Knockouts are arguably the most exhilarating way that a UFC fight can end, so it is probably no surprise to learn that some of the most iconic knockouts actually changed the industry.
They can be both divisive and astounding to watch, but they are pretty much guaranteed to have the whole crowd cheering (or booing, depending on the fight), as well as being a potentially huge money-maker for the fighters and the bettors who are watching.
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1. Rashad Evans Cracks The “Ice Man”
UFC 88: Breakthrough – Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell, September 9th, 2008
Starting with one of the more overlooked knockouts, Rashard Evans has the speed and power of a jungle animal, throwing out shots that his opponents can rarely see coming. That is what happened with Chuck Liddell – he might not have foreseen what happened, but watching him fold in two like a crumpled paper doll can never be unseen.
2. Gabriel Gonzaga Forces Mirko “Cro Cop” to Fold
UFC 70: Nations Collide – Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, April 21st, 2007
Watching two fighters stalk each other around the cage can get boring pretty quickly, so Gonzaga took matters into his own hands (literally) and threw a leg kick out of nowhere to break up this dance, with a pure shin-to-bone connection and at a close range.
3. Jorge Masvidal Wins Fastest KO In the UFC
UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos – Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren, July 6th, 2019
It took just five seconds for Masvidal to take down Ben Askren, and he might have even managed it sooner without the referee in the way at the start. Seeing him run and put his full force behind his knee as it connected with Askren’s head was truly a sight to behold.
4. Joaquin Buckley is a Ninja in the Pentagon
UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen – Joaquin Buckley vs. Impa Kasanganay , October 10th, 2020
I think it is safe to say that nothing compares to the commentary from John Gooden during this fight: “this is real life ninja stuff!” which, let’s be real, is what we were all thinking. It took more than an ounce of nerves for Buckley to even attempt a move like this, but I bet anyone who was watching that fight was glad that he did as it made for an incredible knockout.
5. Terry Etim Gets Wheel Kicked by Edson Barboza
UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes – Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim, January 14th, 2012
The moment Barboza unleashed his flying spinning kick is the moment he showed us what a beautiful combination of MMA that the UFC really is. The flying foot caught Etim right on the side of his head and saw him out cold on the mat for several seconds afterward. slotxo
