8 Craziest Fighters From The Early UFCs
3. Kimo Leopoldo (10-7-1)
Kimo Leopoldo's MMA debut saw him lose in less than five minutes but still enshrined his name in MMA history.
When Kimo fought Royce Gracie in the quarter-finals of the UFC 3 tournament, Gracie had already recorded a perfect 7-0 record across the first two UFC events and had never found himself in any real adversity in the Octagon.
As Kimo approached the cage carrying a large crucifix on his back (don't ask) most spectators assumed that the Christian minister would fail to provide the undefeated Brazilian with any real challenge.
How wrong they were.
Unlike many of Gracie's early opponents, Kimo had a wrestling background and knew that his key to victory was stopping his opponent's takedowns. This was evident in the fight as Royce failed to bring the bout to the mat in a way he had so often up to that point. At one point Kimo even managed to reverse one of his opponent's takedowns to briefly take Gracie's back.
Kimo's unprecedented success was ultimately hampered by his choice of hairstyle. As the American attempted to disengage and return to his feet, Gracie held on to his topknot, repeatedly dragging Leopoldo back onto the mat by his hair. Though Kimo would eventually submit after being caught in an armbar his performance left Gracie exhausted and unable to continue in the tournament.
Leopoldo would continue his MMA career, including multiple returns to the UFC, before retiring in 2006.