5 betting underdogs who won UFC championship fights in 2021

#2. Glover Texeira (+240 underdog against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267)

Glover Texeira joined the UFC nine years ago at the age of 31. Texeira was a dominant force in the Brazilian regional MMA scene and was famously unable to compete in the United States due to visa issues.

Many believed the Brazilian joined the world's premier MMA organization a little too late in his career. However, he proved his doubters wrong and went on a five-fight winning streak after joining the promotion, earning himself a title shot against Jon Jones. He lost to Jones via unanimous decision at UFC 172.

His next nine bouts would see him go 5-4 in the light heavyweight division and the consensus opinion was that he was past his prime.

Much to the surprise of the entire MMA community, Texeira has enjoyed an unbelievable career resurgence since turning 40 in 2019. Once again, he went on a five-fight winning streak to secure another shot at the title. He was booked to take on UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the main event of UFC 267.

Glover Texeira produced one of the most inspiring performances in MMA history. He dominated Jan Blachowicz in the first round and locked in a rear-naked choke in the second to win the belt.

Despite being the underdog, the 42-year-old Brazilian emerged victorious and produced one of the most memorable feel-good moments of the year.

Watch Glover Texeira’s post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier below:

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#1. Julianna Pena (+650 underdog against Amanda Nunes at UFC 269)

Julianna Pena was just another fighter in the women’s bantamweight division before UFC 269. She won The Ultimate Fighter in 2013 and compiled a 6-2 run before finally getting a crack at UFC bantamweight gold.

Her only UFC losses came against current flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and former featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie.

Pena was booked to take on the GOAT of women’s MMA, Amanda Nunes. Most were of the opinion that Nunes would make light work of Pena and the betting odds reflected the same. Nunes was a -1100 favorite going into the bout.

Julianna Pena produced one of the greatest upsets in combat sports history as she choked out Amanda Nunes in the second round.

She took the fight to ‘The Lioness’ unlike anyone had done previously, repeatedly catching the long-reigning champion with her jab. With Nunes noticeably fatigued, Pena dragged her to the ground and locked in a rear-naked choke to complete the biggest upset of the year.

Pena's win over Nunes left MMA fans around the world in shock. What made the victory even sweeter was the fact that she predicted how the bout would play out and executed her game plan perfectly. Speaking to Joe Rogan in her post-fight interview, 'The Venezuelan Vixen' said:

"I told you! Don't ever doubt me again! Will power, strength and determination! It will take you places."

Watch Julianna Pena’s post-fight interview with Joe Rogan below: