Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

UFC 31

UFC 31: Locked and Loaded was a event produced by the (UFC) on May 4, 2001, at the Trump Taj Mahal in . The event introduced the UFC's reformed weight class system, standardizing divisions to include at 155 pounds (renamed from ), at 170 pounds, at 185 pounds, and at 205 pounds, aligning with broader industry regulations to promote fairer matchups. It consisted of eight professional bouts across multiple weight classes, broadcast on pay-per-view, and served as a pivotal moment in the UFC's transition toward more structured competition following the adoption of unified rules. The main event was a heavyweight championship defense, where incumbent champion Randy Couture defeated challenger Pedro Rizzo by unanimous decision after five rounds, retaining his title in a grueling striking and grappling affair. In the co-main event, captured the welterweight title by submitting champion via bulldog choke at 2:50 of the third round, marking Canada's first UFC championship win. Other heavyweight action saw secure a victory over Pete Williams with punches following a body kick at 1:28 of the second round. In the inaugural light heavyweight bout under the new 205-pound limit, made a statement in his divisional debut by knocking out former heavyweight champion with punches at 1:18 of the first round. impressed in his UFC debut at , earning a first-round over via punches at 4:57. Welterweight highlights included Shonie Carter's iconic third-round knockout of Matt Serra with a spinning back fist at 4:51, a finish that became one of the promotion's most replayed moments. Matt Lindland won a light heavyweight contest against Ricardo Almeida by disqualification due to repeated fouls at 4:21 of the third round, while Tony DeSouza closed the card with a unanimous decision victory over Steve Berger in welterweight. UFC 31 is notable for featuring early appearances by future stars like Liddell (eventual champion), Penn ( and welterweight champion), Serra (welterweight champion), and Lindland ( wrestler turned contender), underscoring the event's role in building the UFC's roster during its post- acquisition era.

Background

Historical Context

In the late and early , (MMA) faced widespread criticism in the United States for its perceived brutality, often labeled as "human " by politicians and media outlets, leading to bans on UFC events in nearly every state except a few like and . This backlash stemmed from the early UFC's no-holds-barred , which lacked weight classes, time limits, and comprehensive safety measures, prompting calls for regulation to transform MMA into a legitimate sport. In January 2001, LLC, led by Frank and along with , acquired the UFC for $2 million, initiating reforms such as mandatory gloves, rounds, and medical oversight to address these concerns and gain sanctioning from athletic commissions. UFC 30 in February 2001 marked the first event under ownership, with UFC 31 as the second. A pivotal step in this evolution came from the State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB), which began sanctioning MMA events in September 2000 to ensure fighter safety and fair competition, marking the first state-level regulation of the sport. The NJSACB collaborated with other commissions in 2000 to develop the Unified Rules of , introducing standardized fouls, judging criteria, and initial weight divisions to replace the open-weight format and mitigate injury risks; these rules were first implemented at in November 2000. These rules represented a broader industry shift toward professionalism, influencing other states and helping MMA shed its underground image amid ongoing legal and public scrutiny. UFC 31: Locked and Loaded, held on May 4, 2001, at the Trump Taj Mahal in , served as the 31st UFC event and the promotion's second under ownership, fully implementing the Unified Rules with refined weight classes—such as at 155 pounds and at 170 pounds—to promote competitive balance and accessibility. This event underscored UFC's commitment to regulatory compliance, as it was sanctioned by the NJSACB shortly after the rules' adoption, paving the way for MMA's expansion beyond niche audiences.

