The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has delivered some of the most jaw-dropping knockouts in combat sports history, moments that freeze time and etch themselves into the minds of fans.
These knockouts aren’t just about raw power; they’re a blend of precision, timing, and sheer will, often turning the tide of a fight in an instant. From spinning kicks to one-punch devastations, the UFC’s octagon has been a stage for unforgettable finishes. Let’s dive into the best UFC knockouts of all time, celebrating the artistry and brutality that define the sport.
One of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history occurred at UFC 194 on December 12, 2015, when Conor McGregor faced Jose Aldo for the featherweight title. Aldo, an undefeated champion with an 18-fight win streak, was the epitome of dominance, boasting a 25-1 record.
McGregor, the brash Irishman, predicted a first-round finish, and he delivered in stunning fashion. Just 13 seconds into the fight, McGregor landed a crisp left hand to Aldo’s chin, sending the champion crashing to the canvas unconscious. The knockout, the fastest in UFC title fight history, showcased McGregor’s precision and cemented his status as a global star.
Another legendary finish came at UFC 239 on July 6, 2019, when Jorge Masvidal met Ben Askren. Askren, a wrestling phenom with a 19-0 record, was known for his grappling dominance, but Masvidal flipped the script. As the fight began, Masvidal sprinted forward and delivered a flying knee, catching Askren flush on the chin just five seconds into the bout.
The knockout, the fastest in UFC history, left Askren motionless and Masvidal’s “three-piece and a soda” persona etched in MMA lore. The moment’s viral impact transcended the sport, with replays flooding social media.
The welterweight division has produced its share of classics, none more memorable than Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg at UFC 52 on April 16, 2005. In their rematch for the welterweight title, Hughes survived an early low blow and a near-submission.
Mid-fight, he hoisted Trigg onto his shoulders, slammed him to the mat, and transitioned to a ground-and-pound onslaught, forcing a referee stoppage at 3:54 of the first round. While technically a TKO, the sequence’s ferocity and Hughes’ comeback made it a knockout for the ages.
Light heavyweight knockouts often carry a primal intensity, and Chuck Liddell’s finish of Randy Couture at UFC 57 on February 4, 2006, exemplifies this.
Liddell, the “Iceman,” was known for his sprawl-and-brawl style, with a 19-3 record and a knack for devastating punches. Couture, a wrestling legend, aimed to reclaim the light heavyweight title. In the second round, Liddell countered Couture’s advance with a looping right hand, dropping him face-first at 1:28. The knockout capped their trilogy and solidified Liddell’s reign as a UFC icon.
Women’s MMA has its own knockout gems, with Holly Holm’s upset of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 on November 15, 2015, standing out. Rousey, 12-0 and the bantamweight champion, was a juggernaut, but Holm, a former boxing champion, used footwork and precision to dominate. In the second round, Holm landed a high kick to Rousey’s neck, knocking her out cold at 0:59. The finish shocked the world, ending Rousey’s aura of invincibility and proving women’s MMA could produce highlight-reel knockouts.
Max Holloway’s knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, deserves mention for its sheer drama. In the final seconds of their “BMF” title fight, Holloway, trailing on the scorecards, pointed to the center of the octagon, inviting Gaethje for a stand-and-bang exchange. With one second left, Holloway landed a right hand, dropping Gaethje unconscious. The finish, at 4:59 of the fifth round, earned “Fight of the Night” and showcased Holloway’s heart and precision.
These knockouts, spanning decades and divisions, highlight the UFC’s evolution from niche spectacle to global phenomenon. They’re not just moments of violence but snapshots of strategy, courage, and timing. Whether it’s McGregor’s surgical strike or Holloway’s last-second heroics, these finishes remind fans why the UFC remains the pinnacle of MMA.
