Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

UFC 69

UFC 69: Shootout was a event produced by the (UFC) on April 7, 2007, at the in . The event featured a total of nine professional MMA bouts across multiple weight classes, drawing an attendance of 15,269 spectators and generating a live gate revenue of $2,817,200. The main event was a UFC Championship bout between defending champion and , the winner of season 4. Serra, a heavy underdog at +850 odds, defeated St-Pierre by technical knockout via punches at 3:25 of the first round, marking St-Pierre's first loss in the UFC and one of the most significant upsets in the organization's history. This victory made Serra the first contestant from the Ultimate Fighter reality series to capture a UFC title. The co-main event saw defeat by (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a bout, while prospect won a (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) over in a highly entertaining fight. Other notable results included 's victory over in the middleweight division, 's second-round submission of via D'Arce choke, and 's win against in the heavyweight bout. The undercard featured submission wins for over Pete Spratt (Achilles lock, round 2, 2:57) and Thales Leites's over , along with 's second-round knockout of . UFC 69 is remembered primarily for Serra's improbable title win, which propelled his career briefly before St-Pierre avenged the loss one year later at , but it underscored the unpredictable nature of MMA and boosted the sport's popularity in 2007.

Event Details

Date and Venue

UFC 69: Shootout took place on April 7, 2007, at the in , . This marked the inaugural event in the state of , expanding the promotion's reach into a major Southern market. The , a multi-purpose arena opened in 2003 and primarily home to the NBA's , features a of approximately 18,000 for combat sports events, with the cage centrally positioned on the floor to accommodate bouts. The venue's configuration allows for efficient setup of broadcast facilities, lighting, and production elements typical for UFC pay-per-view cards.

Attendance and Revenue

UFC 69 drew a total attendance of 15,269, including 12,516 paid spectators, at the in , . This figure represented a strong turnout, nearly filling the venue's capacity of approximately 18,000 seats configured for the event. The event generated $2,817,200 in live gate revenue from ticket sales, reflecting robust commercial interest in the welterweight title bout between and . Additionally, it achieved 400,000 buys, contributing significantly to the UFC's overall revenue stream during a period of expanding popularity. Compared to typical UFC pay-per-view events in , which often saw paid attendance between 8,000 and 12,000—such as UFC 67's 8,700 paid and UFC 74's 9,622 paid—UFC 69's metrics underscored its above-average draw and economic impact for the era. The PPV buyrate similarly aligned with or exceeded contemporaries like UFC 77's 325,000 buys, highlighting the event's role in solidifying the UFC's growth trajectory.

Background

Promotion and Context

UFC 69 marked a significant milestone in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) expansion across the following Zuffa LLC's acquisition of the promotion in 2001 for approximately $2 million, which stabilized its operations and facilitated growth into new regional markets. Under Zuffa's leadership, with as president, the UFC transitioned from a niche, often controversial spectacle to a regulated , enabling events in previously untapped states like . Held at the in , UFC 69 represented the promotion's debut in the Lone Star State, broadening its footprint amid a period of domestic consolidation and increasing regulatory acceptance. The event was titled "," a name that evoked the high-stakes, combative intensity of while resonating with Houston's vibrant sports culture, home to professional teams like the NBA's and NFL's Houston Texans, known for their competitive fervor. This thematic choice aligned with the UFC's strategy to localize promotions, appealing to local fans by framing the card as a quintessential Texas-style showdown of skill and grit. In the broader context of 2007, UFC 69 occurred during a surge in the promotion's mainstream appeal, propelled by the success of "" reality series, which premiered on Spike TV in 2005 and drew a 1.8 rating for its premiere episode, legitimizing MMA and attracting a wider audience through dramatic narratives and emerging stars. By 2007, multiple seasons had aired, boosting sales and media coverage, positioning the UFC as a leading combat sports entity with events scheduled monthly to capitalize on this momentum. UFC 69 was announced in late 2006, with initial fight card details emerging around November, and served as a key pay-per-view in the promotion's packed early-year schedule, following UFC 68 in March and preceding UFC 70 in May, helping to maintain viewer engagement during a phase of rapid event proliferation.

