UFC 71
UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The event took place on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Background
The main event was the rematch between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. At the time of the event, Jackson was the only fighter to have an unavenged win against Liddell, which occurred at PRIDE Final Conflict 2003.
The UFC announced during the broadcast of the card that the winner of the Jackson vs. Liddell bout will face PRIDE 93 kg and 83 kg Champion Dan Henderson.
Mainstream sports media, especially ESPN, began extensive coverage of the UFC on this event. ESPN broadcasted live the weigh-ins and post-fight coverage for UFC 71 on ESPNEWS.
Alan Belcher was a replacement for Eric Schafer due to an injury.
Results
Preliminary card
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Carmelo Marrero vs. Brazil Wilson Gouveia
Gouveia wins by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:06 of the first round. On the pay per view, this bout aired following the Light Heavyweight Championship bout.
* Lightweight bout: United States Jeremy Stephens vs. United States Din Thomas
Thomas wins by submission (armbar) at 2:44 of the second round. This preliminary bout was aired on the pay-per-view broadcast.
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Alan Belcher vs. United States Sean Salmon
Belcher wins by submission (guillotine choke) at 0:53 of the first round. This preliminary bout was not aired on the pay-per-view broadcast.
* Light Heavyweight bout: Brazil Thiago Silva vs. United States James Irvin
Silva wins by TKO (knee injury) at 1:06 of the first round. This preliminary bout was aired on the pay-per-view broadcast.
Main card
* Middleweight bout: Canada Kalib Starnes vs. United States Chris Leben
Starnes wins via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, 29–28).
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Houston Alexander vs. United States Keith Jardine
Alexander wins via KO (strikes) at 0:48 of the first round.
* Middleweight bout: United States Terry Martin vs. Canada Ivan Salaverry
Martin wins via TKO (suplex and strikes) at 2:04 of the first round.
* Welterweight bout: Armenia Karo Parisyan vs. United States Josh Burkman
Parisyan wins via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28).
* Light Heavyweight Championship bout: United States Chuck Liddell (c) vs. United States Quinton Jackson
Jackson wins via TKO (punches) at 1:53 in the first round to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. This ended Liddell's 25-month reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, which started on April 16, 2005 when Liddell defeated then UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture.
- Fight of the Night: United States Chris Leben vs. Canada Kalib Starnes
- Submission of the Night: United States Din Thomas
- Knockout of the Night: United States Quinton Jackson
Injuries
The NSAC suspended the following fighters for medical reasons:
- Chuck Liddell Suspended until 7/12; No contact until 6/26
- Ivan Salaverry Suspended until 11/23 unless right shoulder is cleared by orthopedic doctor; Minimum suspension until 6/26; No contact until 6/17
- Karo Parisyan Suspended until 11/23 due to left thumb injury unless cleared by orthopedic doctor
- Keith Jardine Suspended until 7/26; No contact until 7/12
- Chris Leben Suspended until 6/26; No contact until 6/17 (right eyebrow laceration)
- Kalib Starnes Suspended until 6/26; No contact until 6/17 (left cheek laceration)
- James Irvin Suspended until 11/23 unless cleared by orthopedic doctor (ACL tear)
- Carmelo Marrero Suspended until 7/12; No contact until 6/26
