Often popularly hailed as one of the most gripping and action-packed combat sports platforms in the world, the star-studded history of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which spans over decades, has witnessed numerous iconic and spine-chilling MMA knockouts that have left the fans absolutely stunned. From boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, taekwondo, and more, the glorious history of the Mixed Martial Arts has been nothing short of a high-octane, action-packed street fighting sequence for hardcore fans of combat sports from all over the world. Have you ever wondered about the most iconic and memorable knockouts in the history of Mixed Martial Arts that have left the fans shocked? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four greatest MMA knockouts of all-time.
Top 4 Greatest MMA Knockouts of All-Time
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Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko Cro Cop – UFC 70
Often hailed as one of the most exciting and sensational bouts in the history of Mixed Martial Arts so far, the iconic “Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko Cro Cop” at UFC 70, 2007 is at the first spot in our list of the top four spine-chilling knockouts that have ruled the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Well, back in the era, the former Pride FC legend Mirko Cro Cop was hailed as one of the most feared strikers in the world and therefore the fans did not have massive expectations of Gabriel Gonzaga, who was merely a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist. Nevertheless, Gabriel Gonzaga fearlessly fought through the odds and threw a massive headkick which landed flush, instantly knocking Cro Cop out cold, leaving the fans absolutely shocked and stunned.
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Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping – UFC 100, 2009
At the second spot in our list of the top four greatest MMA knockouts of all-time, we have the sensational bout between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping at the UFC 100 on 11 July 2009. Owing to their rivalry from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF 9), fans undoubtedly anticipated high-octane action moves from both the fighters and the match instantly grabbed enormous attention from MMA fans from all over the world. While fans anticipated Michael Bisping defeating Dan Henderson with his signature moves, Henderson left the fans stunned and threw his signature “H-Bomb” right hand, knocking Bisping out cold. Moreover, to make the knockout even more intense and blood-curdling, Henderson landed a flying punch on an unconscious Bisping, which made it one of the most intense, shocking and replayed knockouts in the history of Mixed Martial Arts.
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Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort – UFC 126, 2011
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four spine-chilling knockouts that continues to rule the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), we have the iconic bout between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort at the UFC 126 event on 5 February 2011. The UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, was anticipated to easily defy Vitor Belfort, who was also a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and widely regarded as one of the most feared strikers in MMA. Often hailed as one of the deadliest clashes in the history of the UFC between the two of the deadliest strikers, the fight lasted for three minutes and twenty-five seconds before Anderson Silva shockingly knocked out Vitor Belfort with his iconic “Crane Kick” move. Although it has been over a decade now, the knockout is hailed as one of the most amazing knockouts ever witnessed in the UFC.
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Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren – UFC 239
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four greatest MMA knockouts of all-time, we have the sensational fight between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren at the UFC 239 event on 6 July 2019 in Las Vegas. Ben Askren had already annoyed Jorge Masvidal with his months of trash-talk and therefore the fans were incredibly excited to witness the blood-curdling action moves by Masvidal in the match. Shockingly, although fans anticipated a long bout, the match came to a conclusion in just five seconds as Masvidal sprinted across the Octagon and launched into a flying knee aimed directly at Askren’s head as soon as the match started. Ben Askren ducked low and was instantly knocked out after Masvidal launched a ferocious yet well-planned kick. Jorge Masvidal clinched the bout and continues to hold the record for the fastest knockout in the history of UFC.
