UFC 71: Rampage Ends Liddell’s Reign as Alexander Erupts
On May 26, 2007, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson knocked out Chuck Liddell at UFC 71 in Las Vegas to capture the light heavyweight championship. The finish came at 1:53 of the first round at MGM Grand Garden Arena, on a card that also featured Houston Alexander’s explosive victory over Keith Jardine.
Two light heavyweight knockouts steal the show
Jackson’s punching finish took the belt from Liddell before the opening round reached its midpoint. Alexander needed even less time against Jardine, winning by knockout from punches in forty-eight seconds. Together, those results gave the division two decisive outcomes on the same evening.
Karo Parisyan’s welterweight contest offered a longer test. He defeated Josh Burkman by unanimous decision after three rounds. Kalib Starnes also won unanimously, beating Chris Leben at middleweight.
The complete supporting results
Terry Martin stopped Ivan Salaverry with a throw and punches at 2:04 of round one. Thiago Silva defeated James Irvin by first-round TKO after Irvin suffered a knee injury, with the stoppage recorded at 1:06.
Alan Belcher submitted Sean Salmon with a guillotine choke at 0:53 of round one. Din Thomas submitted Jeremy Stephens with an armbar at 2:44 of round two, while Wilson Gouveia submitted Carmelo Marrero with a first-round guillotine at 3:06.
Only two of the nine fights reached the judges. The seven finishes ranged from submissions to an injury stoppage, but Jackson’s championship knockout and Alexander’s rapid win gave the event its strongest light heavyweight statements.
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Article Tags
UFC 71, Quinton Jackson, Chuck Liddell, Houston Alexander, Keith Jardine, MMA history
