In the world of the UFC, outcomes of fights can be transformed in a split second, with combatants clinching triumphs in the final instants. These climactic knockouts reveal not just the tenacity of a fighter, but also their relentless will to snatch the win even in the face of overwhelming odds. This write-up discusses some of the unforgettable last-minute knockouts in the annals of UFC history.
On October 6, 2018, during UFC 229, an electrifying encounter was witnessed between Derrick Lewis and Alexander Volkov, two heavyweight fighters. While Volkov largely dominated the match, Lewis known for his unparalleled knockout force, delivered a powerful right hand that left Volkov sprawling on the ground during the third round’s last minute. Securing a knockout win, Lewis optimally capitalized on his ground strikes.
Paul Craig achieved one of the most delayed stoppages in the history of UFC when he defeated Magomed Ankalaev via a last-second triangle choke in the concluding moment of the third round. Ankalaev, despite having the upper hand for the larger share of the fight, was stunned by Craig’s refusal to back down. An unexpected submission was landed just as the bell was about to ring, allowing Craig to snatch the triumph from imminent defeat.
Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson claimed a UFC record by administering the latest submission in its history. In a showdown against Kyoji Horiguchi, he managed to secure an armbar in the fifth round’s last second. Although Johnson had the upper hand during the bout, he strived for the finish, consequently locking in an iconic last-moment victory by submission.
Leon Edwards underscored his determination against his opponent, Peter Sobotta, by managing a TKO finish just seconds before the final bell. Even though he had the lead for most of the bout; he ensured his triumph with a late finish, forging his status as an emerging challenger in the welterweight division.
Ex-bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt exhibited excellent striking skills when he landed a knockout right hook on Raphael Assunção as the concluding second of the second round ticked by. With the ending bell’s sound still fading, Garbrandt dipped and planted a powerful right hook that left Assunção unconscious, showcasing his supreme knockout capability.
In a title defense match for the UFC lightweight championship, BJ Penn landed a staggering finish against Sean Sherk. With the climax of the third round nearing, Penn connected a spectacular flying knee followed by a flurry of punches, resulting in a victorious TKO.
An unexpected twist characterized the memorable bout between Shonie Carter and Matt Serra, when Carter managed one of UFC’s most surprising knockouts. Despite most of the match being dictated by Serra, Carter’s downward spiral was interrupted by a last-second spinning backfist that dramatically shifted the bout’s outcome.
When it comes to capricious outcomes in MMA, the featherweight showdown between Yair Rodríguez and The Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung, stands out. An intense and unpredictable bout saw Jung seemingly gaining an edge, reflected in the scoring. However, in the last second of the fifth round, Rodríguez’s precise upward elbow strike knocked Jung out, thereby sealing his victory.
Rodríguez’s spectacular triumph not only marked his name in UFC’s chronicles but also showcased one of the most improbable knockouts in the sport. The victory reinforced Rodríguez’s prowess as a fighter capable of swinging the outcome in the dying moments of a bout.
On April 13, 2024, at UFC 300, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje clashed for the symbolic BMF title in an encounter that was an exemplar of striking finesse. Showcasing enduring resilience and superior striking skill, the fighters held fans spellbound. As the conclusion of the fifth round neared, Holloway landed a crushing punch at 4:59.
The last-second punch was powerful enough to secure a knockout win for Holloway. With just a second remaining on the clock, a victorious Holloway added the coveted BMF title to his list of achievements. This victory further solidified his position as one of UFC’s most thrilling fighters and proved his knack for producing dramatic finishes.
The climactic knockout delivered by Holloway in the very last second unfolded as among the most riveting moments in recent MMA history. The match exemplified the thrilling uncertainty that is characteristic of MMA – with outcomes capable of changing in the final, heart-stopping moments of a bout.
Reflecting on different UFC matches in history, it is clear that the thrill, unpredictability, and upsets form the heart and soul of the sport. The bouts discussed above capture memorable moments where fighters snatched victories from the verge of defeat, often in the bout’s concluding seconds.
Their unwavering determination, resilience, striking skill, and an ability to seize victory in the blink of an eye stand as a testament to the essence of the UFC. While the victor’s glory is etched in UFC history, these matches serve as a reminder about the fleeting nature of dominance in the cage till the very last second.