Key Matchups and Fighters

The main event of UFC 31 pitted defending heavyweight champion Randy Couture against challenger Pedro Rizzo in a clash of contrasting styles. Couture, a veteran of the Octagon since 1997, relied heavily on his Greco-Roman wrestling background, having earned a reputation for controlling opponents through takedowns and ground dominance after his successful tournament wins at UFC 13 and UFC 15. As a former Army Ranger and accomplished wrestler, Couture entered the fight with an 8-3 record, emphasizing his tactical grappling approach in title defenses. Rizzo, a Brazilian striker from the Chute Boxe Academy, brought formidable Muay Thai expertise to the matchup, known for his devastating leg kicks and knockout power that had propelled him to a 10-0 record prior to his UFC debut, entering UFC 31 with an 11-1 record. The bout was hyped as a stylistic showdown between Couture's wrestling pedigree and Rizzo's precision striking, marking the first five-round heavyweight title fight under the newly adopted Unified Rules. In the co-main event, champion defended his title against , a Canadian grappler celebrated for his proficiency and particularly his armbar submissions. Newton entered with a 9-3 record and a reputation for transitioning seamlessly from striking to joint locks on the ground. , the inaugural champion and a pioneer in the division since 1998, was noted for his well-rounded skill set but faced a dangerous submission threat from Newton's grappling arsenal, setting up an anticipated test of stand-up versus submission artistry. A pivotal light heavyweight matchup featured rising star against , who was making his divisional debut after competing as a . , a two-time wrestling champion from , brought explosive athleticism and takedown ability honed from his collegiate success, aiming to leverage his size advantage in the 205-pound class. , undefeated in the UFC at 4-0 entering the fight, was building momentum with his knockout striking power and base, creating hype around whether Randleman's wrestling could neutralize Liddell's aggressive stand-up game. The card also spotlighted several notable debuts, including B.J. Penn's UFC entry against Joey Gilbert in the lightweight division. Penn, a 22-year-old Hawaiian with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Nova União, was touted as a prodigy for his rapid ascent in the sport, having gone 5-0 professionally with finishes showcasing both grappling and striking versatility. Similarly, Matt Serra made his Octagon debut opposite Shonie Carter at welterweight; Serra, a New York-based BJJ specialist and reality fighting veteran, entered with high expectations for his ground control after dominating regional circuits. The roster further highlighted international talent like Dutch kickboxer Semmy Schilt, a 6'11" heavyweight making his UFC debut against Pete Williams, bringing his Pancrase experience and towering reach to the heavyweight division. Peruvian welterweight Tony De Souza also debuted, facing Steve Berger with his southpaw striking and submission skills from South American promotions.

Event Details

Venue and Production

UFC 31: Locked and Loaded took place at the Mark G. Etess Arena within the Trump Taj Mahal casino in , on May 4, 2001. The arena, with a of approximately 5,000, provided a suitable mid-sized venue for the event, accommodating the setup and spectator seating in a configuration typical for early UFC productions. This location was selected in part due to 's pioneering regulatory framework for , as the state became the first in the U.S. to sanction UFC events starting with in late 2000, under the oversight of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. The event's production followed the UFC's established format at the time, featuring standard lighting, sound, and camera setups to capture the fights for broadcast, with the centrally positioned on the arena floor to maximize visibility for the live audience. No major logistical incidents or production disruptions were reported during the event. The choice of the Trump Taj Mahal, owned by at the time, marked one of several early UFC events hosted there, leveraging the casino's facilities for fighter preparations and post-event activities. While specific attendance figures for UFC 31 are not widely documented in historical records, the event drew a crowd consistent with the arena's capacity, reflecting the growing but still niche interest in MMA during that era. Gate revenue details from the event remain unavailable in public archives, though early UFC events like this one typically generated modest live ticket sales compared to later productions.

Broadcasting and Attendance

UFC 31 was broadcast live as a event, allowing audiences across the to access the card from home. The commentary team consisted of play-by-play announcer , color Jeff Blatnick, and analyst , providing analysis during the fights. Following the live broadcast, the event was released on in DVD format, making it available for purchase and replay for fans. In terms of reach, UFC 31 exemplified the early era's modest but growing audience, reflecting the promotion's efforts to expand beyond niche viewership amid regulatory challenges. Attendance at the Trump Taj Mahal drew a casino-floor crowd typical of early UFC events in Atlantic City, contributing to a gate revenue that underscored the organization's uphill financial climb under new ownership.

