Top 10 Greatest Knockouts in UFC History

The UFC’s 30-year journey has delivered some of the greatest UFC knockouts ever witnessed. From early classics to recent shockers, fans have seen every kind of finish – powerful punches, head kicks, flying knees, and more. These fight-ending moments are not only spectacular displays of skill and power, but also defining points in MMA history. In this ranked list, we count down 10 of the best MMA knockouts of all time. Each entry showcases a memorable UFC KO (those famous MMA knockouts we all remember) that left crowds stunned and cemented a legacy. Let’s dive into ten iconic UFC knockouts – truly legendary MMA KOs that span all eras of the sport.

10. Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping – Memorable “H-Bomb” KO (2009)

At UFC 100 in 2009, veteran Dan Henderson delivered a memorable UFC KO against British rival Michael Bisping. Henderson, one of the sport’s early knockout artists, set up his legendary right hand – nicknamed the “H-Bomb” – and connected flush in the second round. Bisping was knocked out instantly, collapsing to the canvas​. In trademark fashion, Henderson even dove with one extra flying forearm on his unconscious rival​ before the referee intervened. This famous MMA knockout not only settled their heated rivalry, it also produced an enduring image (later part of Hendo’s personal logo) that fans still talk about today. It’s a classic finish that showed how one perfectly-timed punch can instantly end a fight.

9. Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem – Vicious Uppercut Power (2017)

In 2017, at UFC 218, top knockout artist Francis Ngannou demonstrated his terrifying knockout power in MMA with a single uppercut that nearly took Alistair Overeem’s head off​. The 6’4” Ngannou swung a full-force uppercut from his heels, connecting under Overeem’s chin. The impact lifted the veteran off his feet and knocked him out cold before he hit the mat. The arena gasped – it was a highlight reel KO replayed countless times due to the sheer brutality. Ngannou’s blow left Overeem stiff on the canvas, and the photo of the moment (Overeem’s head whipped back mid-air) instantly went viral​. This spectacular UFC finish announced Ngannou as a frightening knockout machine, solidifying his reputation among the hardest hitters in UFC history.

8. Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman – Last-Minute Head-Kick Stunner (2022)

“Rocky” Leon Edwards produced one of the most spectacular UFC finishes ever in the main event of UFC 278. In August 2022, Edwards was trailing on the scorecards against dominant welterweight champ Kamaru Usman. However, with only a minute remaining in the fight, Edwards shocked the world with a perfect head kick. The left high kick caught Usman flush, knocking the champion out before he hit the canvas​. The come-from-behind knockout instantly silenced doubters and sent the Salt Lake City crowd into a frenzy. Usman had been unbeaten in the UFC, but Edwards’ one strike changed everything – he snatched victory and the title in dramatic fashion. This jaw-dropping comeback KO is now regarded as one of the most memorable UFC KOs, proving that in MMA it’s never over until it’s over​.

7. Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort – Front Kick Face-KO (2011)

Former middleweight king Anderson Silva delivered a truly iconic UFC knockout at UFC 126 in 2011. Facing fellow Brazilian star Vitor Belfort, Silva unveiled a technique never seen before in the Octagon: a front snap kick to the face. In the first round, “The Spider” suddenly flicked his foot straight up the middle, landing flush on Belfort’s chin​. Belfort dropped to the floor, dazed and defeated, as the crowd erupted. It was the first front-kick KO in UFC history​, and it came against one of the era’s most feared strikers. Silva’s championship legacy already included many highlight reel KOs, but this spectacular finish stands out as perhaps his most inventive and famous. Even years later, fans replay this legendary MMA KO as a reminder of Silva’s creativity and precision.

6. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje – Buzzer-Beater Knockout (2024)

In a bout for the symbolic “BMF” title at UFC 300, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje treated fans to a war – capped off by a literal last-second knockout. By the fifth round, Holloway was ahead in a slugfest with Gaethje, another elite striker. Instead of coasting to a decision, Holloway chose to trade until the final horn. With just one second left on the clock, he uncorked a massive overhand right that landed clean. Gaethje fell forward in a faceplant finish​, knocked out at 4:59 of Round 5. The timing was unbelievable – a true buzzer-beater KO. The arena exploded as the referee waved it off, and Holloway jumped on the cage in celebration. This instant classic was immediately hailed as one of the best MMA knockouts in recent memory, and a highlight reel KO fans will be talking about for years.

5. Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim – Spinning Wheel Kick (2012)

Edson Barboza’s 2012 knockout of Terry Etim remains a spectacular UFC finish that still defies belief. At UFC 142 in Brazil, Barboza pulled off the first spinning wheel-kick KO in UFC history​. In the third round of a stand-up battle, the Brazilian lightweight suddenly spun 360 degrees and whipped his right heel across, connecting perfectly on Etim’s temple. The impact was instant – Etim’s body went rigid, and he fell straight backward like a statue​. The crowd erupted in disbelief at the acrobatic display of timing and power. This highlight reel KO is replayed endlessly and even Barboza himself admitted that this single kick changed his life​. It’s a picture-perfect example of creativity in striking, and it set the bar for spinning kick knockouts in MMA.

4. Joaquin Buckley vs. Impa Kasanganay – Viral Spinning Back Kick (2020)

When Joaquin Buckley met Impa Kasanganay in October 2020 (UFC Fight Island), few could have predicted the highlight reel KO that was about to occur. In Round 2, Buckley threw a high kick which Kasanganay caught, momentarily trapping Buckley’s foot. Buckley then improvised in a split second – he spun in mid-air and delivered a jumping spinning back kick with his free leg. His heel crashed into Kasanganay’s face, instantly turning off the lights. Kasanganay fell to the ground unconscious, and even the commentators leapt out of their seats in astonishment. This unbelievable knockout went ultra-viral on social media; even UFC president Dana White and celebrities were stunned. Many fans and analysts called it one of the most unbelievable knockouts in UFC history, and it rightfully earned Buckley the 2020 Knockout of the Year. The creativity and athleticism of this spectacular UFC finish still leave viewers in awe with each replay.

3. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey – Iconic Head Kick Upset (2015)

Holly Holm’s head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 is often called the biggest upset in MMA history – and an iconic UFC knockout that shocked the world​. Rousey entered the 2015 bout as an unbeaten superstar, the reigning champion who seemed unstoppable. Holm, a former boxing champion, defied the odds. In the second round, Holm created an angle and unleashed a crushing left high kick straight to Rousey’s jaw​. The impact rendered Rousey unconscious​ and sent her plummeting to the canvas, silencing the 56,000 fans in attendance​. The moment was pure sports shock and instantly became a piece of UFC lore. Rousey, who had dominated every prior opponent, had finally been beaten – emphatically. Holm’s victory not only claimed the bantamweight title but also produced a famous MMA knockout replayed endlessly on highlight reels. This legendary MMA KO proved that no fighter is invincible and raised the profile of women’s MMA to new heights.

2. Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren – Fastest KO in UFC History (2019)

Jorge Masvidal’s 5-second demolition of Ben Askren at UFC 239 is not only the fastest KO in UFC history – it’s also one of the most memorable UFC KOs ever recorded​. As the fight began, Masvidal sprinted forward and launched a flying knee at Askren, who was ducking for a takedown. The knee landed brutally on Askren’s skull, knocking him out on impact. Askren’s body went stiff and fell like a board, and Masvidal followed up with a couple of unnecessary (but emphatic) punches before the referee could stop it​. The fight was officially over in just five seconds, setting a UFC record​. The crowd went into a frenzy at the blink-and-you-miss-it violence. Masvidal’s explosive finish became an overnight sensation, generating gifs, memes, and even a celebratory pose (“hands behind back”) imitated worldwide. This highlight reel KO not only gave Masvidal the fastest knockout in UFC history​, it also solidified the flying knee as one of the most devastating weapons in MMA. Years later, fans still marvel at how quickly “Gamebred” ended this fight – a spectacular UFC finish that will likely never be topped in speed.

1. Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo – 13-Second Legendary KO (2015)

In the main event of UFC 194, Conor McGregor delivered a legendary MMA KO that catapulted him into superstardom. The brash Irishman faced Jose Aldo, the long-reigning featherweight champion who hadn’t lost in a decade. All it took was 13 seconds for McGregor to end Aldo’s reign​. As the fight started, McGregor threw a lightning-quick counter left hook as Aldo lunged in – the punch landed on the button, instantly dropping Aldo to the canvas​. One follow-up hammerfist sealed the deal, but Aldo was already out cold, suffering his first defeat in ten years​. The arena erupted in disbelief and elation; McGregor ran off in celebration as Aldo tried to regain his senses. This iconic one-punch knockout was the fastest finish ever in a UFC title fight​, and it made McGregor the undisputed 145 lb champion. More than that, it was a changing-of-the-guard moment that turned “Notorious” into the sport’s biggest star. The image of Aldo face-down on the mat and McGregor strutting away is forever etched in MMA history. Given the magnitude, technical brilliance, and lasting impact of this victory, many consider it the absolute apex of the greatest UFC knockouts. It’s a fitting #1 on this list of best MMA knockouts, and a reminder of how one strike can alter the course of UFC history.

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