8 Greatest Hail Mary Victories In MMA History

Though his MMA career is predominantly remembered for his shocking knockout victory over Georges St-Pierre to capture the UFC Welterweight Championship in 2007, the New York native was once primarily known for his submission skills, and earned his way into the UFC with four consecutive tapout wins on the regional scene.

His opponent in his UFC debut was Shonie Carter, a veteran of 28 professional fights with a predilection for flashy, unpredictable striking.

So when the pair came together at UFC 41 in 2001, both men came into the bout attempting to bring the action into their preferred facet of mixed martial arts. In round one, Serra was successful, controlling the action using his grappling skills. However, the second round would see the momentum go the other way, meaning that the final round would prove to be the deciding one in the eyes of the judges.

After Serra once again controlled the action, but with just seconds remaining in the third round, Carter unleashed his trademark spinning back fist, connecting his forearm to the head of his opponent and rendering Serra unable to continue.