UFC 13
| Company type | Event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mixed martial arts |
| Founded | May 30, 1997 |
| Headquarters | Augusta , United States |
| Products | Mixed martial arts competition |
UFC 13: The Ultimate Force was a mixed martial arts competition organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on May 30, 1997, held in Augusta, Georgia. The event was transmitted live via pay-per-view across the United States and subsequently distributed on home video.
History
This installment of the UFC showcased two separate four-fighter tournaments: one for the heavyweight category (200 pounds and above) and another for the lightweight division (below 200 pounds). In addition to these tournaments, the card included two alternate matches and a headline Superfight featuring Vitor Belfort against Tank Abbott.
Significantly, this event marked the first appearance of future UFC Champions and inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz, with Ortiz participating as an alternate in the lightweight bracket.
Also notable was the lone UFC fight of former pro wrestler Tony Halme, who gained fame in World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring name Ludvig Borga.
Bruce Buffer resumed his role as ring announcer, having made his debut at UFC 10. UFC 13 was only the second UFC event to incorporate dual tournaments, following the precedent set by UFC 12.
UFC 13 Lightweight Tournament Bracket
1 Due to injury, Tito Ortiz stepped in to replace Enson Inoue in the lightweight competition.
Encyclopedia awards
The UFC Encyclopedia published in October 2011 honored several participants from UFC 13 with distinctions:
- Fight of the Night: Guy Mezger vs. Tito Ortiz
- Knockout of the Night: Vitor Belfort (victorious over Tank Abbott)
- Submission of the Night: Guy Mezger (victorious over Tito Ortiz)