UFC 11: Coleman Wins Again After Ferrozzo Forfeits Final
UFC 11: The Proving Ground took place on September 20, 1996, at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Georgia. The event featured an openweight tournament; UFC 11 did not introduce weight classes. Mark Coleman won the tournament after two victories, then was awarded the final by forfeit when Scott Ferrozzo could not continue after his 18-minute semifinal with Tank Abbott.
Coleman wins the tournament
Coleman opened by submitting Julian Sanchez with a scarf hold in 45 seconds, then stopped Brian Johnston by submission to punches at 2:20. Ferrozzo had defeated Sam Fulton and then outlasted Abbott in a grueling decision. Unable to go on, Ferrozzo forfeited the final, making Coleman the UFC 11 tournament winner. The event was still openweight; UFC 12 later introduced separate heavyweight and lightweight tournaments.
UFC 11 results
- Mark Coleman def. Julian Sanchez — submission (scarf hold), 0:45.
- Mark Coleman def. Brian Johnston — TKO (submission to punches), 2:20.
- Scott Ferrozzo def. Tank Abbott — unanimous decision, 18:00.
- Mark Coleman won the tournament by forfeit after Ferrozzo could not continue.
- Brian Johnston def. Reza Nasri — TKO (punches), 0:28.
- Tank Abbott def. Sam Adkins — submission (forearm choke), 2:06.
- Jerry Bohlander def. Fabio Gurgel — unanimous decision, 15:00.
- Scott Ferrozzo def. Sam Fulton — TKO (injury), 1:45.
- Roberto Traven def. Dave Berry — TKO (punches), 1:33.
Why the event matters
UFC 11 was another tournament-era event built around fighters advancing through same-night bouts, not modern weight divisions. Coleman’s two quick wins and the final forfeit completed a second consecutive UFC tournament title run. The next numbered event, UFC 12, split its tournament into heavyweight and lightweight brackets.
The final’s forfeit is part of the official result, not a completed bout victory over Ferrozzo. Coleman had already earned his place by winning two fights, while Ferrozzo could not continue after his long semifinal. This distinction explains why Coleman is listed as tournament champion despite the absence of a final contest. UFC’s event record and retrospective describe the bracket and the circumstances of the forfeit. official UFC 11 event record.
Sources
Article Tags
UFC 11, Mark Coleman, Scott Ferrozzo, Tank Abbott, UFC History
