Today in MMA history: Matt Hughes pulls off epic UFC 52 comeback in Frank Trigg rematch

Dana White has seen a lot of fights in his day.

However when asked to choose his all-time favorite, UFC president White has long pointed to Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg 2.

The UFC 52 fight took place in 2005 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Thursday marks the 15th anniversary of the epic welterweight title fight that saw Hughes turn the tables after a strong start from Trigg.

Early in the fight, Hughes was hit in the groin. Despite Hughes’ protest, referee Mario Yamasaki did not call a timeout. Trigg saw a window of opportunity and capitalized on it, knocking Hughes down and pounding on him.

Somehow, someway Hughes survived. The then-UFC welterweight champ, Hughes grabbed double underhook, mustered up the strength, and pulled off one of the most prolific moments in MMA history. The image of Hughes running across the cage, carrying Trigg all the way, was etched in MMA history forever.

One slam later, Trigg was down and Hughes was in mount. Trying to avoid the strikes, Trigg rolled over and exposed his back. Hughes sunk in a rear-naked choke and got the tap to retain his title.

The win was the second time Hughes had defeated Trigg in as many attempts. At UFC 45 in November 2003, Hughes won by the same method – first-round rear-naked choke.

In 2015, Hughes vs. Trigg 2 was inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.

On the bout’s 15th anniversary, relive Hughes’ epic UFC 52 title defense vs. Trigg in the video above.