UFC: Top 7 fighters between 1993 and 1998

#5 Mark Coleman (6-2)

Mark Coleman - The first ever UFC Heavyweight Champion

Mark Coleman entered the Octagon for the first time at UFC 10 on 12th July 1996.

He competed in the UFC 10 tournament and defeated Moti Horenstein, Gary Goodridge and Don Frye to win the tournament.

Coleman became the first man since Royce Gracie at UFC’s 1 and 2, to win back to back UFC tournaments when he repeated the feat at UFC 11. This time he defeated Julian Sanchez and Brian Johnstone. Coleman controversially won the final by default as no competitor from the other side of the draw was fit enough to compete in another match.

Nevertheless, that was an issue out of Coleman’s control and his incredible winning streak continued at UFC 12, when he impressively submitted UFC Superfight Champion Dan Severn with a neck crank, to become the inaugural UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Coleman lost the title in his first defence which ended a run of six straight Octagon victories after he was bested by Maurice Smith.

Coleman next returned at UFC 17: Redemption, an event which referenced his return, after his upset loss. The initial plan was for Coleman to challenge new UFC Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture, however, Couture could not get medical clearance to compete, so Coleman fought debutant, Pete Williams instead. In a colossal shock, Coleman fell victim to the famous “kick heard around the world” and lost by knockout after his head was almost removed from his shoulders by William’s incredible head kick.

Coleman would leave the UFC in 1999 and rebuild his career in the Japanese promotion, Pride FC.