Ah, yes. Another top five list.
With 2011 halfway through, it's time to roll out some typical mid-year awards. Filler? Maybe. Fun? Most definitely.
The subject of this particular list (courtesy of UFC.com) is upsets. With as many fight cards as the world's largest mixed martial arts organization has offered so far this season, there are plenty to choose from.
And who doesn't love a good upset?
Without further ado, in we go:
5. Demetrious Johnson squeaks by Miguel Torres at UFC 130
"Mighty Mouse," who also showed up on the top newcomers list, went toe-to-toe and hit the mats with Torres at the "Rampage vs. Hamill" event this past May 28. Controversy creates cash but it also creates decision wins for Johnson that very well could lead to his receiving a title shot.
4. Dennis Siver brings George Sotiropoulos' hype train to a halt at UFC 127
Seems hard to believe but just a few fights ago, "G-Sots" was on the verge of challenging for the lightweight title after beginning his UFC career a perfect 7-0. Then he ran into a German stick of dynamite and his hopes went up in flames. Siver dominated the Aussie for three rounds, stuffing every takedown attempt and boxing him up, stealing his heat, which he is still running with as we speak.
3. Dustin Poirier destroys Josh Grispi at UFC 125
The featherweight division has never been the most talent laden weight class in the world but Grispi was thought to be the next big thing at 145-pounds and a potential threat to Jose Aldo's title. Not only did Poirier prove he's just a "Fluke," he absolutely decimated him throughout three rounds. Grispi lost his next fight and is facing the firing squad just two fights removed from potentially challenging for the title.
2. Charlie Brenneman takes out Rick Story at UFC on Versus 4
Thanks to Nate Marquardt's testosterone replacement therapy issues, Charlie Brenneman was tapped to step in on just one day's notice to take on Rick Story. Expectations were low but his hard work staying on weight "just in case" paid off in spades, as he out-wrestled "Horror" en route to a stunning unanimous decision win.
1. Tito Ortiz shocks the world and chokes out Ryan Bader at UFC 132
"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" entered his Independence Day weekend bout against "Darth" as a 5-to-1 underdog. That's probably because he's 36-years-old and hadn't won a fight in nearly five full years. Bader was also the number seven ranked light heavyweight in the world. It was nothing short of incredible when Ortiz rocked him with a punch and quickly finished him with a guillotine in the very first round.
Head on over to UFC.com to check out the extensive list of honorable mentions. And feel free to sound off in the comments section below on any notable snubs.
Let's hear it, Maniacs.