Main Event Buildup

Georges St-Pierre entered UFC 69 as the defending UFC Welterweight Championship bout between defending champion Georges St-Pierre and Matt Serra, the winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 4. Serra, a heavy underdog at +850 odds, defeated St-Pierre by technical knockout via punches at 3:25 of the first round, marking St-Pierre's first loss in the UFC and one of the most significant upsets in the organization's history. This victory made Serra the first contestant from the Ultimate Fighter reality series to capture a UFC title. with a professional MMA record of 13-1. He had captured the title just five months earlier at by defeating former champion Matt Hughes via second-round , avenging an earlier loss to Hughes from 2004. Prior to that, St-Pierre solidified his status as the top contender with a victory over at in March 2006, a fight that showcased his wrestling and striking prowess against one of the division's most dangerous opponents. These wins highlighted St-Pierre's recent dominance, positioning him as an unstoppable force in the welterweight division. Challenging for the title was Matt Serra, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who earned his shot by winning the welterweight bracket of The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 in November 2005, defeating Pete Sell in the finale via first-round armbar. Serra entered the bout with a 9-4 professional record, including prior UFC appearances marked by losses such as a unanimous decision defeat to Nick Diaz in 2004 and a submission loss to Chris Lytle in 2005, which underscored his underdog status against elite competition. Despite his grappling expertise and resilience demonstrated on TUF, Serra was seen as a significant long shot, having rebuilt his momentum with wins in the reality show but lacking the recent high-profile victories of his opponent. The stakes were high for Serra, whose TUF victory directly granted him the title opportunity as part of the show's prize, representing a redemption arc from his earlier UFC setbacks. St-Pierre, heavily favored due to his unbeaten streak since 2004 and technical mastery, entered as a -1300 betting favorite, reflecting widespread expectations of a routine defense. Pre-fight press conferences amplified the narrative disparity, with Serra expressing confidence in his ground game while downplaying the hype, stating, "I'm going in there to fight, and all the hype and everything else boils down to two guys fighting in the cage." Media coverage emphasized the potential for an upset, framing the matchup as a clash between St-Pierre's precision and Serra's explosive underdog energy, though most analysts predicted a for the champion.

Supporting Matchups

The co-main event featured welterweight contenders and in a highly anticipated matchup rooted in their longstanding rivalry from Season 1. Both alumni of the inaugural season, Koscheck and Sanchez developed mutual animosity during the show, exacerbated by Sanchez's post-season taunts and provocative online messages directed at Koscheck, whom he viewed as overly confident. Tensions peaked at the UFC 69 weigh-ins when Sanchez shoved Koscheck during a staredown, intensifying the personal stakes as both fighters, with Sanchez undefeated at 17-0 and Koscheck at 8-1, vied for positioning toward welterweight title contention. Other prominent bouts on the card highlighted emerging talents across weight classes. The lightweight clash between and was promoted as a high-energy showcase, pitting Huerta, who was 2-0 in the UFC with a recent 19-second victory, against Garcia, a newcomer on an eight-fight winning streak featuring seven submissions but returning after a four-year layoff due to injury. In the middleweight division, faced in a pivotal test of momentum, with Okami seeking to rebound from a loss to then-champion [Rich Franklin](/page/Rich Franklin) and Swick, a TUF 1 veteran, aiming to solidify his status as a rising prospect in the 185-pound class. The middleweight matchup between , the TUF 3 winner looking to build on his post-show success, and , an undefeated prospect known for his striking, added a layer of intrigue by featuring Grove's reality TV pedigree against Belcher's raw potential. The undercard further showcased emerging talents, including against in a bout that spotlighted Leites' grappling expertise early in his UFC tenure, and veteran , a late-career breakout fighter, versus Pete Spratt to highlight Davis' momentum from recent victories. Heavyweight prelims, such as versus and versus TUF 4 alum , rounded out the card with veteran experience clashing against newer faces. These fights were promoted to demonstrate the event's depth, appealing to fans through a mix of rivalries, technical styles, and divisional variety beyond the main title bout.

