The Best MMA Finishes of All Time

22 September 2025

If there's one thing that gets MMA fans up off the couch, screaming at the top of their lungs, it’s a jaw-dropping finish. We're talking about those moments that make you rewind the fight five times because you can’t believe what you just saw. The punches that shut the lights out, the submissions that snap bones or end careers, and those last-second Hail Marys that flip the script in an instant. These aren't just wins — they’re legendary snapshots etched in the memory of fight fans forever.

So buckle in, put your gloves on (metaphorically), and let’s dive into some of the best MMA finishes of all time. From the brutal to the beautiful, we’re covering it all.

What Makes a Finish Truly Iconic?

Before we jump into the list, let’s get something straight: not all finishes are created equal. Sure, a clean KO is always impressive, but to make it onto this list? It’s gotta have something extra. Think:

- Shock value – No one saw it coming.
- Skill level – Think matrix-level execution.
- Stakes – Title fights, rivalries, comebacks – they all add flavor.
- Impact – Did it break the internet or change the fighter's career?

Alright, now that we’ve set the standard high, let’s talk about those moments that shook the MMA world.

1. Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort (UFC 126 – 2011)

Finish: Front Kick KO
Why it’s Legendary: Because who the heck expected a front kick to the face to end a fight?

When Anderson Silva stepped in to defend his middleweight belt against the explosive Vitor Belfort, people braced for fireworks. But no one — and I mean no one — anticipated that front kick. Silva timed it perfectly, snapping Belfort’s head back like a Pez dispenser.

It was the kind of finish that left jaws on floors and cemented Silva's legacy as a striking wizard. Joe Rogan’s reaction basically said it all: "It’s the kick you never see coming."

2. Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo (UFC 194 – 2015)

Finish: 13-second KO
Why it’s Legendary: The fastest KO in a UFC title fight EVER.

This wasn't just a finish — it was an ambush. After months of trash talk and buildup, Conor McGregor needed just one clean left hand to dethrone the long-reigning featherweight champ, José Aldo.

It was a moment where hype met reality, and McGregor officially became a global superstar. You could feel the seismic shift in MMA during those 13 seconds.

3. Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren (UFC 239 – 2019)

Finish: 5-second flying knee KO
Why it’s Legendary: Fastest KO in UFC history. Enough said.

Let’s be real — most of us blinked and missed it live. Masvidal came out like he was shot out of a cannon, landing a flying knee flush on Askren’s temple. Askren stiffened mid-air and crashed to the mat before the crowd even finished chanting “Let’s go!”

Masvidal’s post-finish “hands behind his back” celebration? Chef’s kiss. That KO turned “Street Jesus” into an instant icon.

4. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor I (UFC 196 – 2016)

Finish: Rear-naked choke
Why it’s Legendary: “I’m not surprised, motherers.”

Conor was steamrolling through opponents, and then he ran into Stockton’s finest. Nate Diaz stepped in on short notice — let that sink in — and after weathering an early storm, he turned the tide with a big left hand and a textbook jiu-jitsu finish.

It shocked the world. The trash talk, the comeback, the iconic post-fight interview… this was MMA theater at its best.

5. Yair Rodríguez vs. Korean Zombie (UFC Fight Night 139 – 2018)

Finish: Upward Reverse Elbow KO – At the buzzer
Why it’s Legendary: Buzzer-beater elbow outta nowhere.

You ever play a video game and hit a button combo by accident that ends up KO’ing your opponent? That’s kind of what this felt like — except it was real life.

After five rounds of back-and-forth war, Yair Rodríguez landed an elbow that defied physics and flattened Chan Sung Jung with one second left in the fight. You couldn’t script it any better.

6. Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (UFC 70 – 2007)

Finish: Head Kick KO
Why it’s Legendary: Irony’s favorite finish.

Everyone feared Cro Cop’s head kicks. So when Gonzaga knocked him out with a head kick? It was like watching Superman get beat with his own cape.

Cro Cop's leg folded awkwardly beneath him, adding a cringe-worthy exclamation point to the KO. It was brutal, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable.

7. Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II (UFC 52 – 2005)

Finish: Slam and rear-naked choke
Why it’s Legendary: MMA's version of a movie montage.

This is the “you had to be there” fight. Trigg hit Hughes with a groin shot, nearly finished him with strikes, and everyone thought it was a wrap. But then came the comeback.

Hughes scooped Trigg up like a sack of potatoes, sprinted across the cage, slammed him down, and ended the fight in savage fashion. It was raw determination on full display.

8. Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim (UFC 142 – 2012)

Finish: Spinning wheel kick KO
Why it’s Legendary: Art meets violence.

This wasn’t just a finish — it was a highlight reel moment for eternity. Barboza’s spinning wheel kick was as crisp and clean as they come. Etim went stiff before he even hit the mat.

It’s still considered one of the best knockouts in UFC history, and it pops up in every “Best Of” video for a reason.

9. Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano (UFC 184 – 2015)

Finish: 14-second armbar
Why it’s Legendary: Fastest submission in a UFC title fight.

Rousey was the queen of armbars, but this one? This was lightning quick. Zingano charged in like a bull and Rousey used her own momentum against her. Before anyone could process what was happening, Cat was tapping out.

It showcased Rousey's elite judo and killer instinct. At her peak, she was a force of nature.

10. Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg (UFC 216 – 2017)

Finish: Suplex-to-armbar
Why it’s Legendary: Literally never been done before.

“Mighty Mouse” was always ahead of his time, but this finish? He turned a suplex into a flying armbar mid-air. It was like watching live action anime.

It’s one of the most technical — and creative — submissions ever pulled off inside the cage. DJ isn’t just fast — he’s a freaking martial arts genius.

Honorable Mentions

Because let’s face it — narrowing this list to just 10 was borderline criminal. Here are a few more that could’ve easily made the cut:

- Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping I – That overhand right from Hendo was like a sledgehammer to the face.
- Anthony Pettis vs. Benson Henderson (WEC) – The “Showtime Kick” off the cage? Unreal.
- Lyoto Machida vs. Rashad Evans – The “stanky leg” KO. Enough said.

What These Finishes Tell Us About MMA

Each of these moments tells a story — not just of violence, but of timing, skill, grit, and the unpredictable magic of combat sports. One second you’re in control, the next you’re staring at the lights. That’s the beauty of MMA. It’s not just about who’s stronger or faster — it’s also about who sees the opening, who pulls the trigger, and who’s got heart when the chips are down.

Final Round: What’s Your Favorite?

We just walked through the best MMA finishes of all time — but let’s be real, everyone has their own GOAT moment. Maybe it's a comeback that gave you goosebumps. Or a knockout so savage it left you speechless.

So, what’s yours? Hit the comments, tag your friends, and let the debate begin.

This list may be complete — but the conversation? That’s just getting started.