Remembering the Tito/Chuck/Randy saga

[Lionheart7167]

Recently found my old UFC DVD's (2002-2006), and revisited the Chuck/Tito era.... the fights, the build-up, interviews, etc.

This was around the time that I got into MMA, and I have very fond memories of this era. We were just coming out of the dark ages, and the Chuck Tito thing was extremely compelling. Then Randy came in and through a wrench in the gears.

Anyone have any fun memories associated with this time?

 

[HHJ]

So I was more into Pride than UFC in this period, but both companies didnt put on nearly as many events as they do today, so this was fun to see unfold when Pride stuff wasnt happening

Literally no one thought Randy was gonna beat Chuck. It was amazing. Then he just completley outwrestled Tito.

Suckas today dont realize how amazing Randy was in his heyday. Whoever says something about his record just BAM hit em right in the mouth. Dude spent 90% of his career fighting the toughest competition available in 2 weight classes and took home 5 world titles. Suck it.

 

[Lionheart7167]

Yea. I remember being very inspired by Randy in those early years.
Do I think he was the best fighter ever? No.
But I think, in terms of accolades, he is certainly one of, if not, the most decorated title holder in UFC history. 5 title reigns in 2 weight classes, beating the absolute best, at an age when most fighters are retiring. The old man always found a way to win.

 

[TeenageMutantLesnarTurtle]

That Chuck/Randy/Tito stuff really felt like the start of the ball rolling for UFC becoming mainstream imo.

LHW was a money division for most of the Zuffa years.

 

[Cobra 03]

Recently found my old UFC DVD's (2002-2006), and revisited the Chuck/Tito era.... the fights, the build-up, interviews, etc.

This was around the time that I got into MMA, and I have very fond memories of this era. We were just coming out of the dark ages, and the Chuck Tito thing was extremely compelling. Then Randy came in and through a wrench in the gears.

Anyone have any fun memories associated with this time?

I had been watching UFC since 1994, but never really had a favorite fighter until Chuck Liddell hit the scene. I was sad when Randy beat him for the belt, but fondly remember when Chuck and Tito finally fought. It was by far the biggest, most hyped fight in UFC history at that time, and I remember the intensity in the arena when they came into the cage. I was an avid boxing fan at that time, and had seen many of the BIG fights of the 60's and 70's. I knew the anticipation and excitement these fights brought, and Chuck-Tito was the first UFC fight that had that. The golden years of UFC/MMA!

 

[Elvis.]

Randy spanking Tito after completely tooling him for 25 minutes was such a massive exclamation point , it was great because I hated Tito at the time

 

[Goatenstein]

Tito ducking Chuck was infuriating at the time.

 

[Spiderbite]

God, i miss this period of MMA.

In 2005, there was 6 numbered events and 4 fight nights etc... It's crazy how much more an event mattered back then.

 

[Qays Stetkevich]

God, i miss this period of MMA.

In 2005, there was 6 numbered events and 4 fight nights etc... It's crazy how much more an event mattered back then.

And a lot of those cards were STACKED with good names and now-classic fights. . . . others, not so much. But yeah, I'd (have to) watch max 1 Pride and 1 UFC event a month, and each had way more build-up to it (especially Pride tourneys).

 

[VAfan]

watching randy (literally) spank tito was one of the more rewarding moments in ufc history.

 

[kingmob6]

Randy was the original 2 divisional Champ. Everyone else is a copycat, suck it Conor.

 

[stronghulk]

Randy is such a great athlete and it's a shame that the UFC let Dana have his "beef" with him, acting like he doesn't exist. He is THE Hall of Famer in the UFC pretty much.

I just really hate that I saw his webcam video.

 

[chardog]

Tito ducking Chuck was infuriating at the time.

it was great when the comeuppance came, tito was too busy with ken shamrock, basically red panty night of the time...................................

 

[Dr. Rose]

So I was more into Pride than UFC in this period, but both companies didnt put on nearly as many events as they do today, so this was fun to see unfold when Pride stuff wasnt happening

Literally no one thought Randy was gonna beat Chuck. It was amazing. Then he just completley outwrestled Tito.

Suckas today dont realize how amazing Randy was in his heyday. Whoever says something about his record just BAM hit em right in the mouth. Dude spent 90% of his career fighting the toughest competition available in 2 weight classes and took home 5 world titles. Suck it.

Yes, and he was old when he started. Even by the standards back then

 

[Uber_Noober]

One memory I have of Randy was when he was on an episode of Pros vs Joes. There was a segment where he was wrestling some random dude, he manhandled him into embarrassment and Michael Irvin’s reaction was priceless.