Results

Main Card Outcomes

The main card of UFC 69 opened with a bout between and . Koscheck dominated the fight through superior wrestling and striking, securing multiple takedowns and landing significant leg kicks and punches throughout the three rounds. In the first round, Koscheck slammed Sanchez to the mat early and controlled the position, while Sanchez struggled to mount effective offense. The second round saw Koscheck rock Sanchez with a right hand and continue to press with strikes, maintaining top control. By the third round, Koscheck's high-volume output overwhelmed Sanchez, culminating in a victory for Koscheck with scores of 30-27 across all three judges. Next, lightweight contenders and engaged in a high-paced striking battle that showcased both fighters' cardio and resilience. The fight began with Huerta securing and landing elbows from mount in the first round, though Garcia swept and briefly took top position before the round ended. In the second, Huerta again grounded Garcia, working ground-and-pound while Garcia scrambled back to his feet for exchanges. The third round featured intense stand-up trading, with Huerta absorbing punishment but responding with heavy punches and another to seal the win. Huerta earned a with identical 30-27 scores from the judges, highlighting his versatility in a war of attrition. The matchup between and emphasized exchanges and control time. Okami started strong in the first round with jabs and a takedown, transitioning to half-guard and threatening a submission. Swick gained momentum in the second, landing punches and reversing positions to take the round on the feet. However, Okami regained dominance in the third, mounting Swick and delivering ground-and-pound strikes that nearly forced a stoppage, though Swick survived with a late reversal. Okami's overall superiority led to a win with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. In the main event for the UFC welterweight championship, underdog faced champion in one of the promotion's biggest upsets. The fight ended abruptly in the first round when Serra connected with a right hook that rocked St-Pierre against the cage, following up with to drop him. Serra capitalized by mounting and unleashing a barrage of ground-and-pound punches, prompting referee to stop the contest at 3:25. Serra's victory via immediately transferred the title to him, shocking the MMA world given St-Pierre's favored status and undefeated streak.

Preliminary Card Outcomes

The preliminary card for UFC 69 featured five non-televised bouts that showcased a mix of submissions, decisions, and knockouts, setting the tone for the evening's action at the in , . These fights highlighted emerging talents and veteran performers in the , , and divisions. Opening the card, faced in a striking-heavy affair. In the first round, Haynes pressed aggressively with takedown attempts, but Cummo countered effectively with combinations on the feet, rocking Haynes late to claim the round. The second round saw Cummo land a powerful right hand that dropped Haynes, prompting referee Kerry Hatley to intervene as Haynes could not defend himself, resulting in a victory for Cummo at 2:45. This finish underscored Cummo's knockout power in stand-up exchanges. Next, welterweight Marcus Davis took on Pete Spratt in a grappling-focused matchup. Davis controlled the first round by securing a and advancing to and the back, stifling Spratt's offense. In the second round, Davis transitioned to a leg attack after a scramble, locking in an ankle lock that forced Spratt to tap at 2:57, securing the submission win. The finish demonstrated Davis's proficiency in lower-body submissions during ground transitions. Middleweight Thales Leites grappled with Pete Sell, emphasizing jiu-jitsu expertise. Leites secured multiple takedowns in the first round, transitioning between rear-naked choke attempts and arm triangles while controlling from top position. He continued the ground dominance in the second with leg kicks, forearms, and heavy top pressure, and sealed the third with sustained control and punishment, earning a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Leites' superior grappling and positional control overwhelmed Sell throughout. Heavyweight veteran Heath Herring met Brad Imes in a test of experience against raw power. Herring stunned Imes with a punch early in the first round, dropping him and following with ground-and-pound elbows to dominate the frame. He maintained control across the next two rounds with additional knockdowns, takedowns, and strikes, outlasting Imes' power shots to win by (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Herring's tactical veteran savvy proved superior in neutralizing Imes' aggression. Closing the preliminary card, Kendall Grove battled in a dynamic striking and contest. The first round featured Belcher's early takedown to , but Grove reversed and landed knees and foot stomps from the clinch to take the edge. Grove carried momentum into the second round, clinching to deliver body knees before tripping Belcher to the mat, where he rained down elbows and transitioned seamlessly into a D'Arce choke, earning a technical submission victory at 4:42. This sequence highlighted Grove's ability to shift from stand-up pressure to a decisive choke.

