UFC 71
Encyclopedia
UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson was a mixed martial arts
event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship
. The event took place on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
, Nevada
.
and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
. At the time of the event, Jackson was the only fighter to have an unavenged victory over Liddell, which occurred at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003
by TKO.
The UFC announced during the broadcast of the card that the winner of the Jackson vs. Liddell bout will face PRIDE 93 kg and 83 kg Champion Dan Henderson
.
Mainstream sports media, especially ESPN
, began extensive coverage of the UFC on this event. ESPN broadcasted live the weigh-ins and post-fight coverage for UFC 71 on ESPNEWS
.
Alan Belcher
replaced Eric Schafer
for his fight against Sean Salmon
due to an injury.
The bonuses for this event were $40,000 each.
, and includes amounts for show and win. The figures do not include PPV and special award bonuses:
Total disclosed payroll: $920,500
suspended the following fighters for medical reasons:
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
. The event took place on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
.
Background
The main event was the rematch between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck LiddellChuck Liddell
Charles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Quinton Jackson
Quinton Ramone Jackson ;, also known as Rampage Jackson, is an American mixed martial artist and actor. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Jackson rose to prominence in Japan's Pride Fighting Championships where he was noted for his powerful body slams including a knockout victory over...
. At the time of the event, Jackson was the only fighter to have an unavenged victory over Liddell, which occurred at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003
PRIDE Final Conflict 2003
Pride Final Conflict 2003 was a mixed martial arts event held by Pride Fighting Championships. It took place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on November 9, 2003 and had over 67,450 people in the audience. This event was host to the semi-finals and finals of the 2003 Pride Middleweight Grand...
by TKO.
The UFC announced during the broadcast of the card that the winner of the Jackson vs. Liddell bout will face PRIDE 93 kg and 83 kg Champion Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson
Daniel Jeffery Henderson, is an American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler, who competes as a middleweight and light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and was the last Welterweight and Middleweight champion...
.
Mainstream sports media, especially ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, began extensive coverage of the UFC on this event. ESPN broadcasted live the weigh-ins and post-fight coverage for UFC 71 on ESPNEWS
ESPNEWS
ESPNEWS , launched on November 1, 1996, is a 24-hour-a-day sports news television channel...
.
Alan Belcher
Alan Belcher
John Alan Belcher , is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the middleweight division of the UFC. He fights out of Remix MMA in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he is also the owner. Belcher holds notable wins over Jorge Santiago, Jason MacDonald, Ed Herman, Dennis Kang, and Patrick Côté...
replaced Eric Schafer
Eric Schafer
Eric John Schafer is an American mixed martial artist who competes a middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.-Background and early career:Schafer attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh....
for his fight against Sean Salmon
Sean Salmon
Sean Michael Salmon is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes as a light heavyweight...
due to an injury.
Preliminary card
- Light Heavyweight bout:
Wilson GouveiaWilson GouveiaWilson Gouveia is a Brazilian mixed martial artist.At and , Gouveia fights as a light heavyweight in the Maximum Fighting Championships organization after a stint as a middleweight in the UFC. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a member of American Top Team...
vs.
Carmelo MarreroCarmelo MarreroCarmelo Marrero is an American mixed martial artist with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. He is best known for handing UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo his first loss inside the octagon....
- Gouveia defeated Marrero via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:06 of round 1. This preliminary bout was aired on the pay-per-view broadcast.
- Lightweight bout: Din ThomasDin ThomasDin Yero Thomas is an American mixed martial arts fighter and part time break dancer, who was featured on The Ultimate Fighter 4. He currently runs two successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA academies in Port St. Lucie, Florida and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Liborio...
vs. Jeremy StephensJeremy StephensJeremy Dean Stephens is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter from Des Moines, Iowa. Stephens is currently signed under the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion, fighting in their lightweight division....
- Lightweight bout:
- Thomas defeated Stephens via submission (armbar) at 2:44 of round 2. This preliminary bout was aired on the pay-per-view broadcast.
- Light Heavyweight bout: Alan BelcherAlan BelcherJohn Alan Belcher , is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the middleweight division of the UFC. He fights out of Remix MMA in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he is also the owner. Belcher holds notable wins over Jorge Santiago, Jason MacDonald, Ed Herman, Dennis Kang, and Patrick Côté...
vs. Sean SalmonSean SalmonSean Michael Salmon is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes as a light heavyweight...
- Light Heavyweight bout:
- Belcher defeated Salmon via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:53 of round 1.
- Light Heavyweight bout: Thiago Silva vs. James IrvinJames Irvin (fighter)James Lee Irvin is an American mixed martial artist who has competed as a Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and currently as a Heavyweight. He is a former World Extreme Cagefighting heavyweight champion...
- Light Heavyweight bout:
- Silva defeated Irvin via TKO (knee injury) at 1:06 of round 1.
