UFC 97: Redemption

SI Staff | Apr 20, 2009

UFC 97: Redemption

Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

AP

A crowd of 21,451 showed up at the Bell Centre in Montreal to witness mixed martial arts history at UFC 97. Here are some of the best photos from the weekend's fights.<br><br>Former light heavyweight champ Liddell (blue trunks) was fighting for more than just another victory when he took on "Shogun"; the 39-year-old was fighting for his career. Prior to the fight, UFC president Dana White said a loss for Liddell could result in the end of the fighter's run in the Octagon. And, unfortunately for the "Iceman," the result was a loss -- a TKO loss at 4:28 in the first round.

Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

AP

After the defeat, Liddell said it was "probably safe to say" that his career was over.

Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites

AP

Middleweight champ Silva (yellow trunks) made history with his unanimous-decision win over Leites. The "Spider" set a UFC record with nine straight victories in the Octagon.

Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites

AP

Leites didn't let the champ get an easy win, though. The challenger forced the fight into five grueling rounds before succumbing to Silva's prowess.

Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites

AP

After the win, Silva apologized to fans for putting on a lackluster performance.

Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites

AP

With the win, Silva has successfully defended his title seven times.

Eliot Marshall vs. Vinny Magalhaes

AP

Both former "Ultimate Fighter 8" light-heavyweight contestants, Marshall and Magalhaes went head to head for the full three rounds. But it was Marshall (bottom) who earned nods from all three judges for the win.

T.J. Grant vs. Ryo Chonan

AP

In his home country, welterweight Grant (top) defeated Chonan by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Ed Herman vs. David Loiseau

AP

Middleweight Herman (top) defeated "The Crow" Loiseau by unanimous decision.

Denis Kang vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam

AP

In his second UFC fight, middleweight Kang (top) put an end to Foupa-Pokam's seven-fight win streak. Kang defeated "Prof X" by unanimous decision.

Luiz Cane vs. Steve Cantwell

AP

Fighting on the main card, light heavyweight Cane defeated Cantwell (facing) by unanimous decision.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brian Stann

AP

Light heavyweight and former T.U.F. 8 contestant, Soszynski (top), submitted Stann at just 3:53 into the first round.