Gerard Gordeau and Teila Tuli’s bout at UFC 1 on November 12, 1993, was one of the most memorable matches in UFC history. The two fighters had vastly different fighting styles, with Gordeau being a Savate expert and Tuli being a Sumo wrestler. This created an interesting matchup that fans were excited to see.

Gordeau was a Dutch kickboxer who was known for his striking abilities. He had competed in various martial arts tournaments throughout his career, including Savate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. In contrast, Tuli was a Hawaiian Sumo wrestler who had never competed in a professional mixed martial arts fight before.

The fight between Gordeau and Tuli began with Gordeau taking a cautious approach, circling around Tuli and looking for an opportunity to strike. Tuli, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to find his footing on the canvas, which was much different from the dirt and sand he was used to in Sumo.

After a few moments of circling, Gordeau threw a high kick that connected with Tuli’s face, knocking out one of his teeth and sending him crashing to the ground. Gordeau then proceeded to land a few more strikes before the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

The victory for Gordeau was significant not only because he won the first-ever UFC fight but also because it showcased the effectiveness of striking in a mixed martial arts fight. It also highlighted the importance of training in multiple martial arts disciplines to be successful in the sport.

While Tuli’s loss was undoubtedly disappointing, his participation in the fight helped to popularize Sumo wrestling in the United States. The match also showed that even fighters with vastly different backgrounds could compete in the same sport, which was a major selling point for the UFC.

After the fight, Gordeau went on to have a successful career in mixed martial arts, competing in various promotions around the world. He retired from professional fighting in 2002 with a record of 48 wins, 13 losses, and one draw.

Tuli, on the other hand, never competed in another UFC fight. However, he did continue to promote Sumo wrestling in the United States, even starting his own Sumo wrestling school in Hawaii.

The matchup between Gordeau and Tuli also highlighted the importance of safety in mixed martial arts. After Tuli was knocked out, Gordeau continued to land strikes on him, which could have caused serious injury. This incident led to changes in the rules of the sport, including the introduction of time limits and weight classes.

Overall, the fight between Gordeau and Tuli at UFC 1 was a pivotal moment in the history of mixed martial arts. It showcased the effectiveness of striking in the sport, helped to popularize Sumo wrestling in the United States, and led to changes in the rules to ensure the safety of fighters.