This year has witnessed some incredible knockouts, but one technique stood out as the ultimate finisher. Despite numerous memorable finishes throughout 2025, only two UFC title bouts ended with a knockout, including Ilia Topria’s stunning KO of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Though Ilia “El Matador” Topria and Alex Pereira—who defeated Magomed Ankalaev in October—delivered some of the most impressive victories, neither made this top KO list. This fact alone highlights just how extraordinary these five knockout finishes are.
An honorable mention goes to Elijah Smith, who earned praise after a powerful slam KO against Toshiomi Kazama, a highlight that shouldn’t be overlooked. Meanwhile, Carlos Prates nearly decapitated Jeff Neal with a spinning elbow knockout in Chicago, a move so swift it was hard to grasp until the replay revealed its full impact—though it cost Prates his next fight.
Quyran Sarkild shocked fans with a brutal head kick knockout on Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321, a strike so fierce that it caused genuine concern for Haqparast’s well-being. Cesar Almeida also made a mark early in the year by delivering a knockout blow to Abdul Razak Alhassan that left spectators breathless.
Mauricio Luffy’s roundhouse kick KO of King Green at UFC 313 was immediately hailed as one of the best in UFC history thanks to its flawless technique and speed. However, the ultimate knockout of 2025 belonged to Lerone Murphy, who silenced critics by ending Aaron Pico’s debut with a perfect spinning elbow, a knockout widely seen as a title-deciding moment and emblematic of 2025 being the year of the spinning elbow.
Fan Take: For fight fans, these spectacular knockouts demonstrate the ever-evolving skill and excitement in the sport, with techniques like the spinning elbow redefining finishing moves. The year 2025 has set new standards for highlight-reel moments, promising even more thrilling fights ahead and raising the bar for UFC athletes worldwide.