Rules and Innovations

Introduction of Unified Rules

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board began sanctioning professional MMA events in September 2000 under a reviewed regulatory framework, with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts formally agreed upon in 2001. This development came amid growing pressure to reform the sport's early no-holds-barred style, which had faced bans and scrutiny from athletic commissions nationwide. The rules, drafted in collaboration with promoters and officials, aimed to balance competition integrity with athlete safety, and the UFC quickly integrated them starting with its November 2000 event. By the time of UFC 31 on May 4, 2001, these rules governed all aspects of the bouts, marking a pivotal moment in the promotion's evolution toward regulated professionalism. Central to the Unified Rules were prohibitions on hazardous techniques that had previously been permitted, including , hair pulling, headbutts, , , throat strikes, groin attacks, and stomping a grounded opponent. Fights were restructured into discrete rounds—typically five minutes each for non-title bouts, with one-minute intervals—evaluated by a minimum of three judges employing the 10-point must scoring system, which prioritizes effective striking and , legal aggressiveness, and control of the fighting area. Referees gained expanded authority to intervene, stop contests, and penalize fouls, while mandatory padded gloves (with specific and tape regulations) were required to minimize injuries like cuts and fractures. These elements collectively transformed MMA from chaotic exhibitions into a disciplined athletic contest. At UFC 31, the Unified Rules ensured bouts unfolded with greater predictability and oversight, reducing the risk of severe harm and allowing for strategic depth in preparations. This structured approach not only enhanced immediate event safety but also played a crucial role in MMA's broader mainstream acceptance, as commissions in other states began adopting similar standards, paving the way for the sport's expansion beyond niche audiences.

Weight Class Implementation

UFC 31 marked the debut of standardized weight divisions under the Unified Rules of , aligning the promotion with regulatory standards set by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. These classes included at 155 pounds, at 170 pounds, at 185 pounds, at 205 pounds, and for competitors over 205 pounds. This realignment standardized divisions across promotions, replacing earlier inconsistent categories to ensure consistency in professional MMA competitions. Under the Unified Rules framework, the event incorporated official weigh-ins the day before bouts, requiring fighters to meet their division limits to verify compliance and promote safety. Fights were categorized accordingly, with notable matchups such as the title bout between and , where both competitors weighed in at 170 pounds, exemplifying the new structure's application. Other bouts, including light heavyweight clashes like versus and title fight against , further demonstrated the divisions' implementation across the card. This shift from the UFC's early open-weight tournaments to structured divisions represented a pivotal evolution in the sport, aimed at creating fairer matchups by minimizing size disparities that could lead to uneven contests and increased injury risks. By grouping fighters by weight, the changes emphasized skill-based competition over physical advantages, contributing to MMA's growing legitimacy and appeal to athletic commissions.

Fight Card and Results

Main Card Outcomes

The main card of UFC 31: Locked and Loaded, held on May 4, 2001, at the Trump Taj Mahal in , showcased four key bouts that highlighted the evolving structure of UFC events under the newly implemented Unified Rules of . These fights included two title defenses and two non-title matchups in the , , and divisions, emphasizing striking and exchanges that tested the fighters' endurance and skill. In the headline attraction, retained his UFC Heavyweight Championship against in a grueling five-round war marked by mutual leg kicks and heavy punches, ultimately winning by with all judges scoring the bout 49-46 in his favor. The fight, which went the full 25 minutes, demonstrated Couture's superior wrestling and cardio despite Rizzo's early dominance with low kicks that visibly impaired the champion's mobility. The co-main event saw capture the UFC Welterweight Championship from defending champion via submission with a bulldog choke at 2:50 of the third round, marking a significant upset as Newton transitioned from a takedown to trap Miletich against the cage and apply the choke. This victory, achieved after two rounds of back-and-forth action, highlighted Newton's prowess and ended Miletich's four-year title reign. Earlier on the card, rising star earned a stunning victory over former UFC Heavyweight Champion in their clash, dropping Randleman with a series of punches at 1:18 of the first round to secure the win by KO. Liddell's explosive striking overwhelmed Randleman's wrestling attempts, foreshadowing the former's ascent in the division. Rounding out the main card, defeated by via a dramatic spinning back fist at 4:51 of the third round in a bout filled with submission attempts and stand-up flurries. The finish, delivered with seconds remaining, became one of the event's most iconic moments due to its highlight-reel nature and Serra's resilience prior to the strike.

