In several combat sports like boxing, Muay Thai, and even mixed martial arts, knocking out your opponent is one way of claiming victory in a UFC match. A knockout is a legal strike performed by the athlete that prevents the opponent from continuing the fight. Usually, it requires the strikes to have precision and power to render your rival unconscious. 

From a single powerful punch to a combination of strikes and everything in between, UFC has seen countless knockouts that the fans have deemed as the best. We'll be discussing the top 10 of the biggest knockouts in UFC history.

Leon Edwards Vs Kamaru Usman

On August 20, 2022, the reigning champion Kamaru Usman competed against Leon Edwards for the UFC Welterweight Championship. In this title defense match, Usman seemed to have the upper hand due to his pressure and wrestling technique. With only a minute left in the final round, Usman looked determined to defend his title for the sixth time.

In the most unexpected turn of events, however, Edwards knocked out Usman with a strategic kick and left the entire MMA fandom in disbelief. As the clock was ticking, he feinted with his left hand to draw Usman’s head off center. This left Edwards with enough space to strike with a precise and speedy left high kick, knocking the champion out. The arena erupted as Usman was left incapacitated from the strike, ensuring Edwards victory. Till July of 2024, Edwards remained the UFC welterweight titleholder and even successfully defended his title against Usman.

Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping

A grudge match held between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping was one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history. Bisping's persona of trash-talking and the fighters being the rival coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom” had fired up the fans as well as both the fighters.

Handerson stayed focused and displayed an immeasurable deal of patience throughout the match. Meanwhile, Bisping, known for his volume striking, was attempting to win by points while maintaining defense. However, in the second round, things took a turn for the worse for Bisping.

A vicious right hand unleashed by Handerson knocked out Bisping mid-step. With an accurate strike and with impeccable power, Handerson left Bisping unconscious instantly. The strike was so powerful, Bisping even stated that Henderson is the hardest hitter he has ever faced.

Joaquin Buckley vs Impa Kasanganay

Eager to make a name for themselves, the two middleweights Joaquin Buckley and Impa Kasanganay headed into the fight with determination for victory. At the start, Buckley went in with powerful shots while Kasanganay fought patiently, reading and countering his opponent. It stayed that way until Buckley shook the crowd in the second round.

Buckley threw a high kick with his left leg, but Kasanganay caught his leg. With the leg in his hand, Kasanganay was at the advantage and could easily overpower his opponent. However, Buckley jumped and spun in the middle of the air and struck Kasanganay with a spinning back kick with his right leg. This spinning kick directly hit Kasanganay’s face, knocking him out instantly. Buckley did not even attempt to throw follow-up strikes, as if he knew exactly the state he left his opponent in. 

Max Holloway VS Justin Gaethje

On April 13, 2024, the two titans Max Holloway and Gaethje faced off against each other for the BMF title. Holloway, who was recognized for his volume strikes and extraordinary pacing, went up against Gaethje. Gaethje is well known for his knockout power and destructive kicks. A legendary battle between both opponents with an exchange of powerful strikes showcased their durability and strength.

The clock was ticking away while both fighters stood toe-to-toe in the octagon. A series of wild yet powerful strikes had begun to be exchanged between the two. However, with only one second left on the clock, Holloway did the unthinkable. He landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Gaethje crashing face-first to the canvas, rendering him unconscious. Such a sudden strike left the fans around the world baffled and is now deemed as one of the best knockouts in UFC history.

Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort

Anderson Silva was at the time the UFC Middleweight Champion and had remained undefeated in the UFC. His opponent, Vitor Belfort, was a former champion with explosive power and immense speed. Despite it being the eighth title defense for Silva, Belfort was a threat to his throne. Two Brazilian legends with personal beef between each other, as Belfort accused Silva of being arrogant. 

The moment the fight started, it was evident that both fighters were wary of each other’s explosive strikes. They threw feints, trying to draw reactions for openings. It resembled a game of chess, with both athletes elegantly prancing around the octagon, measuring each other’s distance and timing. And then, out of nowhere, Silva landed a perfect front kick on Belfort’s chin, which left him unconscious. As the crowd erupted, Silva took the victory and yet again had successfully defended his title as the Middleweight Champion.

