This Day in MMA History: Nov. 5

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On Nov. 5, 2005, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, for “The Ultimate Fighter 2” Finale.

In the main event, Diego Sanchez beat Nick Diaz by decision. The win improved Sanchez’s official promotional record to 3-0. He went on to win another three consecutive fights. For Diaz, meanwhile, the loss to Sanchez snapped his two-fight winning streak and began a three-fight losing streak.

Meanwhile, in TUF 2 finals action, Rashad Evans beat Brad Imes by split decision to become the Season 2 heavyweight winner, after which he dropped down to light heavyweight and eventually became the 205-pound champion, and Joe Stevenson beat Luke Cummo by unanimous decision to become the Season 2 welterweight champion, after which he dropped down to lightweight and eventually challenged B.J. Penn for the interim 155-pound championship.

Also on the card, Kenny Florian submitted Kit Cope, Josh Burkman KO’d Sam Morgan by slam in 21 seconds, Melvin Guillard TKO’d Marcus Davis and, opening up the card, Keith Jardine TKO’d Kerry Schall.

Continued Reading » Original Recap: Wars Underscore TUF II Season Finale