2024 has been a banner year for jaw-dropping moments in the UFC, and knockout artists have stolen the spotlight. From championship thrillers to undercard shockers, these KOs showcased precision, power, and unforgettable drama. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 knockouts of the year that left fans in awe and fighters immortalized in highlight reels.

1. Max Holloway Knocks Out Justin Gaethje (UFC 300)

KO Type: Right Hand

Time: 4:59 of Round 5

The battle for the BMF title delivered in spades as Max Holloway ended the slugfest with an iconic right hand, dropping Justin Gaethje cold at the buzzer. After a spinning back kick shattered Gaethje’s nose in the first round, Holloway’s relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy paved the way for this historic finish. The Hawaiian’s last-second KO reminded everyone why he’s still one of the baddest men on the planet.

2. Ilia Topuria Knocks Out Max Holloway (UFC 308)

KO Type: Left Hand

Time: 1:34 of Round 3

Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria proved his dominance by knocking out former champion Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. After a competitive start, Topuria’s power shone through in the third round when a perfectly placed left hand sent Holloway crashing to the canvas. With this win, the undefeated Spaniard cemented himself as one of the pound-for-pound best.

3. Vinicius Oliveira’s Flying Knee Against Benardo Sopaj (UFC 307)

KO Type: Flying Knee

Time: 4:41 of Round 3

In one of the most thrilling debuts of the year, Vinicius Oliveira secured a highlight-reel finish with a devastating flying knee. After surviving an onslaught from Sopaj, Oliveira turned the tide and ended the bout in spectacular fashion, leaving fans and pundits calling it a top contender for Knockout of the Year.

4. Alex Pereira Floors Jamahal Hill (UFC 305)

KO Type: Left Hook

Time: 3:14 of Round 1

Defending his light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira delivered a crushing left hook that sent Jamahal Hill sprawling. Pereira’s precision and power were on full display as he swarmed for the finish, showcasing why he’s one of the most feared strikers in the UFC.

5. Alex Pereira’s High Kick KO of Jiri Prochazka (UFC 303)

KO Type: High Kick

Time: 0:13 of Round 2

If anyone doubted Pereira’s versatility, his high kick KO of Jiri Prochazka silenced critics. Just seconds into the second round, Pereira landed a thunderous left high kick that ended the fight instantly. The win solidified Pereira’s reign as the king of the light heavyweight division.

6. Ilia Topuria Dethrones Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 299)

KO Type: Right Hand

Time: 3:32 of Round 2

Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise reached new heights when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title. A devastating right hand found its mark, leaving Volkanovski unconscious and ushering in a new era for the division.

7. Shara Magomedov’s Double Backfist Against Armen Petrosyan (UFC 301)

KO Type: Double Backfist

Time: 4:52 of Round 2

Unbeaten middleweight Shara Magomedov delivered a jaw-dropping finish with a rare double backfist. As Armen Petrosyan pushed the pace, Magomedov countered with spinning brilliance, ending the fight in emphatic fashion and cementing his status as a rising star.

8. Shi Ming’s Head Kick KO in Road to UFC Finale

KO Type: Head Kick

Time: 0:46 of Round 3

Shi Ming made history as the first female tournament winner in the Road to UFC series with a stunning head kick KO. Likely down on the scorecards, Ming feinted a level change and unleashed a kick that instantly ended the bout, securing her a UFC contract.

9. Carlos Prates Knocks Out Li Jingliang (UFC 305)

KO Type: Left Hand

Time: 4:02 of Round 2

Carlos Prates became the first fighter to knock out veteran Li Jingliang, delivering a precise left hand that left “The Leech” out cold. This win marked Prates’ third consecutive UFC victory and showcased his potential as a rising contender in the welterweight division.

10. Esteban Ribovics Head Kick KO Over Terrance McKinney (UFC Fight Night)

KO Type: Head Kick

Time: 1:35 of Round 1

In less than a minute, Esteban Ribovics dispatched Terrance McKinney with a perfectly timed head kick. The Argentinian lightweight continues to climb the ranks with finishes like this, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous striker.

This year was a testament to the ever-evolving artistry of MMA. From spinning backfists to high kicks and flying knees, fighters pushed the boundaries of what’s possible inside the Octagon.

Which knockout was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!