UFC 33
UFC 33: Victory in Vegas was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on September 28, 2001, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.[1] It marked the promotion's first pay-per-view event following the September 11 terrorist attacks and featured eight professional bouts, including three UFC championship fights across different weight classes.[2] The card drew an attendance of 9,500 fans and generated a live gate of $816,660.[3] The main event was a light heavyweight title defense, where champion Tito Ortiz retained his belt against challenger Vladimir Matyushenko via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44) after five rounds.[4][5] In the co-main event, lightweight champion Jens Pulver defended his title for the second time, defeating Dennis Hallman by unanimous decision (49-47, 48-47, 48-47).[4][5] The evening also saw the inaugural UFC middleweight championship bout, with Dave Menne claiming the vacant title via unanimous decision (49-43, 49-44, 49-45) over Gil Castillo in a five-round war.[4][5] Other significant matchups included a light heavyweight contest where Chuck Liddell earned a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) over former middleweight champion Murilo Bustamante, marking an early highlight in Liddell's rise toward UFC stardom.[4][5] On the preliminary card, Matt Serra secured a majority decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-29) against Yves Edwards in a welterweight bout, while Jutaro Nakao stopped Tony DeSouza via knockout (punch) at 0:15 of the second round; Ricardo Almeida submitted Eugene Jackson with a triangle choke at 4:06 of the first round; and Din Thomas outpointed Fabiano Iha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28).[4][5] UFC 33 was notable as the first UFC event held under the Nevada State Athletic Commission's sanctioning with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, standardizing gloves, rounds, and judging for future promotions.[2]Background
Historical Context
In its formative years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) encountered significant regulatory hurdles, as the no-holds-barred format of early events led to widespread bans across numerous U.S. states and reluctance from athletic commissions to sanction mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.[6] Prior to 2001, the UFC operated largely without official oversight, prompting criticism for safety concerns and prompting efforts to reform the sport's structure to gain legitimacy.[7] This evolution from unregulated spectacles to a more disciplined format accelerated under new ownership by Zuffa LLC in early 2001, which prioritized collaboration with regulators to introduce standardized rules.[8] A pivotal development occurred on November 17, 2000, when the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) introduced the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, establishing weight classes, timed rounds, gloves, and prohibitions on certain techniques to enhance fighter safety and competitive fairness.[9] These rules were first implemented at UFC 30 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on February 23, 2001, marking the UFC's shift away from its original open-weight, untimed format.[10] Subsequent events, including UFC 31 on May 4, 2001, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and UFC 32 on June 29, 2001, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, further adopted these guidelines, demonstrating growing acceptance in select jurisdictions.[11][12] In 2001, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) approved the Unified Rules and sanctioned MMA for the first time, enabling events in Las Vegas, the self-proclaimed "Fight Capital of the World."[13] UFC 33, held on September 28, 2001, became the inaugural UFC event under NSAC oversight, introducing regulated judging, three five-minute rounds for non-title bouts, and formal weight divisions to the Las Vegas stage.[14] Occurring just 17 days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, it stood as one of the earliest major sports events in the U.S. to proceed without significant disruptions, underscoring the sport's resilience amid national mourning.[15]Promotion and Buildup
UFC 33 was announced in early August 2001 as "Victory in Vegas," positioning the event as the promotion's inaugural showcase in Las Vegas, long established as a premier hub for combat sports.[16] Under new ownership by Zuffa, LLC—formed earlier that year by Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta along with Dana White—the event represented a pivotal step toward revitalizing the UFC brand, with promotional efforts highlighting its return to pay-per-view broadcasting after a hiatus. Marketing emphasized the adoption of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, marking UFC 33 as the first event fully sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and underscoring a commitment to regulated, professional competition.[17] Central to the hype were the introduction of official championship belts in the lightweight and middleweight divisions—expanding beyond the heavyweight focus of prior UFC eras—alongside structured fight formats: three five-minute rounds for non-title bouts and five rounds for championships.[1] Fighter narratives drove much of the buildup, including lightweight champion Jens Pulver's defense against grappling specialist Dennis Hallman, light heavyweight titleholder Tito Ortiz facing Belarusian wrestler Vladimir Matyushenko in a high-stakes rematch opportunity, and the emergence of knockout artist Chuck Liddell against Brazilian submission expert Murilo Bustamante, spotlighting Liddell's potential as a future star.[1][18] Pre-event media coverage featured press conferences at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, where officials and fighters discussed the sport's evolution, while pay-per-view advertisements stressed the event's alignment with mainstream athletic standards to attract broader audiences.[16] No major injuries or fight card alterations occurred, though the NSAC enforced a one-pound weigh-in allowance for non-championship bouts; all fighters complied, with examples including Liddell at 203 pounds and Bustamante at 199 pounds for their light heavyweight matchup.[19]Event Details
