Best Moments from UFC 10-20

UFC 10-20 was somewhat of a change up from earlier events, as more rules would come into play and tournament formats began to gradually disappear.

There were a number of high points and important moments during this period. From crazy knockouts to the ascent of early MMA stars, UFC 10-20 was an important time in the development of the UFC.

Here are the best and most important moments from UFC 10 to UFC 20.

Bruce Buffer Makes Announcing Debut at UFC 10

The man we know as "The Voice of the Octagon" was not always the ring announcer for the UFC. In fact, UFC 10 was the debut of the now beloved Bruce Buffer, who replaced regular announcer Rich Goins for the event.

Bruce's brother, the legendary Michael Buffer, announced UFC 6 and 7, but other than that, Goins was the main guy. 

Goins would come back to announce UFC 11, but this event was the launching point of the current UFC ring announcer and the legend that is Bruce Buffer.

Mark Coleman Takes out Fan Favorite Don Frye to Win UFC 10 Tournament

Not every tournament win is going to be a best moment on this list, but Mark Coleman's victory over Don Frye in the finals of UFC 10 was a big moment.

Don Frye was easily the fan favorite in the tournament. After defeating Mark Hall and Brian Johnston, fans were excited to see Frye in the finals.

Unfortunately for Frye, he was facing a brute wrestler in Mark Coleman, who had destroyed Moti Horenstein and Gary Goodridge en route to the finals.

In the championship, Frye would last over 11 minutes with the now legendary Coleman, who would put the mustache-sporting American away via knockout.

It was a win that really launched Mark Coleman into early stardom as a mixed martial artist.

Don Frye and Ken Shamrock Fight Final Fight, Jump to Pro Wrestling

Ultimate Ultimate 96 (yes, what a horrible name for an event) would witness the final fights, at least at that point, for two of the young sport's stars in Ken Shamrock and Don Frye.

Both men competed in the tournament. Shamrock would win his first fight over Brian Johnston by submission, but would pull from the tournament due to a broken hand.

Shamrock would go on to wrestle in the WWF (now WWE) after this tournament, effectively robbing MMA of one of its top stars.

Don Frye's luck would be better, as he would run the table over by beating Gary Goodridge, Mark Hall and Tank Abbott to capture the tournament championship.

Frye followed in Shamrock's footsteps and signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling. It wouldn't be long before either of them would be back in the life of real fighting.

Tank Abbott Knocks out Steve Nelmark, Leaves Him in a Heap of His Own Body

In one of MMA's most brutal knockouts of all time, Tank Abbott threw a bomb of a right hand that put replacement fighter Steve Nelmark into a sweet lullaby at Ultimate Ultimate 96.

Just over a minute into the bout, Abbott and Nelmark were clinched against the cage. Once Abbott got his right hand free, he proceeded to run it right through Nelmark's face.

Nelmark immediately was thrown downward and landed in the awkward position as seen in the photo. Abbott stood over yelling as the referee came to make the save.

19-Year-Old Vitor Belfort Wins Heavyweight Tournament at UFC 12

In two minutes of work, a yet-to-be-known 19-year-old named Vitor Belfort came to the UFC and conquered their heavyweight tournament.

In 1:17 of work in his first fight, Belfort earned a victory due to doctor stoppage from a cut of Tra Telligman. It was a big win for Vitor, as Telligman was an extremely tough opponent.

From there, he would down Scott Ferrozzo in the finals in just 43 seconds, effectively winning the heavyweight tournament.

It was the beginning of the road for Vitor, who now challenges Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title this month at UFC 152.

Two Future Legends Make UFC Debuts at UFC 13

Two current Hall of Famers and legends of the sport made their UFC debuts at UFC 13. Those two men can simply be known as "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" and "The Natural."

Tito Ortiz went from replacement fighter to tournament championship participant in the lightweight bracket (weight classes were different then). Ortiz won his alternate bout against Wes Albritton with a 31-second knockout.

From there, he replaced Enson Inoue to participate in the tournament final against Guy Mezger. Though he fought valiantly, Ortiz would lose via guillotine choke three minutes in.

Randy Couture would have a different fortune in the heavyweight bracket. He choked out Tony Halme before knocking out Steven Graham to claim the tournament victory.

Both men are currently among the biggest legends in the sport. Both got their UFC starts at this event, making this a landmark event.