Aftermath

Bonus Awards

At UFC 69, the awarded performance bonuses to recognize outstanding efforts in the , selected by UFC executives based on criteria such as technical skill, excitement generated, and overall impact on the event. The Fight of the Night bonus went to and for their bout, praised for its intense back-and-forth exchange of strikes that kept fans engaged throughout three rounds. Matt Serra received the Knockout of the Night award for his first-round victory over in the title main event, marking a stunning upset with ground-and-pound strikes that ended the champion's reign. earned Submission of the Night honors for his second-round D'Arce finish against in their matchup, showcasing precise technique as the first such submission in UFC history. Each recipient was awarded $35,000, consistent with the standard bonus payout for standout performances during that era of UFC events.

Notable Incidents and Announcements

During the event, a brief ringside altercation occurred between fighters and , who were set to coach opposing teams on the upcoming season of and face each other at UFC 73. The incident began when Ortiz approached Evans, who was seated with his fiancée, leading to a verbal exchange that escalated to physical posturing and required security personnel to separate the two fighters. This scuffle stemmed from their intensifying coaching rivalry and added to the pre-fight tension ahead of their scheduled matchup. In a significant broadcast moment, UFC president and commentator announced the signing of former FC heavyweight champion to the UFC roster, marking a major acquisition from the rival promotion following its acquisition by UFC's parent company. Nogueira, known as "Big Nog" and boasting a record of 29-4-1 with notable victories over fighters like Mirko Filipović and , expressed his intent to compete for the UFC heavyweight title after adapting to the promotion. This move bolstered the UFC's heavyweight division, which was expanding with other imports, and was positioned as a key step in unifying top talent post-Pride's closure. The main event upset, where underdog defeated champion via first-round , generated immediate widespread media shock, with outlets describing it as one of the greatest surprises in MMA history due to Serra's 9-4 record against St-Pierre's dominant streak. Contemporary reports highlighted the fight's David-vs.- narrative, emphasizing Serra's improbable path from a recent loss to claiming the title. Pundits and analysts quickly called for an immediate rematch, citing St-Pierre's youth, skill, and popularity as reasons to expedite a second bout to restore order in the division. Broadcast production featured memorable commentary from , whose animated reactions to the Serra upset captured the event's chaos, including exclamations of disbelief as the knockout unfolded, amplifying the live audience's astonishment. Rogan and Mike Goldberg's play-by-play also underscored the night's theme across multiple bouts, contributing to the event's narrative as a pivotal "" in UFC history.

