MMA fans, and generally fans of any sport, love an underdog.
There’s something refreshing about a competitor defying the odds by pulling out the improbable victory against an assumed-to-be greater, more gifted opponent.
But sometimes, an underdog’s victory in mixed martial arts is not so shocking. On occasion, the oddsmakers get the betting line wrong.
2013 has already yielded a great deal of upsets, including Robbie Lawler’s unlikely knockout victory over Josh Koscheck, and Jake Shields’ split-decision win over Tyron Woodley. But neither of those fights make the list for the “Top Five Least Surprising Upsets” for this year.
Check out the five “underdogs” who flipped the odds and walked away clear winners against their favored opponents.
Final note: no, pick ’em fights are not included, so very slight upset wins, like Shawn Jordan’s knockout over Pat Barry at UFC 161, won’t make this list.
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook, stats courtesy of FightMetric.com