10 Most Anticipated Returns In UFC History

Let's preface this entry with a clear understanding of just how tough Frank Mir actually is. Competing in UFC for 16 years (!) Mir holds the record for the most submission victories in their Heavyweight history.

If that wasn't enough, in September 2004 - after Mir had snapped Tim Sylvia's arm at UFC 48 to win the vacant Heavyweight title - the now blackbelt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Artist was knocked off his motorcycle. The collision resulted in Mir breaking his leg in two places and tearing all the ligaments in his knee.

The injury meant that Mir had to spend an extended recovery period away from the Octagon, where an interim title was created until he was ready to step back into the game. Mir would eventually be stripped of his undisputed crown after UFC learned he would not be eligible to fight in October of 2005, as originally planned.

Finally though, after nearly two years outside of the Octagon, Mir returned to face 4th degree BJJ black belt, Marcio Cruz at UFC 57.

In a result that nobody saw coming, Mir was defeated by a first round TKO.

Mir would never go on to be the undisputed Heavyweight Champion again, but this long awaited return - after such a horrific set-back - inspired the fans to rally behind him like never before.