The Best UFC Knockouts: Top 10 One-Punch Finishes

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is about strategy, skill, and strength. In the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), there are many exciting times, but a knockout is one of the most thrilling. And inside this group, a single punch knockdown has its own unique role. It shows how strong and accurate a fighter is, usually concluding the fight in one single, important instant. Now we are going through the best 10 single-punch endings in UFC history.

Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo (UFC 194)

Conor McGregor fought against Jose Aldo on December 12, 2015. This was a very much expected featherweight fight in UFC history. Aldo, who was the champion at the time, had not lost for over ten years and also held an unbeatable record of winning for 18 fights straight. McGregor anticipated his victory by stating he would defeat Aldo within the initial round.

The fight concluded in 13 seconds. As Aldo was moving ahead, McGregor struck back with an accurately placed left hook that caused Aldo to fall onto the floor. This marked a sudden end to his rule and a pivotal instance in McGregor’s professional life, confirming him as a top star. This knockout was not just a win for McGregor; it also ended Aldo’s decade-long unbeaten streak. It’s the quickest ending in a title fight ever in UFC history. This shows how McGregor can prove his confident statements with results.

Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping (UFC 100)

When Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping met in the Octagon at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009, this was not simply a regular fight; it was a hostile confrontation. The tension between these two fighters could be felt strongly before the match began. Henderson, who had vast experience in mixed martial arts (MMA), desired to demonstrate his skills against Bisping.

In the second round, Henderson hit an overhand right that knocked Bisping out immediately. When Bisping dropped down, Henderson came after him with a flying forearm to finish the fight. This knockout is still one of the most watched and praised in the UFC’s records. Henderson’s punch, which not only knocked Bisping out but also became a defining image of UFC 100,.

Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem (UFC 218)

In UFC 218, which occurred on December 2, 2017, Francis Ngannou produced one of the most violent knockouts ever seen in UFC history when he hit Alistair Overeem. Therefore, he is famously recognized for his punching strength.

In round one, Ngannou delivered an uppercut that was brutal and powerful. It lifted Overeem from the ground, causing him to lose consciousness even before he touched down. The blow’s strength and accuracy amazed both fans and commentators alike. It became a memorable ending for the fight, emphasizing Ngannou’s natural power and confirming his standing among MMA’s strongest punchers. The Performance of the Night bonus was awarded to Ngannou for his knockout, which showed that he is becoming one of the strongest challengers in the heavyweight division.

Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim (UFC 142)

This list is for knockouts that happen with only one punch, but we cannot forget Edson Barboza’s ending against Terry Etim on January 14th, 2012, at UFC 142.

Barboza, who had a reputation for striking, threw a spinning wheel kick in the third round. This kick hit Etim’s face fully, and he dropped flat on the mat, already unconscious, before impact. This knockout is often praised as one of the best in UFC history because it was rare and done perfectly. Barboza’s ending not only presented his technical striking skills but also contributed to the variety of knockouts in MMA, showing how different martial arts methods can truly work.

Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira (UFC 202)

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was famous for his knockout strength, and on August 20th of the year 2016 at UFC 202, he had a fight with Glover Teixeira.

Johnson, within 13 seconds, hit a powerful uppercut that made Teixeira lose consciousness. This punch was so strong that it caused him to also lose his mouthguard during the impact. The knockout demonstrated Johnson’s strong hitting power and his skill to finish fights very quickly. Johnson’s ending was not just fast; it showed his ability to explode with power and accuracy. This makes him one of the most feared knockout fighters in the UFC.

Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson (UFC Fight Night 52)

Mark Hunt, also known by his nickname “The Super Samoan,” has provided us with many unforgettable knockouts in the UFC. On September 20, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 52, he encountered Roy Nelson, who is recognized for having an exceptionally strong jaw. Hunt’s punches are like sledgehammers, and it was expected that he would deliver some serious damage to Nelson with his powerful strikes.