Preliminary Card Outcomes

The preliminary card at UFC 31 featured four bouts across multiple weight classes, showcasing emerging talents and competitive finishes under the newly introduced unified rules. These undercard matchups provided opportunities for fighters to demonstrate striking, , and endurance in non-title contests, with outcomes highlighting the event's emphasis on decisive conclusions despite the three-round format. In the opener, Tony DeSouza defeated Steve Berger via after three five-minute rounds, with judges scoring the fight 29-28 across the board. DeSouza, a Peruvian making his UFC debut, controlled the pace with effective takedown defense and counterstriking, outlanding Berger in significant strikes while avoiding prolonged exchanges. This victory marked DeSouza's undefeated streak in the promotion intact at that point. The lightweight bout saw B.J. Penn, in his professional MMA debut, secure a first-round TKO victory over Joey Gilbert at 4:57 via punches from the top position. Penn, transitioning from black belt credentials, overwhelmed Gilbert with a and ground-and-pound, prompting referee intervention as Gilbert absorbed unanswered strikes. This impressive debut foreshadowed Penn's rapid rise as a versatile contender. At , won by disqualification against at 4:21 of the third round due to repeated fouls by Almeida, primarily illegal strikes to the back of the head during scrambles. Lindland, an wrestling silver medalist, dominated with takedowns and positional control throughout, frustrating Almeida's submission attempts and forcing the referee's stoppage under the strict unified rules enforcement. The unusual finish underscored the challenges of adapting to the new regulatory framework in close-quarters wrestling-heavy fights. Closing the prelims in the division, defeated Pete Williams via at 1:28 of the second round with a body kick followed by punches. The towering Schilt, leveraging his background, absorbed early pressure before landing a debilitating that dropped Williams, allowing ground strikes to end . This win highlighted Schilt's striking precision against Williams' aggressive style, contributing to the prelim card's emphasis on artistry.

Aftermath and Legacy

Title Implications

In the heavyweight division, Randy Couture's unanimous decision victory over in the main event of UFC 31 allowed him to retain the UFC heavyweight championship, marking his second successful title defense and further establishing his status as a dominant force in the weight class during the early 2000s. This retention highlighted Couture's resilience in a grueling five-round battle, where he overcame early adversity to secure the win, thereby positioning him for subsequent defenses that would shape the division's competitive landscape. The welterweight title bout saw achieve an upset submission win via bulldog choke against defending champion in the third round, ending Miletich's four-year reign that included four successful defenses and ushering in a new era for the 170-pound division. Newton's victory made him the first Canadian to capture a UFC championship, inspiring future generations of fighters from the country and opening opportunities for emerging contenders like Matt Hughes, who would dethrone Newton just five months later at UFC 34. Overall, the outcomes of UFC 31's title fights underscored the effectiveness of the newly implemented system in fostering structured progression and competitive balance across divisions, as both results directly influenced the trajectory of challengers and defenses in the and categories moving forward.

Awards and Recognition

UFC 31 received retrospective honors in the 2011 edition of the UFC Encyclopedia, which recognized standout performances from the event through category-specific awards. The Fight of the Night distinction went to the title bout between and , praised for its grueling exchanges and competitive intensity over five rounds, culminating in Couture's victory. Knockout of the Night was awarded to Shonie Carter for his iconic third-round spinning back fist that dropped Matt Serra, a finish often highlighted as one of the most spectacular in UFC history due to its precision and highlight-reel flair. Submission of the Night honored Carlos Newton for his innovative third-round bulldog choke on Pat Miletich, securing the welterweight championship in a bout that demonstrated Newton's grappling prowess and marked a significant moment in the division's evolution. Beyond these awards, the event garnered broader acclaim for its role in advancing MMA's legitimacy. B.J. Penn's debut victory over via (punches) in the first round was immediately recognized as a star-making performance, earning him the moniker "" and signaling the arrival of a future two-division champion. UFC President has retrospectively lauded early Zuffa-era cards like UFC 31 for their contribution to elevating the sport's production values and fight quality, helping transition MMA from fringe entertainment to a mainstream professional athletic endeavor. The event's legacy endures as a cornerstone in MMA's professionalization, particularly for fully adopting standardized weight classes that aligned with global norms and fostered fairer, more structured competition.