Chan Sung Jung vs Yair Rodriguez

 

A featherweight bout between Chan Sung Jung and Yair Rodriguez was held on November 10th, 2018. Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie” due to his forward pressure, traded brutal blows against the unpredictable fighter Rodriguez for five full rounds. It was clear that Jung would come out on top by winning the decision. But Rodriguez was not willing to let victory slip through his hands that easily. At the final second of the last round, Rodriguez had done the unimaginable.

During a series of combinations being thrown at each other, Rodriguez ducked low to evade a strike and counter-hit Jung with a no-look, upward elbow, which struck Jung directly on his chin. A strike so brutal, it knocked Jung out cold instantly. Rodriguez won the fight at 4:59 of Round 5 — the latest knockout in UFC history. Both fighters had shown immense stamina and grit, but eventually, Rodriguez came out on top.

Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren

An undefeated wrestling specialist, Ben Askren, went up against the street-fighting veteran Ben Askren. Askren, well known for his trash talking and cocky attitude, allowed this matchup to be one of the most anticipated. Since Masvidal wasn't a fan of Askren’s cocky attitude one bit, in the lead-up, Masvidal promised violence. It’s safe to say he delivered on his promise.

As soon as the opening bell rang, Masvidal sprinted across the octagon. He knew exactly what his opponent would do: attempt a takedown. With this judgment in mind, Masvidal launched into a flying knee aimed directly at Askren’s face. Askren, unprepared for the knee, ducked straight into it and got knocked out instantly. Masvidal added a couple of follow-up strikes to ensure his already accomplished victory. This highly anticipated match only lasted for 5 seconds and officially became the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim

The battle of a technical striker and submission specialist, Terry Etim, versus a devastating kicker, Edson Barboza, was held on January 14, 2012. A competitive lightweight bout held between the two fighters instantly became a sight worth seeing as it ended with one of the greatest knockouts in UFC.

The first two rounds seemed even between both fighters. Being a strategic striker, Etim attempted to push the pace. However, Barboza kept him in check with his kicks and by countering his moves. In round 3, however, things took a dramatic turn. Barboza took a step back to create some distance and unleashed a devastating spinning heel kick. It landed flush on Etim's chin, rendering him unconscious. With sheer confidence in his strike, Barboza walked away and claimed his victory as the crowd went wild.

Alistair Overeem vs Francis Ngannou

The winner earning a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship, both fighters were determined for victory. Alistair Overeem, a seasoned veteran and former kickboxing champion, going up against Francis Ngannou, a powerful and unstoppable new force in the division. The stakes were high, and the drive to win was higher, as this match delivered us one of the best knockouts in UFC history.

Overeem tried to keep his distance in the beginning. When his opponent did close in, he clenched to minimize the pressure. But Ngannou was calm and waiting for the right opportunity. During an exchange of blows, Ngannou struck with a brutal, upward left hook straight towards Overeem’s chin. The punch was so devastating, it shook Overeem’s face backwards and left him unconscious. It was a defining moment in Ngannou’s rise.

Michael Chandler vs Tony Ferguson

On May 7, 2022, a featured lightweight bout took place between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson. The fight started off hot, and in round 1, Ferguson looked unstoppable. He struck blows and landed clean hits. He even managed to drop Chandler for a brief moment with a left punch. However, Chandler was not going down that easily. Before the round was over, he performed a powerful takedown. 

In round 2, Chandler stepped forward and launched a perfectly timed front kick up the middle. His toes connected with Ferguson’s chin, dropping him instantly like a statue, face-first, completely unconscious. As Chandler stepped forward to perform follow-up strikes, he realized the opponent was out cold and pulled away. 

Conclusion

UFC has delivered some jaw-dropping knockouts in combat sports history. These moments aren’t just about raw power but a testament to perfect timing, precision, and the ability to capitalize on split-second opportunities. What makes them so special isn’t just the power behind the strikes, but the timing, technique, and sometimes even a bit of risk-taking magic. These are the moments that make people leap out of their seats, the kind of finishes that get replayed for years. They remind us that in the UFC, everything can change in an instant, and that’s what makes it so thrilling.