References

  1. [1]
    UFC 69: Shootout Fight Results - ESPN
    Apr 7, 2007 · Fight summary of UFC 69: Shootout from Toyota Center (Houston) in Houston on April 7, 2007 on ESPN, including the main card and prelims.
  2. [2]
    UFC 69: Shootout | MMA Event - Tapology
    UFC 69 took place Saturday, April 7, 2007 with 9 fights at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. View fight card, video, results, predictions, and news.
  3. [3]
    On This Day in UFC History: Serra Shocks the World
    Apr 7, 2020 · Serra had earned his title shot by winning season four of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. St-Pierre, in his first fight since taking the 170- ...
  4. [4]
    https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Sherdogs-Top-10-UFC-Upsets-98907
  5. [5]
    Flashback: Serra Takes Aim at GSP's Title - UFC.com
    Apr 7, 2020 · On April 7, 2007, Matt Serra shocked the world when he knocked out Georges St-Pierre to win the UFC welterweight title.
  6. [6]
    UFC 69 | SHOOTOUT
    Apr 7, 2007 · Welterweight Title Bout · Matt Serra ; Lightweight Bout · Roger Huerta ; Welterweight Bout · Josh Koscheck ; Middleweight Bout · Yushin Okami.
  7. [7]
    The Night of the Upset: Serra Terrorizes UFC 69 - MMA Junkie
    UFC 69, the first ever UFC event held in the state of Texas, concluded late Saturday night with a series of the most memorable upsets to ever land on a ...
  8. [8]
    UFC 69 slated for Texas on April 7 - MMAmania.com
    Dec 31, 2006 · The UFC will hold its first-ever event in Texas on April 7, according to MMAWeekly.com. UFC 69 was tentatively shceduled for Montreal, ...
  9. [9]
    Inside the venue: Toyota Center - ESPN - Mixed Martial Arts Blog
    Oct 6, 2011 · Location: Houston ; Opened: October 2003 ; Cost: 202 million ; Seating Capacity: 19,000 ; Architect: Morris Architects.
  10. [10]
    Toyota Center - Harris County – Houston Sports Authority
    Concert Seating Capacity: 19,000. Number of Fields: 1. Awards/Designations.
  11. [11]
    UFC 69 - Shootout
    **UFC 69 - Shootout Summary**
  12. [12]
    UFC 192 attendance, live gate: Event ranks fourth of four all-time ...
    UFC 192 attendance, live gate: Event ranks fourth of four all-time events at Toyota Center. MMA Junkie Staff ... UFC 69: 15,269 ($2,817,200 live gate); UFC ...
  13. [13]
    UFC 67: All or Nothing | MMA Event - Tapology
    UFC 67 took place Saturday, February 3, 2007 with 9 fights at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada ... Attendance: 10,227 (Paid: 8,700); PPV ...
  14. [14]
    UFC 74: Respect | MMA Event - Tapology
    UFC 74 took place Saturday, August 25, 2007 with 9 fights at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada ... Attendance: 11,118 (Paid: 9,622); PPV Buys ...
  15. [15]
    UFC 77: Hostile Territory | MMA Event - Tapology
    UFC 77 took place Saturday, October 20, 2007 with 9 fights at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio ... Attendance: 16,054; PPV Buys / Buyrate: 325,000 | TV ...
  16. [16]
    TKO Group Holdings | WWF, WWE, & UFC History | Britannica Money
    Oct 10, 2025 · 2001–2015: UFC under Zuffa—legitimacy and expansion. Meanwhile, UFC was facing increasing regulatory pressures that threatened its pay-per ...
  17. [17]
    Bevois' UFC 69 Breakdown | On The Mat - OnTheMat.com
    The event, appropriately labeled UFC 69 – Shootout is set to take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. On April 7, 2007 MMA's largest company Zuffa ...
  18. [18]
    The inside story of how 'The Ultimate Fighter' saved the UFC ... - ESPN
    Apr 9, 2020 · The UFC was burning through cash and needed to find an audience. How would they turn things around? With a reality show. This is the story ...
  19. [19]
    UFC 69 Fight Card | MMA Mania
    Nov 13, 2006 · Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 10 p.m.. Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Main Event: Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra.
  20. [20]
    Georges St-Pierre Record: 26-2-0 - UFC Stats
    Georges St-Pierre Record: 26-2-0. Rush. Height: 5' 11"; Weight: 185 lbs ... 0. 0. 0. UFC 69: Shootout. Apr. 07, 2007. KO/TKO. Punches. 1. 3:25. win · Georges St ...UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre · UFC 158: St-Pierre vs Diaz · UFC 69: Shootout · Win
  21. [21]
    Georges St-Pierre MMA Career Stats - ESPN
