UFC 16
| Company type | Mixed martial arts event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports entertainment |
| Founded | March 13, 1998 |
| Headquarters | Kenner , United States |
Area served | United States |
UFC 16: Battle in the Bayou was a mixed martial arts competition organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on March 13, 1998, in Kenner, Louisiana. The event was broadcast live via US pay-per-view and subsequently distributed on home video.
History
This event marked the introduction of the inaugural UFC Welterweight tournament in the United States, featuring fighters weighing under 170 pounds. Alongside this tournament, the card included a Light Heavyweight Championship fight, a Superfight in both the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions, as well as two alternate matches prepared for potential tournament substitutions.
Notably, UFC 16 saw the first appearance of prominent competitor Pat Miletich, who later established Miletich Fighting Systems. Additionally, Tank Abbott participated as a guest analyst during the Heavyweight Superfight.
The Light Heavyweight title defense featured champion Frank Shamrock against Igor Zinoviev, a leading contender from Battlecade. Shamrock secured victory early through a knockout slam that resulted in a collarbone injury, effectively ending Zinoviev's fighting career.
Kimo Leopoldo made his return to face off against Japanese challenger Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Despite showing early control, Leopoldo eventually succumbed to fatigue and was defeated by unanimous decision.
Results
{{MMAevent bout | Welterweight | Pat Miletich | def. | Townsend Saunders | Decision (split) | | 15:00 |}
{{MMAevent bout | Welterweight | LaVerne Clark | def. | Josh Stuart | TKO (punches) | | 1:15 |} {{MMAevent bout | Welterweight | Chris Brennan | def. | Courtney Turner | Submission (armbar) |
|1:20
|}
UFC 16 Welterweight Tournament Bracket
1 Mikey Burnett withdrew due to a broken finger and was replaced by Chris Brennan.
Encyclopedia awards
The October 2011 UFC Encyclopedia recognized fighters from this event with the following honors:
- Fight of the Night: Tsuyoshi Kohsaka vs. Kimo Leopoldo
- Knockout of the Night: Frank Shamrock def. Igor Zinoviev
- Submission of the Night: Jerry Bohlander def. Kevin Jackson