References

  1. [1]
    UFC 31 | Locked & Loaded
    May 4, 2001 · Main Card ; Heavyweight Title Bout · Randy Couture · Pedro Rizzo ; Welterweight Title Bout · Carlos Newton · Pat Miletich ; Heavyweight Bout · Semmy ...
  2. [2]
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded | MMA Event - Tapology
    UFC 31 was held on May 4, 2001, in Atlantic City, NJ. Randy Couture won the main event against Pedro Rizzo. Carlos Newton won the co-main event against Pat ...
  3. [3]
    Fast Facts for Our 20th Anniversary - UFC.com
    Nov 1, 2013 · First heavyweight fight – Justin Martin vs. Eric Martin, UFC 12 (200+ lbs.) First 205 lbs. fight – Matt Lindland vs. Ricardo Almeida, UFC 31
  4. [4]
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded - UFC Stats
    May 4, 2001 · UFC 31: Locked and Loaded ; win · Carlos Newton · Pat Miletich. 0. 0 ; win · Chuck Liddell · Kevin Randleman. 1. 0 ; win · Shonie Carter · Matt ...Missing: results | Show results with:results
  5. [5]
    Ultimate Fighting, Toned Down, Seeks Legalization
    Mar 10, 2008 · Zuffa, the company that acquired the championship in 2001, will unveil the Web site www.mmafacts.com on Monday to argue that it has ...
  6. [6]
    A Timeline of UFC Rules: From No-Holds-Barred to Highly Regulated
    May 31, 2018 · In April of that year, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board adopted a set of standards that would become known as the Unified Rules of ...
  7. [7]
    The 23 moments that made UFC a global phenomenon
    Nov 12, 2016 · ... purchase the UFC for $2 million in January 2001 and create Zuffa, LLC. Unified rules: Larry Hazzard, chairman of the New Jersey Athletic ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] UNIFIED RULES OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - NJ.gov
    Feb 5, 2010 · As of 2000, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) began to allow mixed martial arts promoters to conduct events in New Jersey ...Missing: 31 | Show results with:31<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    [PDF] The Rise of Mixed Martial Arts and the Fight that Lies Ahead
    The first course of action to legitimize the UFC was unified rules and safety regulations, which allowed MMA to be universally recognized as its own unique and ...
  10. [10]
    [PDF] Constitutional Combat: Is Fighting a Form of Free Speech? The ...
    MMA events.9 The unified rules were developed in April of 2001 by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, and when adopted by state commissions, govern ...
  11. [11]
    Fight Flashback: The First Event - UFC.com
    Jan 13, 2011 · And as Zuffa undertook its maiden voyage into the Octagon tonight at the Trump Taj Mahal, the future looks brighter than it ever has for the ...
  12. [12]
    UFC® 25 YEARS IN SHORT - FightBook MMA
    Nov 13, 2018 · UFC returned to Trump Taj Mahal in May 2001 with UFC 31, the first UFC event held under the new Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which the ...
  13. [13]
    Randy
    ### Randy Couture's Wrestling Background and Achievements Before 2001
  14. [14]
    Land of the Giants - Part I - UFC
    May 7, 2009 · The 6'3 former collegiate wrestling champion must cut upwards of 15 lbs from his massively muscled frame in order to make the heavyweight limit ...
  15. [15]
    Randy Couture | UFC
    ### Summary of Randy Couture's Wrestling Background and MMA Entry Before UFC 31 (2001)
  16. [16]
    Pedro
    ### Pedro Rizzo's Muay Thai Background
  17. [17]
    UFC 31 - Locked & Loaded - Sherdog
    May 4, 2001 · Pedro Rizzo ; 3. Matt 'The Law' Lindland. Matt Lindland win. vs. Ricardo 'Big Dog' Almeida. Ricardo Almeida loss. Disqualification (Repeated ...
  18. [18]
    Carlos Newton | UFC
    ### Summary of Carlos Newton's Reputation as Armbar Specialist Before UFC 31
  19. [19]
    https://www.ufc.com/athlete/carlos-newton
  20. [20]
    Chuck Liddell | UFC