Main card
- Middleweight bout: Chris LebenChris LebenChristian Cyrus Leben is an American mixed martial artist currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he fights as a middleweight....
vs.
Kalib StarnesKalib StarnesKalib Axel Starnes is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist of Metis descent. He was featured in the third season of the reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter...
- Starnes defeated Leben via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, 29–28).
- Light Heavyweight bout: Keith JardineKeith JardineKeith Hector Jardine is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division and is best known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
vs. Houston AlexanderHouston AlexanderHouston Alexander is an American professional mixed martial artist, who fights as a light heavyweight and heavyweight. He also works as a DJ in North Omaha, Nebraska...
- Light Heavyweight bout:
- Alexander defeated Jardine via KO (punches and knees) at 0:48 round 1.
- Middleweight bout: Ivan SalaverryIvan SalaverryIvan E. Salaverry is a Canadian mixed martial arts fighter and instructor. He is a member of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, and is known for his well-rounded skills. Salaverry is a middleweight veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, BAMMA and the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance...
vs. Terry MartinTerry Martin (fighter)Terry Martin is an American mixed martial artist from Chicago, Illinois.Martin made his professional boxing debut on April 12, 2008, and defeated Ricardo Upchurch by knockout in 40 seconds. Martin won his next three bouts via knockout or technical knockout.- Early life :Martin grew up on the west...
- Middleweight bout:
- Martin defeated Salaverry via TKO (slam and punches) at 2:04 of round 1.
- Welterweight bout:
Karo ParisyanKaro ParisyanKarapet Parisyan is an Armenian-American mixed martial artist. From his days as a UFC mainstay Karo holds notable wins over Ryo Chonan, Shonie Carter, Drew Fickett, Matt Serra, Nick Thompson, Chris Lytle, Nick Diaz and Antonio McKee.- Early life:...
vs. Josh BurkmanJosh BurkmanJoshua R. Burkman is an American mixed martial artist who is best known for his participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Before becoming a mixed martial artist, Burkman was an amateur wrestler. During his senior year of high school he finished second in his weight class at the state...
- Welterweight bout:
- Parisyan defeated Burkman via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28).
- Light Heavyweight Championship bout: Chuck LiddellChuck LiddellCharles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
(c) vs. Quinton JacksonQuinton JacksonQuinton Ramone Jackson ;, also known as Rampage Jackson, is an American mixed martial artist and actor. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Jackson rose to prominence in Japan's Pride Fighting Championships where he was noted for his powerful body slams including a knockout victory over...
- Light Heavyweight Championship bout:
- Jackson defeated Liddell via KO (punches) at 1:53 of round 1 to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Bonus awards
After every UFC event, bonuses are given to fighters who perform well.The bonuses for this event were $40,000 each.
- Fight of the Night: Chris LebenChris LebenChristian Cyrus Leben is an American mixed martial artist currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he fights as a middleweight....
vs. Kalib StarnesKalib StarnesKalib Axel Starnes is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist of Metis descent. He was featured in the third season of the reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter... - Submission of the Night: Din ThomasDin ThomasDin Yero Thomas is an American mixed martial arts fighter and part time break dancer, who was featured on The Ultimate Fighter 4. He currently runs two successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA academies in Port St. Lucie, Florida and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Liborio...
- Knockout of the Night: Quinton JacksonQuinton JacksonQuinton Ramone Jackson ;, also known as Rampage Jackson, is an American mixed martial artist and actor. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Jackson rose to prominence in Japan's Pride Fighting Championships where he was noted for his powerful body slams including a knockout victory over...
Purses
Purse amounts were provided by the NSACNevada Athletic Commission
The Nevada Athletic Commission regulates all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat within the state of Nevada, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, kickboxers, mixed martial arts fighters, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers...
, and includes amounts for show and win. The figures do not include PPV and special award bonuses:
- Quinton Rampage Jackson – $225,000 def. Chuck LiddellChuck LiddellCharles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
– $500,000 - Karo ParisyanKaro ParisyanKarapet Parisyan is an Armenian-American mixed martial artist. From his days as a UFC mainstay Karo holds notable wins over Ryo Chonan, Shonie Carter, Drew Fickett, Matt Serra, Nick Thompson, Chris Lytle, Nick Diaz and Antonio McKee.- Early life:...
– $32,000 def. Josh BurkmanJosh BurkmanJoshua R. Burkman is an American mixed martial artist who is best known for his participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Before becoming a mixed martial artist, Burkman was an amateur wrestler. During his senior year of high school he finished second in his weight class at the state...
– $7,000 - Terry MartinTerry Martin (fighter)Terry Martin is an American mixed martial artist from Chicago, Illinois.Martin made his professional boxing debut on April 12, 2008, and defeated Ricardo Upchurch by knockout in 40 seconds. Martin won his next three bouts via knockout or technical knockout.- Early life :Martin grew up on the west...
