Another UFC high profile mixed-martial arts match, yet another stunning upset. In a nationally televised broadcast fight card on Spike TV last night, one of the most reputable heavyweights in the world, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic got knocked out at 4:51 of the first round by little known Gabriel Gonzaga of Brazil. It was supposed to be an easy victory by Cro Cop on his way to taking on current champion Randy Couture. Instead, it was Gonzaga who took Cro Cop down, hit him with several heavy elbows in the full mount position. After the ref stood them back up, Gonzaga proceeded to one-time Cro Cop with a high right shin to the head of the Croatian heavyweight, who immediately crumbled and was out for several minutes afterwards. It was ironic that Cro Cop lost in the same fashion that he is used to defeating his foes. It was only the second time he was knocked out in his career, the first time while he was in PRIDE at the hands of Kevin Randleman.

This result only serves to underscore the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. It also doesn’t hurt the ratings of UFC since you never know what’s going to happen at these fights. First, it was lightly regarded Matt Serra taking out Georges St. Pierre, now this. Who’s next?