UFC highlights like these top knockouts of the year always hit different, dude. Like, seriously, I’m sitting here in my crappy apartment in Chicago on December 28, 2025, snow piling up outside my window, nursing a hangover from last night’s cheap whiskey, rewatching these UFC highlights top knockouts of the year for the hundredth time. And every single one still makes me jump off the couch like a total moron.
Why These UFC Highlights Top Knockouts of the Year Wrecked Me
Anyway, 2025 was insane for knockouts. I thought nothing could top the old classics, but nah, these fresh UFC highlights top knockouts of the year had me questioning my life choices. Like, why do I love watching dudes get starched so much? It’s kinda messed up, but also… poetic? Whatever, here’s my messy ranking based on how many times I spilled my drink replaying them.
Quillan Salkilld’s Sneaky Head Kick – My Pick for Top Knockouts of the Year Stealth Mode
This one, man. Quillan Salkilld vs Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Dude throws all these low kicks, body stuff, lulling everyone to sleep – including me, I was half-dozing with my pizza getting cold – then BAM, switches high and turns Haqparast’s lights off like flipping a switch. No setup, no tell, just pure evil genius. I rewound it like 20 times and still yelled “HOW?!” every time. Check the full highlight here on UFC.com – it’s criminal how clean it was.
Mauricio Ruffy’s Spinning Wheel Kick on King Green – Pure Violence in UFC Highlights
Mauricio Ruffy spinning wheel kick KO on King Green at UFC 313? Bro, this was the prettiest, nastiest thing I’ve seen since Barboza’s old one. Green slides down the fence face-first like he’s melting. I felt bad… for like two seconds, then I was howling laughing because it’s so ridiculously perfect. Got the most votes in some polls but ended up second – whatever, in my book it’s tied for top knockouts of the year. Peep the replay on MMA Junkie if you wanna feel that rush again.
Ilia Topuria Starchin’ Charles Oliveira – Title Fight Brutality
Ilia Topuria becoming champ by flatlining Charles Oliveira with a right hook in round 1 at UFC 317? Stakes were huge, and that clean shot in the center of the octagon… chef’s kiss. I was hyped for Oliveira, but Topuria just erased him. Made me rethink my bets – I lost 50 bucks that night, embarrassing as hell. More details on the official awards page.
Lerone Murphy’s Spinning Back Elbow on Aaron Pico
Lerone Murphy spinning back elbow on Aaron Pico at UFC 319 – there were two spinning elbows that night, but this one edged it for me. Pico coming in hot, all the hype, and Murphy just… bonk. Signature finish that launched him toward a title shot. I paused it mid-spin and stared like an idiot. Seriously wild.
Honorable Mentions in These UFC Highlights Top Knockouts of the Year Chaos
- Malcolm Wellmaker’s walk-off on Kris Moutinho – dude didn’t even look back, savage.
- Gregory Rodrigues thundering Jack Hermansson.
- That vicious Elijah Smith one that made my stomach drop.
Like, I love the violence but hate it too? Contradictions, man. One minute I’m cheering, next I’m like “ouch, hope he’s okay.” Flawed human over here in the US, glued to my screen ignoring the real world.
Anyway, that’s my rambling take on the UFC highlights top knockouts of the year. What wrecked you most in 2025? Drop your fave in the comments or hit up some replays on UFC.com. Go rewatch one right now – you know you want to. Catch you next time, fight fans. Peace.