UFC 15

UFC 15: Collision Course was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 17, 1997, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The event was seen live on pay per view in the United States, and later released on home video.

History

UFC 15 was headlined by a Heavyweight Championship bout between Maurice Smith and Tank Abbott. Abbott was brought in as a last-minute replacement for Dan Severn, who couldn't fight because of an injured hand.

UFC 15 featured a Superfight between Randy Couture and Vitor Belfort, a Heavyweight Tournament, and two alternate bouts. The show also marked the last event to feature Bruce Beck, who had been the main play-by-play announcer starting with UFC 4.

Collision Course marked a major change in the UFC's rules, with limitations set on permissible striking areas. Headbutts, groin strikes, strikes to the back of the neck & head, kicks to a downed opponent, small joint manipulation, pressure point strikes, and hair pulling all became officially illegal.

Heavyweight Tournament

Alternate Bouts

* United States Alex Hunter vs. United States Harry Moskowitz

Hunter wins a split decision at 12:00.

* United States Dwayne Cason vs. United States Houston Dorr

Cason wins by TKO (referee stoppage due to strikes) at 3:42.

Heavyweight Semifinals

* United States Mark Kerr vs. United States Greg "Ranger" Stott

Kerr wins by KO (knee) at 0:19.

* Canada Dave Beneteau vs. Brazil Carlos Barreto

Beneteau wins by unanimous decision at 15:00. Due to fatigue, Beneteau was unable to continue in the tournament.

Heavyweight Finals

* United States Mark Kerr vs. United States Dwayne Cason

Kerr wins the UFC 15 Heavyweight Tournament by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:54. Cason replaced Dave Beneteau who could not continue due to fatigue.