Mixed martial arts (MMA) encompass various elements, including wrestling, grappling, takedown defense, and calf kicks. However, for many UFC fans, knockouts remain the most thrilling aspect of the sport.
Despite some fans expressing displeasure over the prominence of the ground game in 2025, there were still numerous knockout highlights this year. Strikes from punches, kicks, and elbows captivated audiences. So, following Max Holloway’s incredible knockout of Justin Gaethje last year, which many consider one of the greatest KOs in UFC history, which knockouts rose to the top in 2025?
5. Cesar Almeida vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan, UFC Fight Night Jan. 11
Cesar Almeida’s knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan set the tone for the UFC’s 2025 events. In the year’s first UFC card, Almeida faced severe punishment from Razak Alhassan, who dominated him with ground and pound strikes. However, Almeida’s determination paid off when he spotted a small opening and countered with a right-left sequence, with the latter punch knocking out his opponent. This stunning finish marked not only one of the year’s top knockouts but also a remarkable comeback.
4. Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira, UFC 317
Ilia Topuria became the fifth Featherweight Champion in UFC history, vacating his title to vie for dual champion status against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. In this title fight, Topuria showcased his skills, securing a knockout victory. After spending much of the first round on the ground, they returned to their feet three minutes in. Despite Oliveira’s reputation as one of UFC’s all-time greats, Topuria unleashed a powerful left-right-left combination that knocked him out, fulfilling his pre-fight prediction for a first-round finish.
3. Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal, UFC 319
Carlos Prates quickly became a fan favorite in 2025 due to his entertaining, striking-heavy style. Having lost only to Ian Machado Garry, Prates needed an impressive performance against Geoff Neal at UFC 319 to maintain his popularity. Known as the gatekeeper of the 170-pound division, Neal posed a genuine challenge. However, Prates effectively controlled the fight, landing a catastrophic elbow with just a second left in the first round, securing a spectacular finish.
2. Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico, UFC 319
Just after Prates’ highlight-reel finish, Lerone Murphy added to the excitement with an astonishing knockout against Aaron Pico, a former Bellator star set to make waves in his UFC debut. Murphy, undefeated at 17-0-1, needed to prove his worth in the octagon. When Pico charged in during the first round, Murphy executed a spinning back elbow, knocking Pico down decisively and showcasing his striking prowess.
1. Mauricio Ruffy vs. King Green, UFC 313
Although the Fighting Nerds team didn’t end the year on a high note, Mauricio Ruffy helped raise their profile with an incredible knockout at UFC 313. Encounters with King Green led to a pivotal moment when Ruffy, noticing his opponent’s hands were down, unleashed a spinning wheel kick to Green’s head. This strike was one of the most brutal knockouts in recent history, showcasing the beauty of a perfectly executed kick—fast, powerful, and precise.
