated in round two, forced to submit after a perfect rear-naked choke by The Venezuelan Vixen. But not long after in July 2022 at UFC 277, Nunes avenged that unexpected loss, defeating Peña to win back her title.

Looking further back to July 2013, Anderson Silva was potentially on his way to becoming one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. The Brazilian-American had crushed every opponent in the promotion, holding the UFC Middleweight Championship since UFC 64 in 2006. Then after an amazing run of 16 consecutive wins in UFC, it all came crashing down at UFC 162. Chris Weidman defeated the ‘King’ with an exceptional KO victory, and from then onwards, Anderson Silva was never the same again, winning just 1 of his next 9 contests before retiring.

Taking absolutely nothing for granted

Given that some of the most impressive upsets have come in title bouts, often ending incredible unbeaten records, one has to wonder if complacency amongst champions has played some part. Whatever the cause may be in the UFC octagons, every bout is always unique and nothing should ever be taken for granted, especially in contests between just two combatants in the octagon.

Mixed martial arts and the UFC in particular can often be a great leveller, with any favouritism ending the moment a fight begins. There are no margins for error at this pinnacle of the sport, which makes it all the more engrossing as we watch on with keen interest, cheering for those we support and following each blow as if we were there ourselves. Never more so than if we are wagering on the outcome, our hard-earned cash riding on every punch or kick as they happen.