Venue and Attendance
UFC 33 took place on September 28, 2001, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the promotion's first event sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) under the newly adopted Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.[1] The venue, a 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena owned by Mandalay Resort Group, was selected for its regulatory advantages—proximity to the NSAC, which had legalized professional MMA in Nevada earlier that year—and its status as a premier entertainment destination in Las Vegas. This Friday night scheduling aligned with the UFC's efforts to integrate into mainstream sports calendars while navigating the post-legalization landscape.[1] The event drew an attendance of 9,500 spectators, filling approximately 79% of the arena's capacity and generating a live gate revenue of $816,660.[20] Pay-per-view buys reached 75,000, a figure considered moderate for the early 2000s as the UFC worked to build legitimacy amid evolving regulatory acceptance and broader public perceptions of the sport.[20][21] Production elements included the standard UFC Octagon setup compliant with the Unified Rules, featuring a 30-foot diameter enclosed cage with padded flooring, four-inch padded fencing, and weight class-specific glove requirements to enhance fighter safety and standardize competition.[9]Rules and Broadcasting
UFC 33 marked the first implementation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts under the oversight of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which provided regulatory sanctioning for the event held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.[14][1] These rules standardized the sport by introducing five 5-minute rounds for championship bouts and three 5-minute rounds for non-title fights, along with defined weight classes such as lightweight at up to 155 pounds, mandatory glove usage (typically 4-6 ounces approved by the commission), prohibitions on certain strikes like 12-to-6 elbows, and unified judging criteria based on effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control.[9][22] The NSAC enforced these through pre-fight medical examinations, including blood tests and physical assessments to ensure fighter safety, and appointed official referees and judges, such as referee John McCarthy for key bouts, to maintain compliance and fairness.[14] The event was broadcast exclusively as a pay-per-view (PPV) production by the UFC, with no televised prelims, making the full card available only through cable and satellite providers at a cost of $29.95.[1] Commentary was provided by play-by-play announcer Mike Goldberg and color analyst Jeff Blatnick, who offered insights into the fights drawing from Blatnick's Olympic wrestling background.[23] However, the broadcast encountered significant technical difficulties due to the event running over its allotted time, resulting in early cutoffs on various cable systems that prevented some viewers from seeing the conclusion of the main event and other late bouts.[24][25] This overrun negatively impacted the viewer experience and contributed to the event's reputation as a challenging debut for the new ownership era.[26]Fight Card and Results
Title Bouts
The main event was a light heavyweight title defense featuring UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz against Vladimir Matyushenko. Ortiz, who had captured the belt at UFC 25 in April 2000 by defeating Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision and maintained an undefeated streak in championship bouts with three successful defenses prior to this fight, entered with a professional record of 8-1. Matyushenko, a Belarusian wrestler making his second UFC appearance after a loss to Tim Couch at UFC 28, arrived late to the official weigh-in but complied, scaling at 205.25 pounds within the Nevada State Athletic Commission's one-pound allowance for non-title fights adjusted to title parameters.[19] The bout unfolded as a grappling-heavy affair dominated by Ortiz's wrestling prowess. In Round 1, Ortiz quickly secured a takedown and controlled Matyushenko from top position for 4:29, landing 13 of 15 significant strikes while Matyushenko managed only 2 of 5. Round 2 saw Ortiz attempt multiple takedowns, landing one and amassing 4:14 of control time, outstriking Matyushenko 32-11 despite the challenger's brief clinch work. The pattern continued in Round 3, with Ortiz taking the fight to the mat early and holding top control for 4:29, limiting Matyushenko to 3 significant strikes against Ortiz's 7. Round 4 mirrored the dominance, as Ortiz landed a takedown and controlled for 4:37, stifling Matyushenko's offense to just 1 significant strike. In the final round, Matyushenko achieved his lone takedown but spent only 0:50 in control, while Ortiz reversed position and struck 7 times to Matyushenko's 2 over 3:43 of dominance. Ortiz won by unanimous decision with scores of 50-43, 50-44, and 50-44, extending his title reign.