– $12,000 def. Ivan SalaverryIvan SalaverryIvan E. Salaverry is a Canadian mixed martial arts fighter and instructor. He is a member of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, and is known for his well-rounded skills. Salaverry is a middleweight veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, BAMMA and the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance...
– $17,500 - Houston AlexanderHouston AlexanderHouston Alexander is an American professional mixed martial artist, who fights as a light heavyweight and heavyweight. He also works as a DJ in North Omaha, Nebraska...
– $8,000 def. Keith JardineKeith JardineKeith Hector Jardine is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division and is best known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
– $7,000 - Kalib StarnesKalib StarnesKalib Axel Starnes is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist of Metis descent. He was featured in the third season of the reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter...
– $10,000 def. Chris LebenChris LebenChristian Cyrus Leben is an American mixed martial artist currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he fights as a middleweight....
– $10,000 - Thiago Silva – $16,000 def. James IrvinJames Irvin (fighter)James Lee Irvin is an American mixed martial artist who has competed as a Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and currently as a Heavyweight. He is a former World Extreme Cagefighting heavyweight champion...
– $7,000 - Alan BelcherAlan BelcherJohn Alan Belcher , is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the middleweight division of the UFC. He fights out of Remix MMA in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he is also the owner. Belcher holds notable wins over Jorge Santiago, Jason MacDonald, Ed Herman, Dennis Kang, and Patrick Côté...
– $14,000 def. Sean SalmonSean SalmonSean Michael Salmon is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes as a light heavyweight...
– $3,000 - Din ThomasDin ThomasDin Yero Thomas is an American mixed martial arts fighter and part time break dancer, who was featured on The Ultimate Fighter 4. He currently runs two successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA academies in Port St. Lucie, Florida and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Liborio...
– $28,000 def. Jeremy StephensJeremy StephensJeremy Dean Stephens is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter from Des Moines, Iowa. Stephens is currently signed under the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion, fighting in their lightweight division....
– $3,000 - Wilson GouveiaWilson GouveiaWilson Gouveia is a Brazilian mixed martial artist.At and , Gouveia fights as a light heavyweight in the Maximum Fighting Championships organization after a stint as a middleweight in the UFC. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a member of American Top Team...
– $16,000 def. Carmelo MarreroCarmelo MarreroCarmelo Marrero is an American mixed martial artist with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. He is best known for handing UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo his first loss inside the octagon....
– $5,000
Total disclosed payroll: $920,500
Injuries
The NSACNevada Athletic Commission
The Nevada Athletic Commission regulates all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat within the state of Nevada, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, kickboxers, mixed martial arts fighters, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers...
suspended the following fighters for medical reasons:
- Chuck LiddellChuck LiddellCharles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
- Suspended until 7/12; No contact until 6/26
- Ivan SalaverryIvan SalaverryIvan E. Salaverry is a Canadian mixed martial arts fighter and instructor. He is a member of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, and is known for his well-rounded skills. Salaverry is a middleweight veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, BAMMA and the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance...
- Ivan Salaverry
- Suspended until 11/23 unless right shoulder is cleared by orthopedic doctor; Minimum suspension until 6/26; No contact until 6/17
- Karo ParisyanKaro ParisyanKarapet Parisyan is an Armenian-American mixed martial artist. From his days as a UFC mainstay Karo holds notable wins over Ryo Chonan, Shonie Carter, Drew Fickett, Matt Serra, Nick Thompson, Chris Lytle, Nick Diaz and Antonio McKee.- Early life:...
- Karo Parisyan
- Suspended until 11/23 due to left thumb injury unless cleared by orthopedic doctor
- Keith JardineKeith JardineKeith Hector Jardine is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division and is best known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
- Keith Jardine
- Suspended until 7/26; No contact until 7/12
- Chris LebenChris LebenChristian Cyrus Leben is an American mixed martial artist currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he fights as a middleweight....
- Chris Leben
- Suspended until 6/26; No contact until 6/17 (right eyebrow laceration)
- Kalib StarnesKalib StarnesKalib Axel Starnes is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist of Metis descent. He was featured in the third season of the reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter...
- Kalib Starnes
- Suspended until 6/26; No contact until 6/17 (left cheek laceration)
- James IrvinJames Irvin (fighter)James Lee Irvin is an American mixed martial artist who has competed as a Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and currently as a Heavyweight. He is a former World Extreme Cagefighting heavyweight champion...
- James Irvin
- Suspended until 11/23 unless cleared by orthopedic doctor (ACL tear)
- Carmelo MarreroCarmelo MarreroCarmelo Marrero is an American mixed martial artist with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. He is best known for handing UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo his first loss inside the octagon....
- Carmelo Marrero
- Suspended until 7/12; No contact until 6/26