The 10 Worst Numbered Shows in UFC History

With a depleted UFC 106 card supported by nothing but Tito's giant head, now is the perfect time to countdown the UFC's worst of the worst.

From 1-106, all of the folly's from the SEG era, to the early ZUFFA era, to the sleek and stylized Gladiator Man days, I stroll down Ultimate Fighting Championship's less than spectacular days.

Enjoy.

No. 10: UFC 106

With fighters dropping like flies, UFC 106 has gone from one of the best shows of the year, too the worst show in two years.

While financially this show should do fairly well based off of Ortiz, and Griffin's fanbases, it doesn't change the fact that besides seeing Little Nog's debut, and figuring out if either of our two co-main eventers still have anything to offer the company beyond charisma, there is little reason to buy this card.

N0. 9: UFC 55

Great card here. Arlovski vs. Buentello, Forrest Griffin vs. Elvis Sinosic, and Brandon Lee Hinkle vs. Sean Gannon. Live on Closed Circuit TV.
I think I'll pass.

No. 8: UFC 20

The original robbery, UFC 20 featured a bout for the vacated UFC Heavyweight title between Bas Rutten and Kevin Randleman. It might be the most controversial decision in UFC history, Bas Rutten spend most of the fight in Randleman's guard initiated almost no offense and somehow got a split nod.

As if the MMA gods were seeking vengeance, they ended Bas Rutten career (well almost) with an ACL tear in training. He would never defend his belt. And stands as one of MMA's biggest what if stories.

No. 7: UFC 41

This card doesn't rank here for the card itself, because it's actually rather good (other that a certain Abbott on it) The problem was with the UFC's tournament for the newly created lightweight crown.

At UFC 39 Caol Uno, and BJ Penn got through the first round of the last UFC tournament. And the finals were set.

BJ Penn held a crushing KO victory over Uno, already and the rematch was supposed to be just as one sided. Whoops! the two would battle to the bell taking home a draw, all the UFC had to do was institute a must win rule and none of this embarrassment ever happens.

Instead the belt would be scrapped for a long while. EPIC FAIL!

No. 6: UFC 72

This one just had all the makings of a crap sandwich of a PPV.
Crappy subtitle, check! Rich Franklin main-event, oh yeah! Forrest Griffin, yep! And for the superfecta was it on the British Isles? Ding, Ding, Ding!

Not only was all that there, but it had arguably one of the least entertaining main events ever. two Rounds of staring one minute of Rich Franklin almost getting his arm ripped off, and a controversial decision to boot.

All it needed to take number one was Rich Franklin slipping in the shower. And ZUFFA not telling anybody the main events off until the minute of the main event.

No. 5: UFC 5

OH, the Superfight! For those that have been spared unarguably the worst fight in UFC history. Let me recap a 30 minute fight in two words. Shamrock, Lay-n-pray.

Yep, If UFC 10 was the birth of ground and pound UFC 5 was the birth of lay and pray. As Ken Shamrock hugged Royce like he'd spontaneously combust if he let go.

A historic moment indeed.

No. 4: UFC 11

UFC 11 was an absolute disaster.

What was originally supposed to be a battle between two UFC stars in the final, went south when the characteristically short gas tank of Tank Abbott ran dry in his battle in a taxing 18 man battle with Fezzerro. Neither man could continue, and none of the alternates were able to go either.

It was Coleman by de facto win in the repeat.

No. 3: UFC 33

UFC 33 was supposed to be a seminal moment for the sport.

With ZUFFA at the reigns, the show made some glitzy changes and set up shop in Vegas. Having used the Fertitta brothers' political influence to secure sanctioning in Nevada.

They celebrated by packing a card with three title fights. Including a highly anticipated fight between UFC stars Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz.

However Vitor pulled out of the bout with an arm injury just a few weeks before the event. As a result they scrambled in "The Janitor."

With momentum out of the sails of the event already, all three bouts went the full 25 minutes and the satellite feed cut out midway through the main event.

Dana White said the event set the company back "several years."

No. 2: UFC 12

To follow up on the blunder of UFC 11, SEG decided to schedule their next card in Niagara Falls, NY.

In anticipation, The New York Times ran several days’ worth of stories that turned the tide against the company. Following the reports, the state legislature voted 134-1, and 33-0 to overturn a law they just passed sanctioning the sport in the state of New York.

To make sure the event wasn't held in the state, as the Governor had yet to sign it. the NYSAC issued a 114 page rulebook to emasculate the event. Among the changes, no ground work, or submissions. All the fighters had to wear Ammy headgear, and the cage was to be no less than 40 feet in diameter.

As it was three days before the event SEG took their case to the federal courts, sure that the end run around existing law would be thrown out immediately.

Not making any backup plans, the 114-page rulebook was predictably upheld.

This sent the company into exile, scrambling to charter a jet to fly them, and about 200, fighters, fans, entourage, reporters, and the cage from Niagara Falls to Dothan, Alabama.

They were still painting the octagon at 7 PM as the show was scheduled to start.

The cast of the move was estimated at 500k, well above any profit margin the company had. All fans were let in for free to the Augusta Civic Center, and strong advance sales were refunded.

This was the beginning of the end, many thought for the sport. It turned into the end for SEG, eventually. It was a dark day for the sports young history.

No. 1: UFC 24

At UFC 24: First Defense, Kevin "The Monster" Randleman was slated to defend his title. Instead, he slipped on a pipe backstage, injuring his shoulder, and giving himself a concussion, forcing the collegiate wrestling champion to the hospital.

The one fight card now had no fights on it worth mentioning. SEG where relieved there was only moderate refund asking, and no riots broke out.
I think that pretty much sums it up.