The UFC has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, captivating millions of fans with its electrifying action and unpredictable moments. Once considered a niche combat sport, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, airing in more than 170 countries and broadcast in 50 languages.
While the adrenaline rush for spectators is undeniable, few moments in the Octagon generate more excitement than a jaw-dropping knockout. Those split-second finishes—leaving fans in awe and fighters cemented in history—have played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s profile and driving record-breaking revenue. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most shocking knockouts in UFC history.
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#1. Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim
Edson Barboza delivered one of the most unforgettable knockouts in UFC history on January 14, 2012, flattening Terry Etim with a stunning spinning wheel kick. The perfectly timed strike sent Etim crashing to the mat, completely frozen—a moment that instantly became an all-time highlight.
Barboza had already showcased his elite striking with a rare leg-kick TKO in his UFC debut, but nothing could prepare fans for what was coming. The fight began competitively, with both men exchanging strikes and neutralizing each other’s grappling. In the first round, Barboza landed a sharp spinning back kick to Etim’s body, offering a glimpse of his diverse arsenal.
By the third round, Barboza sealed the deal in spectacular fashion. He unleashed a flawless spinning wheel kick that landed flush on Etim’s chin, knocking him out instantly. Etim’s body stiffened as he fell, creating one of the most visually shocking finishes in MMA history.
#2. Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman
Reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman experienced a humbling defeat at UFC 278 when he was stunned by a perfectly timed head kick from Leon Edwards, knocking him out cold. Despite Usman dominating the fight and being moments away from securing another title defense, everything changed in the final minute of the fifth round.
Following an intense pep talk from his coach, Edwards delivered one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history. He landed a flawless left high kick that sent Usman crashing to the canvas, leaving the audience in shock and stealing the title in dramatic fashion.
#3. Max Holloway vs Justin Gaethje
The greatest knockouts are often the ones that happen with mere seconds left on the clock—which is exactly what occurred at UFC 300, as Justin Gaethje lost the “BMF” title to underdog Max Holloway.
Despite Gaethje being one of the division’s hardest hitters, Holloway held his own throughout the fight. From the opening bell, he outstruck Gaethje, controlled the exchanges, and closed in on a dominant victory. So, while this knockout may not have surprised those watching the fight unfold, the fact that it happened in the final second—courtesy of a perfectly placed shot from Holloway—cemented its status as one of the most iconic moments in UFC history.
#4. Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren
While UFC knockouts are rarely graceful, few come close to the brutal flying knee Jorge Masvidal delivered, ending Ben Askren’s undefeated record in just five seconds. Masvidal had already made waves with a stunning KO win over Darren Till, so anticipation was high leading up to UFC 239.
Tensions ran high in the build-up, but on fight night, Masvidal wasted no time. He sprinted forward and launched a flying knee, catching Askren as he ducked for a takedown. The impact was devastating—Askren was out cold before he even hit the canvas, securing the fastest knockout in UFC history.
#5. Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping
Trash talk is a staple of the UFC, but Michael Bisping learned the hard way that actions speak louder than words when he faced Dan Henderson at UFC 100. Bisping tried to get under Henderson’s skin, but once they stepped into the Octagon, the veteran made him pay in devastating fashion.
Henderson unleashed his signature “H-Bomb”—a massive right hand that landed flush on Bisping’s chin, knocking him out cold in the second round. As Bisping collapsed, Henderson followed up with another vicious strike before the referee could step in, making it crystal clear who was in charge.
#6. Impa Kasanganay vs Joaquin Buckley
October 2020 delivered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history when Joaquin Buckley flattened Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Night. Coming off a tough TKO loss to Kevin Holland in his debut, Buckley was in desperate need of a win. Facing the undefeated Kasanganay, he had a tough challenge ahead. The fight was competitive, with both men landing solid shots, but in the second round, Buckley created a moment that would be replayed for years.
As Kasanganay caught a kick, Buckley reacted instantly, using the momentum to spin and fire off a perfect spinning back kick to the face. The strike landed flush, sending Kasanganay crashing to the mat, completely unconscious.
#7. Francis Ngannou vs Alistair Overeem
Francis Ngannou’s knockout of Alistair Overeem at UFC 218 wasn’t just brutal—it was the stuff of nightmares. Known for his raw power, Ngannou delivered a single uppercut so vicious that it sent Overeem’s head snapping back as he fell lifelessly to the canvas.
By this point in his career, Ngannou had fully embraced his terrifying knockout ability, and Overeem became the latest victim. The fight barely lasted over a minute, with Ngannou loading up a monstrous left uppercut that lifted Overeem off his feet before he crashed unconscious to the mat.
#8. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm – UFC 193
At UFC 193 in 2015, Holly Holm managed to dethrone Ronda Rousey, completely altering the landscape of women’s MMA. Ronda Rousey was the UFC’s biggest star at the time, having dominated the women’s bantamweight division with ease. With over 56,000 fans in attendance, the world expected another quick win for Rousey, further cementing her place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
However, in the second round of their fight, Holm—known for her striking—pulled off a moment of brilliance. As Rousey moved in, Holm timed a perfectly placed head kick that landed flush. Rousey immediately dropped to the canvas, and the fight was over in an instant.
#9. Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort
Regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Anderson Silva’s UFC career was filled with star-making moments. However, his knockout of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 remains one of the most iconic.
Heading into the fight, Belfort was widely considered one of Silva’s toughest challenges to date. Both fighters were known for their striking prowess, and anticipation was high for a stand-up war.
Midway through the first round, Silva delivered a perfectly timed front kick to Belfort’s chin—a technique rarely seen in MMA at the time. The strike landed flush, sending Belfort crashing to the canvas. Silva followed up with a few punches before the referee stepped in, securing the first-ever front kick knockout in UFC history and further cementing his reign as middleweight champion.
#10. Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo – UFC 194 (2015)
As a dominant champion for over 10 years, José Aldo entered his UFC 194 fight against Conor McGregor confident that it would go his way. However, he quickly discovered that McGregor had other plans.
As Aldo pressed forward, McGregor unleashed a perfectly timed straight left hand that landed clean, sending Aldo crashing to the canvas. The 13-second knockout was as swift as it was brutal, leaving no doubt about McGregor’s ability to deliver when it mattered most.
This victory not only skyrocketed McGregor to global superstardom but also reshaped the featherweight division, cementing his place in UFC history as one of the most dangerous and unpredictable fighters ever.