[27] The co-main event pitted UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver against Dennis Hallman for the 155-pound title. Pulver, who had become the inaugural champion just four months earlier at UFC 31 by edging Caol Uno via split decision in a five-round war, entered with a 7-1-1 record and aimed to solidify his reign.[28] Hallman, a veteran wrestler dropping from welterweight, had cut 30 pounds to make weight but later admitted the extreme dehydration left him weakened throughout the fight. Early grappling set a tentative tone, with Hallman landing both of his two takedowns in Round 1 for 1:09 of control, though Pulver reversed and held top position for 2:32 while landing minimal strikes (1 to Hallman's 3). Round 2 shifted momentum as Pulver stuffed takedown attempts and dominated control for 4:45 without conceding ground time, outstriking Hallman 2-1. Pulver's pressure intensified in Round 3, where he evaded grappling exchanges to secure 4:31 of control and land 12 significant strikes to Hallman's 5. Round 4 featured Hallman's brief 0:41 control attempt via a kneebar threat from bottom position, but Pulver escaped, stood, and controlled for 3:53 while landing 2 strikes to Hallman's 1. In Round 5, Pulver maintained offensive pressure, controlling briefly for 0:21 and outstriking Hallman 10-5 to close strong. Pulver retained the title via unanimous decision with scores of 49-47, 48-47, and 48-47, showcasing superior cardio and ground defense over the full 25 minutes.[29] The third title bout on the main card was the inaugural UFC middleweight championship, with Dave Menne facing Gil Castillo for the vacant title. Menne, a veteran grappler with a 21-6-2 record entering the UFC, utilized his wrestling to control the fight over five rounds, despite a point deduction for an illegal knee in Round 4. Menne outstruck Castillo 70-9 in significant strikes and secured 7 takedowns to Castillo's 1, dominating positionally throughout. Menne won by unanimous decision with scores of 49-45, 49-42, and 49-44 to claim the title.[30]Non-Title Bouts
The non-title bouts at UFC 33 consisted of five three-round fights, divided between the main card and preliminary card, showcasing a mix of striking, grappling, and decision-based outcomes. These undercard matchups highlighted emerging talents in various weight classes, with quick submissions and knockouts contrasting longer, competitive decisions. The event adhered to unified rules, with non-title fights limited to 15 minutes unless stopped earlier.[2] The preliminary card opened with a lightweight bout between Din Thomas and Fabiano Iha. Thomas controlled the fight on the ground, using his grappling to neutralize Iha's attempts at striking exchanges, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory after three rounds (29-28, 29-27, 29-28). This win demonstrated Thomas's superior wrestling and positional dominance.[31] Next on the prelims was a middleweight clash between Ricardo Almeida and Eugene Jackson. Almeida, leveraging his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise, took the fight to the mat early and locked in a triangle choke, forcing Jackson to tap at 4:06 of the first round.[2] The submission highlighted Almeida's ground control and finishing ability in transitions.[1] The prelims concluded with a welterweight fight pitting Jutaro Nakao against Tony DeSouza. Nakao absorbed early pressure before landing a devastating punch that dropped DeSouza, securing a knockout victory at 0:15 of the second round.[32] This rapid finish underscored Nakao's knockout power in close-range exchanges.[2] On the main card, the first non-title bout was a welterweight matchup between Matt Serra and Yves Edwards. Serra dictated the pace with persistent takedowns and ground-and-pound, outworking Edwards over three rounds to earn a majority decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-29). The victory emphasized Serra's relentless grappling pressure against Edwards's striking threats.[33] The non-title portion of the main card closed with a light heavyweight fight between Chuck Liddell and Murilo Bustamante. Liddell used his striking power to keep Bustamante at bay, landing heavy punches while defending takedowns, en route to a unanimous decision win (29-28, 29-27, 29-27). Liddell's performance showcased his knockout threat and stand-up resilience in a competitive striking battle.[34]| Bout | Weight Class | Result | Method | Round/Time | Card Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Din Thomas vs. Fabiano Iha | Lightweight | Thomas def. Iha | Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28) | 3 / 5:00 | Prelim |
| Ricardo Almeida vs. Eugene Jackson | Middleweight | Almeida def. Jackson | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 / 4:06 | Prelim |
| Jutaro Nakao vs. Tony DeSouza | Welterweight | Nakao def. DeSouza | KO (Punch) | 2 / 0:15 | Prelim |
| Matt Serra vs. Yves Edwards | Welterweight | Serra def. Edwards | Majority Decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-29) | 3 / 5:00 | Main Card |
| Chuck Liddell vs. Murilo Bustamante | Light Heavyweight | Liddell def. Bustamante | Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) | 3 / 5:00 | Main Card |