While he would eventually fight again some eight years later, UFC 115 marked the end of the career of Chuck Liddell as we knew it. Liddell was knocked out by Rich Franklin in the main event on June 12, 2010.
UFC 115: Chuck Liddell Iced Out By Rich Franklin
It was supposed to be the epic third meeting between long-time rivals Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. Instead, UFC 115 featured the final fight of Liddell’s incredible career inside the Octagon.
Ortiz was forced to bow out after the two served as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter. Ironically enough, eight years later they would meet again, with Ortiz scoring a victory in a fight most would soon forget.
But back to why we are here.
Over 17,000 fans jam-packed inside the General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to see Franklin ace his way to a main event win over LIddell.
Stepping in on short notice, the former UFC champion landed with just seconds left in the opening round for the win. Franklin was coming off a loss to Vitor Belfort and would himself exit the sport as a fighter just two years later.
Plenty Of Issues With The Event
Not only was the main event changed, but many believed the location for the card would be shifted. While it marked the fourth UFC event to take place in Canada, it was the first since a bill was passed to sanction MMA in 2009.
But there were still not regulations in place to promote the sport professionally in Vancouver, and Cincinnati was looked at as a potential landing spot.
UFC president Dana White, though, came through for the Canadian fans and the event went on as scheduled.
Mirko Cro Cop Shows Submission Skills
Known for his striking, Mirko Cro Cop instead showed off his ability to grapple in the co-main event.
The heavyweight contender locked up a rear-naked choke on Pat Barry and earned the tap with just 30 seconds left in the third and final round.
Cro Cop would move into a bout with Frank Mir after the win, but was knocked out by a knee in the third round. He left the UFC one year later, only to return in 2015.
Martin Kampmann, Ben Rothwell and Carlos Condit were main card winners. Kampmann and Condit had just put on an incredible show in the main event in 2009 between each other, with Kampmann getting the win.
