Ends

At the start of 2013 there were two UFC Champions who shone far brighter than any of the rest.

The welterweight division's king was Canadian Georges St. Pierre. He originally won the belt in 2006, but lots it again in his first title defense to Matt Serra. He took the championship back from Serra on April 19, 2008 and had held it ever since.

That works out to 5 years and 8 months. In comparison, Muhammad Ali's held his title for less than 4 years in any one go, as did Mike Tyson.

George St. Pierre won again on November 16^th, 2013, but for the very first time he did not dominate. He won by controversial split decision. He has since announced he is releasing the title, and taking a break; retirement perhaps.

In any case, the very-long-reigning Welterweight Champion no longer holds the crown.

The other dominant UFC Champion at the start of the year was Anderson Silva. He took the title from Rich Franklin way back on October 14^th, 2006. He had fought 14 times since then without a single defeat.

This ended on July 6^th, 2013, when he was knocked out by Chris Weidman. It happened while clowning in the ring, and many consider it a fluke. Equally, many do not. In either case his reign of 6 years, 9 months was ended.

Unlike St. Pierre, Silva wants his title back. He and the new Champion meet again on December 28^th, to settle the matter.

Both Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva originally won their titles in 2006, and had their reigns end in 2013. Each has dominated their respective divisions for what seems like a lifetime.

Funny how things work out.