    ### Summary of Chuck Liddell's Background for Matchup with Randleman at UFC 31
  21. [21]
    Kevin Randleman | UFC
    ### Summary of Kevin Randleman’s Light Heavyweight Debut and Wrestling Background
  22. [22]
    My Favorite Fight: BJ Penn Remembers UFC 31
    Dec 3, 2012 · But the moment that sticks out in my head as the most memorable is my first time walking out to the Octagon at UFC 31 in 2001 to fight Joey ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  23. [23]
    BJ Penn | UFC
    ### Summary of B.J. Penn's First UFC Fight at UFC 31 Against Joey Gilbert
  24. [24]
    Matt Serra: New York's Finest - UFC.com
    May 30, 2013 · He never left. From his memorable 2001 debut against Shonie Carter at UFC 31 to his final Octagon bout in 2010 against Chris Lytle, Serra ...
  25. [25]
    Matt Serra | UFC
    ### Summary of Matt Serra's UFC Debut
  26. [26]
    Semmy Schilt - UFC.com
    UFC Spotlight. Semmy Schilt vs. Pete Williams UFC® 31. Stats. Previous Next. Sig ... Schilt vs Williams. May. 4, 2001. Round. 2. Time. 00:01:28. Method. KO/TKO.
  27. [27]
    Trump Taj Mahal Casino - CBS Philadelphia
    May 26, 2011 · The Mark G. Etess Arena seats 5,000 and has hosted premier sporting events and many popular entertainers like Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, ...Missing: UFC 31 venue capacity
  28. [28]
    MMA timeline: From humble start in New Jersey to huge 'UFC 169 ...
    Nov 12, 2013 · A look at the history of mixed martial arts - from its its first sanctioned fight in New Jersey in 2000, to its first fight-related fatality ...
  29. [29]
    - NJ COMMISSION CORRECTS MAINSTREAM UFC STORIES
    Jul 26, 2006 · What you're unlikely to have seen is any acknowledgment of the fact that the UFC was already sanctioned in 2000 by the New Jersey State Athletic ...
  30. [30]
    Top 5: Donald Trump UFC Moments - Sherdog
    Jul 14, 2025 · Still in the midst of a victory lap after winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump attended UFC 314 in person at the Kaseya Center in Miami ...
  31. [31]
    How Donald Trump helped UFC in Atlantic City | The Auditor - nj.com
    Jul 20, 2016 · White said Trump, who then owned three casinos in Atlantic City, took a chance and hosted two UFC events at the Trump Taj Mahal.
  32. [32]
    List of UFC Event Gate Revenues / Ticket Sales - Bet MMA.tips
    McGregor 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada with a gate of $7,692,010. You can sort this page by either date or by event gate, by clicking on that header. Date, Event ...
  33. [33]
    UFC 21-30 DVD Box Set - vols. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
    UFC 21-30 DVD Box Set - vols. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ... For the 2025 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2025 can ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    UFC PPV Sales - Kaggle
    Dataset contains list of every UFC PPV event + the estimated number of PPV sales ... 2. 1488500.00 - 1650000.00, 2 ... 35.0k. 1.65m. 2001 9 28 33 Ortiz ...
  35. [35]
    From 1 to 100: UFC through the years - Las Vegas Sun News
    Jul 9, 2009 · The UFC adopts the unified rules weight class setup for UFC 31. On Aug. 31, the UFC secures sanctioning by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    NJ State Athletic Control Board - Proposed Rules - NJ.gov
    Sep 5, 2002 · On April 3, 2001, the SACB held a meeting in Trenton to discuss the regulation of mixed martial arts events. This meeting was set up by SACB ...Missing: UFC 31
  37. [37]
    Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts - UFC.com
    UFC has consistently embraced more thorough regulation of MMA and adopted the Unified Rules of MMA in November 2000. These rules help ensure athlete safety and ...
  38. [38]
    [PDF] Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts
    Note: These are the Official Unified Rules of MMA. Any other form of these rules may not be called the “Unified Rules of MMA” and shall be referred to by the ...
  39. [39]
    https://www.techniquescombat.com/blogs/niques/the-complete-guide-to-mma-weight-classes
  40. [40]
    UFC Weight Classes: Explained - LowKick MMA
    Aug 16, 2021 · The heavyweight division was the first official weight class of the UFC. Initially, it was 200lbs and up, but moved up to 206lbs-265lbs after ...
  41. [41]
    The History Of Weight Classes In Combat Sports: Why They Matter
    Dec 28, 2024 · Weight classes were developed to match fights evenly, so outcomes are determined by skill and strategy, not brute strength.
  42. [42]
    UFC - Stats
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded. W. Randy Couture. "The Natural". L. Pedro Rizzo. "The Rock". UFC Heavyweight Title Bout. Method: Decision - Unanimous Round: 5 Time: ...
  43. [43]
    UFC - Stats
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded W Chuck Liddell "The Iceman" L Kevin Randleman "The Monster" Light Heavyweight Bout Method: KO/TKO Round: 1 Time: 1:18
  44. [44]
    Chuck Liddell - A Tribute to a Fighter - UFC.com
    Dec 30, 2010 · The day after the rules meeting, Liddell knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman in 78 seconds, and it was the beginning of ...
  45. [45]
    Welterweight Bout - Stats | UFC
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded. W. Shonie Carter. "Mr. International". L. Matt Serra. "The Terra". Welterweight Bout. Method: KO/TKO Round: 3 Time: 4:51 Time format: ...
  46. [46]
    UFC 31: Locked & Loaded Fight Results - ESPN
    May 4, 2001 · Fight summary of UFC 31: Locked & Loaded from Etess Arena in Atlantic City on May 4, 2001 on ESPN, including the main card and prelims.
  47. [47]
    https://www.ufcstats.com/fight-details/97a4b37cee48ea0b
  48. [48]
    https://www.ufcstats.com/fight-details/7a018ddd9239e45f
  49. [49]
    UFC 31: Locked and Loaded Results, Fight Card & Highlights
    May 4, 2001 · UFC 31: Locked and Loaded complete results, fight card, and highlights from May 4, 2001 at Trump Taj Mahal. Full coverage and analysis at ...
  50. [50]
    Randy Couture - The Magnificent Seven - UFC.com
    Jan 15, 2010 · Once the bell rang though, it was Couture's will and heart that ruled the day as he pounded out a close but well-earned unanimous decision over ...
  51. [51]
    Top 5: UFC Heavyweight Title Fights of All-Time - Sherdog
    Jul 16, 2025 · Randy Couture retained the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title with a five-round unanimous decision over Pedro Rizzo in the UFC 31 ...
  52. [52]
    Randy Couture vs Pedro Rizzo UFC 31
    Randy Couture and Pedro Rizzo leave it all in the Octagon in this heavyweight title fight, which was one of 'The Natural's' toughest fights ever.
  53. [53]
    The Ultimate 100 Recap - Fights 50-31 - UFC.com
    Jul 8, 2009 · Rizzo finished the fight strongly, but his lackadaisical follow up on a hurt Couture ultimately hurt him on the judges' scorecards. After ...
  54. [54]
    UFC Welterweight Title Lineage
    Mar 22, 2023 · Carlos Newton (2001) Defeats Pat Miletich by submission at UFC 31 (5/4/2001) to securing the UFC welterweight title. (Watch On UFC Fight ...Missing: implications | Show results with:implications
  55. [55]
    Carlos Newton vs. Pat Miletich, UFC 31 | MMA Bout - Tapology
    Newton defeats Miletich L Submission, Bulldog Choke 2:50 Round 3 of 5, 12:50 Total Fighter Comparison Bout Information
  56. [56]
    Carlos Newton Becomes First Canadian Champion | FIGHT SPORTS
    May 4, 2022 · Newton became the first Canadian champion in the promotion when he finished Pat Miletich with a bulldog choke in the welterweight championship.<|separator|>
  57. [57]
    Carlos Newton – The Ronin Who Pioneered Canadian MMA
    Oct 28, 2025 · At 24 years old, he became the first Canadian to hoist UFC gold, a milestone that inspired a generation north of the border.