    Complete career stats for the fighter Georges St-Pierre on ESPN ... UFC 69. L. 0/0, 4/20, 2/3, 6, 23, 6, 23, 26.09%, 0, 0%, 20%, 67%. Nov 18, 2006, Matt Hughes ...
  22. [22]
    Matt Serra Record: 11-7-0 - Stats | UFC
    Matt Serra Record: 11-7-0. The Terra. Height: 5' 6"; Weight: 170 lbs. Reach ... 0. 0. 0. UFC 69: Shootout. Apr. 07, 2007. KO/TKO. Punches. 1. 3:25. win · Matt ...
  23. [23]
    Matt "The Terror" Serra MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography
    "The Terror" ; loss, Matt Hughes · UFC 98 - Evans vs. Machida May / 23 / 2009 ; loss, Georges St. Pierre · UFC 83 - Serra vs. St. Pierre 2. Apr / 19 / 2008 ; win ...
  24. [24]
    Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre I, UFC 69 | MMA Bout | Tapology
    Serra defeats St-Pierre L KO/TKO, Punches 3:25 Round 1 of 5 #1 Biggest Upset of All Time #16 Greatest Welterweight MMA Fight of All Time #86 Best MMA Knockout ...
  25. [25]
    Josh Koscheck: I Respect Anyone Who Steps Into the Cage, Even ...
    Oct 24, 2008 · Josh Koscheck has had a long history with Diego Sanchez. On the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, the two didn't much like each other as ...
  26. [26]
    MMAjunkie.com Interview with Josh Koscheck: Fighting a Crazed ...
    I was hoping for a solid interview with Josh Koscheck (8-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), who faces bitter rival Diego Sanchez (17-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) at next Saturday's UFC 69 ...Missing: rivalry | Show results with:rivalry
  27. [27]
    UFC 69: Roger Huerta Now Set to Face Leonard Garcia - MMA Junkie
    Roger Huerta (16-1-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will no longer face Alvin Robinson at UFC 69 as one thought. Instead, the lightweight will face Leonard Garcia (9-1 MMA, ...<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    A UFC 99 Interview: Mike &quot;Quick&quot; Swick - Bleacher Report
    Jun 10, 2009 · After losing a hard fought decision to a physically superior Yushin Okami at UFC 69 as a middleweight, he made the trek down to the welterweight ...
  29. [29]
    The 30 Best TUF Alumni - Part One - UFC.com
    Mar 5, 2012 · Kendall Grove Post TUF record: 9-7. Heading towards journeyman status when he entered the TUF house for season three, Grove began taking his ...Missing: 69 | Show results with:69
  30. [30]
    UFC 69 "Shootout" Live Play-by-Play - Sherdog
    Apr 7, 2007 · Sherdog.com reports from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, with live play-by-play of UFC 69 Shootout, which is headlined by Georges St.
  31. [31]
    UFC 69: Shootout Results, Fight Card & Highlights | MMA Junkie
    Apr 7, 2007 · UFC 69: Shootout complete results, fight card, and highlights from April 7, 2007 at Toyota Center. Full coverage and analysis at MMA Junkie.
  32. [32]
    Kendall Grove (185.5 lbs) vs. Alan Belcher (184) - Baltimore Sun
    Apr 7, 2007 · In the first round, Belcher scores the first takedown and gains side control. But Grove gets the fight back standing. Grove scores two straight ...
  33. [33]
    'Bonuses are obviously going up,' according to UFC CEO Dana ...
    Aug 13, 2025 · Picture this: It's 2007 and UFC lightweight Leonard Garcia has just received a $35,000 bonus for his Fight of the Night performance against ...
  34. [34]
    Forrest Griffin Has Our Sense of Humor - MMA Junkie - USA Today
    The two off-the-clock fighters, who will meet on the main card of UFC 73 in July, apparently had a ringside encounter that forced the light heavyweights to be ...
  35. [35]
    - RASHAD EVANS: "TITO ORTIZ HAS NIGHTMARES ABOUT ME"
    May 2, 2007 · By now, most fans have either read or heard through some type of media that there was an altercation between Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans at UFC ...
  36. [36]
    The UFC Announces Its Newest Heavyweight: "Big Nog"
    During last night's UFC 69 event, UFC commentator Joe Rogan and UFC president Dana White introduced PRIDE standout Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (29-4-1 MMA, 0-0 ...Missing: signing | Show results with:signing
  37. [37]
    Georges St. Pierre suffers shock loss to underdog Matt Serra at UFC ...
    Georges St. Pierre suffers shock loss to underdog Matt Serra at UFC 69: Shootout. Posted: 2:10 PM CDT Sunday, Apr. 8, 2007.