- George Chung
- Oct 1, 2024
- 4 min read
One-punch knockouts (KOs) in the UFC are the stuff of legend. These stunning moments of sheer power, precision, and skill create unforgettable highlights that leave fans speechless and opponents devastated. A single punch can change the trajectory of a fighter’s career, making one-punch KOs some of the most iconic moments in UFC history. Let's dive into the best one-punch knockouts that have taken place inside the Octagon.
1. Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo – UFC 194 (2015)
Arguably the most famous one-punch KO in UFC history, Conor McGregor knocked out José Aldo in just 13 seconds to capture the featherweight title. Aldo, a reigning champion for over a decade, was expected to put up a fierce battle. However, McGregor's straight left hand dropped Aldo instantly, marking one of the fastest and most devastating knockouts in UFC history. This KO solidified McGregor as a global superstar and changed the landscape of the featherweight division forever.
2. Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem – UFC 218 (2017)
Francis Ngannou, known for his terrifying power, delivered one of the most brutal one-punch knockouts against Alistair Overeem at UFC 218. Ngannou's uppercut landed with such force that Overeem was knocked out before he even hit the ground. The KO was a terrifying display of Ngannou’s raw power and set him up as one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC. Fans still recall the shocking moment when Overeem’s head snapped back from the impact.
3. Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping – UFC 100 (2009)
Dan Henderson’s right hand is legendary, and no KO is more famous than his demolition of Michael Bisping at UFC 100. Henderson, a former Pride champion, unleashed his "H-Bomb" on Bisping, sending him crashing to the mat in the second round. The knockout was so severe that Henderson followed it up with a flying punch, ensuring Bisping was out cold. This brutal KO became an iconic image in UFC history and left Bisping seeking revenge, which he eventually got years later at UFC 204.
4. Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov – UFC 229 (2018)
Known for his post-fight interviews as much as his knockout power, Derrick Lewis delivered one of the most memorable one-punch KOs against Alexander Volkov at UFC 229. Lewis was down on the scorecards for most of the fight, but in the last 11 seconds of the third round, "The Black Beast" unleashed a devastating right hand that knocked Volkov out cold. The KO turned the fight around in dramatic fashion and remains one of the greatest comeback knockouts in UFC history.
5. Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell – UFC 88 (2008)
Rashad Evans cemented his place among the elite with a thunderous right hand that knocked out Chuck Liddell at UFC 88. Liddell, a former light heavyweight champion, was known for his granite chin, but Evans' perfectly timed punch sent him crashing to the canvas. The knockout not only ended the fight but also marked the beginning of the end for Liddell’s career as a top contender. Evans’ KO was so clean that it is still replayed as one of the greatest finishes in UFC history.
6. Jeremy Stephens vs. Rafael dos Anjos – UFC 91 (2008)
Jeremy Stephens might not have held a UFC belt, but his knockout power was undeniable, especially when he faced Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91. Stephens landed an uppercut that lifted dos Anjos off the ground and sent him crashing to the canvas. The KO became an instant highlight and showcased Stephens’ incredible ability to end a fight with a single punch.
7. Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir – UFC Fight Night 85 (2016)
Mark Hunt, known as "The Super Samoan," is one of the most dangerous knockout artists in UFC history. His walk-off knockout of Frank Mir at UFC Fight Night 85 is the perfect example of his precision and power. Hunt landed a right hand on Mir that dropped him instantly. Hunt, confident that the fight was over, walked away without even following up with additional strikes. This KO was yet another example of Hunt’s devastating one-punch power.
8. Stipe Miocic vs. Fabricio Werdum – UFC 198 (2016)
Stipe Miocic became the UFC heavyweight champion by knocking out Fabricio Werdum in one of the most spectacular one-punch KOs in heavyweight history. Werdum, who was the defending champion, rushed forward, and Miocic capitalized with a counter right hand that sent Werdum crashing face-first into the canvas. This KO catapulted Miocic to stardom and marked the beginning of his historic reign as heavyweight champion.
9. Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov – UFC 235 (2019)
Johnny Walker's meteoric rise in the light heavyweight division was fueled by highlight-reel knockouts, including his stunning one-punch KO of Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235. Walker threw a flying knee followed by a spinning back fist that knocked Cirkunov out cold in just 36 seconds of the first round. The KO was not only a display of Walker's creativity but also his raw power and explosiveness, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the division.
10. Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira – UFC 202 (2016)
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson was known for his knockout power, and his KO of Glover Teixeira at UFC 202 was perhaps his most terrifying. Johnson knocked out Teixeira with an uppercut just 13 seconds into the fight. Teixeira was out before he hit the mat, and Johnson’s emphatic finish solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in UFC history.
The UFC has witnessed numerous knockouts, yet the one-punch KO holds a unique allure. It epitomizes a combination of skill, timing, and power, capable of swiftly shifting the course of a fight. These iconic instances serve as a poignant reminder of the exhilarating nature of the UFC, where a single punch has the potential to conclude everything in an instant.
