Knockouts in the UFC have always been some of the most exhilarating moments in the sport, capturing the raw power and precise skill that define mixed martial arts. These moments are not just about ending the fight but doing so in a way that leaves a lasting impression on fans and fighters alike.
In this article, we delve into some of the most iconic and fastest knockouts in UFC history, showcasing the incredible athleticism and strategy involved in delivering these unforgettable finishes.
15. Joaquin Buckley vs. Impa Kasanganay
Joaquin Buckley delivered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history against Impa Kasanganay in October 2020. After Kasanganay caught Buckley’s kick, Buckley used his captured leg to launch a spinning back kick, landing flush on Kasanganay’s face. The viral KO, inspired by Kasanganay’s juggling during fight week, catapulted Buckley to stardom.
14. Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort
Anderson Silva’s front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 in 2011 is one of the most iconic finishes in UFC history. The perfectly timed kick landed flush on Belfort’s chin, sending him crashing to the canvas just 3:25 into the first round. This spectacular KO cemented Silva’s status as one of MMA’s greatest strikers.
13. Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping
At UFC 100 in 2009, Dan Henderson delivered one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history against Michael Bisping. Henderson’s devastating overhand right, known as the “H-Bomb,” sent Bisping crashing to the canvas. The follow-up diving elbow strike sealed the brutal KO, leaving Bisping unconscious and cementing this moment in UFC lore.
12. Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim
Edson Barboza’s spinning wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim at UFC 142 in 2012 is considered one of the most iconic finishes in UFC history. The perfectly executed technique sent Etim crashing to the canvas in dramatic fashion, earning Barboza Knockout of the Year honors. This highlight-reel KO showcased Barboza’s elite striking skills and cemented his reputation as a dangerous knockout artist.
11. Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem
At UFC 218 in 2017, Francis Ngannou delivered one of the most devastating knockouts in UFC history. He caught Alistair Overeem with a thunderous left uppercut that sent the veteran fighter crashing to the canvas, unconscious before he hit the ground. The brutal KO occurred just 1:42 into the first round.
10. Don Frye vs. Thomas Ramirez (8 seconds)
In one of the most lopsided matchups in UFC history, Don Frye demolished Thomas Ramirez in just 8 seconds at UFC 8 in 1996. Frye, a skilled wrestler and boxer, quickly closed the distance against the 410-pound Ramirez and landed two devastating punches that sent his opponent crashing into the fence, ending the fight instantly.
9. James Irvin vs. Houston Alexander (8 seconds)
At UFC Fight Night 13 in 2008, James Irvin delivered a lightning-fast knockout against Houston Alexander. Irvin’s superman punch connected just seconds into the fight, sending Alexander crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up strikes sealed the deal, resulting in one of the quickest finishes in UFC history.
8. Gray Maynard vs. Joe Veres (9 seconds)
Gray Maynard’s lightning-fast knockout of Joe Veres at UFC Fight Night 11 in 2007 stunned the audience. After a brief feeling-out process, Maynard unleashed a devastating lead left hook that sent Veres crashing into the fence. This 9-second KO set Maynard on an impressive winning streak, eventually earning him a lightweight title shot.
7. Makwan Amirkhani vs. Andy Ogle (8 seconds)
Makwan Amirkhani made a spectacular UFC debut at UFC on Fox 14 in 2015, finishing Andy Ogle in just 8 seconds. The Finnish fighter landed a flying knee to Ogle’s body as soon as the bell rang, followed by a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight. This lightning-fast knockout remains one of the most memorable in UFC history.
6. Leon Edwards vs. Seth Baczynski (8 seconds)
Leon Edwards made a statement in his second UFC appearance, knocking out Seth Baczynski in just 8 seconds at UFC Fight Night 64 in 2015. This lightning-fast KO is tied for the sixth-fastest in UFC history and the second-fastest in welterweight division history, showcasing Edwards’ devastating striking power.
5. Ryan Jimmo vs. Anthony Perosh (7 seconds)
Ryan Jimmo made a spectacular UFC debut at UFC 149 in 2012, tying the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history. He delivered a devastating right hand that sent Anthony Perosh crashing to the canvas just 7 seconds into the first round, stunning the audience and cementing his place in UFC lore.
4. Chan Sung Jung vs. Mark Hominick (7 seconds)
In a stunning display at UFC 140, Chan Sung Jung, aka “The Korean Zombie,” knocked out Mark Hominick in just 7 seconds. Jung capitalized on Hominick’s aggressive start, countering a missed left hook with a devastating right hand that ended the fight instantly, tying the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history.
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3. Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague (7 seconds)
Todd Duffee set the record for the fastest knockout in UFC heavyweight history at UFC 102 in 2009. He caught Tim Hague with a powerful left hand just seconds into the fight, followed by rapid ground strikes. The referee stopped the bout at the 7-second mark, cementing Duffee’s place in UFC history.
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2. Duane Ludwig vs. Jonathan Goulet (6 seconds)
At UFC Fight Night 3 in 2006, Duane Ludwig delivered a lightning-fast knockout against Jonathan Goulet. The fight lasted just 6 seconds, with Ludwig landing a precise right hand that sent Goulet crashing to the canvas. This knockout held the record for the fastest in UFC history for over a decade, showcasing Ludwig’s devastating striking power.
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1. Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren (5 seconds)
Jorge Masvidal delivered the fastest knockout in UFC history at UFC 239 in 2019. He sprinted across the octagon and landed a devastating flying knee on Ben Askren just 5 seconds into the fight. The perfectly timed strike left Askren unconscious, securing Masvidal’s place in UFC record books.
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