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One fight, two wins, and Murilo Bustamante’s short-lived UFC reign

Murilo Bustamante was one of the best middleweights of his era, but his run as a UFC champion didn't last long.

A black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie and a world champion in jiu-jitsu, Bustamante moved back to 185 pounds following a controversial decision loss to Chuck Liddell in 2001. He was immediately awarded with a fight against inaugural middleweight champion Dave Menne.

Bustamante stopped Menne less than one minute into the second round, claiming the belt that would years later return to Brazil with Anderson Silva. His first title defense was scheduled four months later opposite unbeaten wrestler Matt Lindland in the main event of UFC 37 in Bossier City, La.