Salkilld’s Spectacular Head Kick Stuns Fans in October Knockout

As October 2025 wraps up with another thrilling month of MMA action, MMA Junkie highlights the top knockouts of the month. Below are the five contenders listed chronologically, along with the recipient of the Knockout of the Month award.

We’d love to hear your thoughts—cast your vote for your favorite knockout at the end of the article.

Nominee: Sergio Pettis def. Magomed Magomedov at PFL Dubai

In a match where Magomed Magomedov (21-5) seemed to have the upper hand, Sergio Pettis (25-7) unexpectedly delivered a brutal spinning back elbow in the second round, achieving a shocking knockout victory.

Magomedov controlled the fight on the ground and stood tall for nearly two rounds until he made a critical error by attempting a flying knee. While Pettis was cornered against the cage, he unleashed a spinning elbow that sent Magomedov crashing to the floor, followed by a final punch that sealed a remarkable finish.

Nominee: Jiri Prochazka def. Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320

Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC) faced relentless pressure from ex-title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) for two rounds, but everything shifted in the third round.

After struggling to find his rhythm, Prochazka accelerated his pace and was relentless, delivering a devastating left that knocked out Rountree with just under two minutes remaining in the fight. This victory positioned Prochazka to potentially seek a title shot soon.

Nominee: Marwan Rahiki def. Ananias Mulumba at DWCS 86

Marwan Rahiki and Ananias Mulumba engaged in a fierce battle from the start, making it clear that a finish was imminent. The turning point came when Rahiki (7-0) executed a knee-to-double-elbow-to-uppercut combo, leading to Mulumba’s (9-3) defeat at 2:12 of Round 2.

Though Rahiki was favored to win, Mulumba almost secured an early finish. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows until Rahiki finally landed a spectacular four-strike combo that likely earned him a UFC contract.

Nominee: Juan Diaz def. Won II Kwon at DWCS 86

Juan Diaz (15-1-1) added to 2025’s trend of spectacular knockouts with his victory over Won II Kwon (14-6) at 4:58 of Round 2. A powerful hammerfist may not have been necessary, but it certainly amplified the action.

This year has seen many incredible spinning back elbow knockouts, but Diaz’s may be considered one of the most vicious.

Nominee: Abdoullah Kane def. Emmanuel Mukam at 2025 PFL Africa 3

Abdoullah Kane (4-1) defeated Emmanuel Mukam (2-1) with a nasty head kick just 23 seconds into their heavyweight clash.

Kane came out strong, pressuring Mukam with combinations and feints. After landing a solid right hand, he unleashed a head kick that hit its mark, leaving Mukam incapacitated and collapsing to the ground.

The winner: Quillan Salkilld def. Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321

Quillan Salkilld delivered a Knockout of the Year contender in Abu Dhabi.

During UFC 321, Salkilld (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) executed a historic high kick that knocked out Nasrat Haqparast before he even reached the canvas. The finish occurred at the 2:30 mark of the first round.

Haqparast (18-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC) remained down for several minutes after the knockout, and upon returning from a commercial break, he was still on the mat. Eventually, he managed to sit up and stand.

Salkilld earned a $50,000 performance bonus for his impressive victory, maintaining an undefeated record in the promotion and establishing himself as a top prospect in the lightweight division.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Knockout of the Month, October 2025: Quillan Salkilld’s head kick

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