Mark Kerr Uses a Chin to the Eye to Win UFC 14 Heavyweight Tournament

Mark Kerr was another one of the early stars of MMA. He looked to be carved out of granite and had the intimidating look that fans loved.

In the heavyweight tournament finale at UFC 14, Mark Kerr squared off with Dan Bobish. At 1:38 of the first round, Kerr submitted Dan Bobish in a very unique way.

Kerr earned the tapout with a chin to the eye. This remains one of the craziest stoppage wins in UFC history.

Kazushi Sakuraba Plays Spoiler After Controversial Bout

Before he was the "Gracie Killer," Kazushi Sakuraba was a late replacement fighter for the heavyweight tournament at UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan. Weighing in at 183 pounds, Sakuraba was under the heavyweight cutoff, so he lied about his weight to gain entry to the tournament.

Sakuraba took on jiu-jitsu black belt Marcus Silveira, who weighed about 240 pounds. With under two minutes into their opening-round match, Silveira clipped Sakuraba with a punch that wobbled him. As he went for a takedown, John McCarthy stopped the fight prematurely thinking Sakuraba was out.

The fight would be made a "no contest." Luckily for both, Tank Abbott, who won his semifinal fight, had to pull from the tournament due to injury. This would allow the two to meet again in the tournament finals.

This time around, Sakuraba, who came from a professional wrestling background, would submit  Silveira with an armbar at 3:44, claiming the tournament victory.

It is just one of the legendary wins in the career of Sakuraba.

Frank Shamrock Slams Igor Zinoviev into Retirement at UFC 16

Frank Shamrock was one of the best fighters in the early days of MMA, and a win over Igor Zinoviev at UFC 16 was key in that statement.

Zinoviev was a star in Russia and a top-notch fighter. But when he met Shamrock, it would be his last fight as a mixed martial artist.

Around 20 seconds in, Shamrock picked Zinoviev up and brutally slammed him to the mat. In the process, Shamrock knocked him out cold and severely broke his collarbone. 

It is one of the craziest knockouts of all time. It competes for best slam knockout with later slams like Quinton Jackson's of Ricardo Arona.

Chuck Liddell Makes Debut at UFC 17, the Legend Begins

The man, the myth and the legend that is "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell made his debut at UFC 17, earning a unanimous decision victory over Noe Hernandez. 

Although it was not the most memorable performance by Liddell, it was the beginning of a storied career. 

On a side note, it's a good thing Liddell stopped wearing the wrestling shoes, as they made him look a little out of place.

Pete Williams Kicks Mark Coleman's Face off at UFC 17

UFC 17 saw the star that is Mark Coleman hit a speed bump, losing via vicious knockout against Pete Williams.

Coleman dominated a majority of the fight, using takedowns and ground and pound to control Williams. Around eight to 10 minutes in, Coleman looked absolutely fatigued and out of gas.

That is when Williams turned the tables. Out of nowhere, Williams firmly planted his foot in Coleman's face and knocked him into La-La Land.

It is one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history, even to this day.

Tito Ortiz Shows the Lion's Den Who Is No. 1 at UFC 19

The brash, crass attitude of a young, cocky Tito Ortiz had come full circle at UFC 19 when Ortiz faced off with Guy Mezger in a rematch from UFC 13.

Ortiz was a late replacement for Vitor Belfort, itching to avenge his loss to Mezger. Just under ten minutes into the fight, Ortiz earned a stoppage from strikes, effectively extracting revenge and earning his biggest win to date.

After the fight was more memorable. After the stoppage, Ortiz turned his attention to Ken Shamrock and Mezger's teammates from the Lion's Den and fired off a couple of middle fingers. Shamrock freaked out, Ortiz's reputation grew and a rivalry was born. 

That picture is worth a thousand words. Or maybe just two.

Bas Rutten Wins Heavyweight Title, Retires on Top

Bas Rutten's UFC Heavyweight title bout with Kevin Randleman was an impressive performance by the most colorful personality in MMA today.

Rutten struggled the first four minutes, receiving numerous blows from Randleman who was in top position. A cut formed and the fight was stopped to check it.

After the stand up, Rutten would hit a crucial liver kick that would turn the tide of the fight. With Randleman noticeably slowed by the kick, Rutten would end up winning an extremely close split decision.

After the fight, Rutten would accumulate numerous injuries that would force him to retire. At least Rutten went out on top, unlike some of the sport's legends.