In the second round, Hunt managed to hit a right uppercut at the perfect moment. This punch made Nelson fall heavily on the mat. It was not common for Nelson, who had faced many strong hits in his fighting time, to be knocked out so effectively. The ability of Hunt to knock out opponents was shown clearly here, and this finish is still one of his most notable ones. Hunt’s knockout of Nelson shows that he has the skill to knock fighters and finish fights with power even against very tough opponents.

Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin (UFC 101)

On August 8, 2009, for UFC 101, Anderson Silva, a brilliant fighter who can be considered one of the top MMA fighters in history, showed his skill in striking when fighting with Forrest Griffin.

Silva, stepping into the light heavyweight category, handled it smoothly. He neatly avoided Griffin’s punches in the initial round and replied with a brief right hand that knocked Griffin out while he moved closer. This showed Silva’s exceptional quick reactions, timing, and precision; it is still one of the most unforgettable knockouts in his impressive career. Griffin’s confusion with Silva’s performance shows how striking skills and fight IQ make Silva superior.

Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell (UFC 88)

On September 6th, 2008, during the UFC 88 event, there was a fight between Rashad Evans and Chuck Liddell. At that time, Liddell, who is very well-known for his ability to knock out opponents along with his aggressive mannerisms, was seen as the top choice for winning this match.

The next round saw Evans strike with an overhand right that precisely hit Liddell, causing him to fall unconscious. The force was so strong that Liddell dropped heavily onto the canvas, already knocked out before he even touched the ground. This knockout signaled a turning point for Evans and also represented the start of Liddell’s downfall from his ruling position in the light heavyweight class. When Evans knocked out Liddell, it symbolized a moment of passing the torch. This was the time of change from Liddell’s era to the new rising contenders in this division.

Jeremy Stephens vs. Rafael dos Anjos (UFC 91)

On November 15, 2008, Jeremy Stephens, a fighter recognized for his powerful punches, gave a knockout that is still remembered today in his match at UFC 91 with Rafael dos Anjos.

The third round brought a thunderous uppercut from Stephens, lifting Dos Anjos off the ground and putting him to sleep. This single hit displayed the unmatched power and precision of Stephens, earning its place among the most striking knockouts ever seen in UFC history. The knockout of Dos Anjos by Stephens showed his capacity to deliver a decisive punch even during later rounds, showing both his endurance and skill in striking blows.

Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov (UFC 235)

Johnny Walker, who is quickly gaining fame in the light heavyweight category, has become known for his showy manner and ability to knock opponents out. On March 2nd, 2019, during the UFC 235 event, he had a match with Misha Cirkunov.

The first round saw Walker hit an extraordinary flying knee, along with a hammer fist, that made Cirkunov lose consciousness. The combination of a high-flying knee and the follow-up punch showed how athletic and good at striking Walker truly is; this knockout will be remembered for its impact in recent UFC fights. The dynamic finish from Walker against Cirkunov was a powerful display of his potential as he continues to solidify himself within the division’s top ranks while showcasing an exciting fighting style unique only to him.

Honorable Mentions

The knockouts shown above are just a few of the most famous one-punch endings in UFC history, but there have been many other unforgettable instances too.

Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz (UFC 47)

On April 2, 2004, two great fighters in UFC history, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, had a match that was very exciting for many fans. The fight ended during the second round when Liddell used his strong knockout power to give Ortiz several punches one after another until he hit him hard with his right hand, which caused him to fall unconscious from pain. This event made everything clear about who was better among them while also making sure people saw how good at knockouts this fighter could be.

Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva (UFC Brazil)

In UFC Brazil, on October 16, 1998, Vitor Belfort gave a knockout that still remains deeply etched in the memories of those who watched it. In this fight against Wanderlei Silva, Belfort quickly attacked Silva with many punches and ended it by hitting his left hand, which made Silva completely unconscious. This knockout highlighted Belfort’s fast and strong hands, establishing him as an outstanding fighter during the UFC’s early days.

Knockouts with a single punch are very thrilling moments in the UFC. They embody what is at the core of this sport, i.e., the perfect mix of timing, strength, and accuracy. The knockouts, from the fast defeat of Aldo by McGregor to Ngannou’s shocking uppercut on Overeem, have all made a lasting impact on this sport. Each of these moments is a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling