December’s Top Five UFC Knockouts

The world’s leading mixed martial arts promotion held two events in December to close out the year and fighters delivered in spades. Veterans stole the spotlight while we also witnessed a memorable return.

Check out the month’s best knockouts:

Honourable Mention:

Nigeria Stand Up

Nigerian-born Kennedy Nzechukwu made it 2-0 at heavyweight with a first-round knockout of Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 310, “African Savage” scoring with a right hook and follow-up hammer firsts for the win.

First fight, first finish 💥

Kennedy Nzechukwu stops Lukasz Brzeski in the first round!

Watch our #UFC310 prelims LIVE NOW on @UFCFightPass 📺 pic.twitter.com/3fBC0eRxCJ

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 7, 2024

5: Drum Solo

Sean Woodson beat Fernando Padilla like a drum before he dropped and finished him in the dying moments of the first round at UFC Tampa.

Sean Woodson knocks out Fernando Padilla in R1.#UFCTampa #UFC pic.twitter.com/92k7XUGR9v

— Fighting Styles MMA (@FStylesMMA) December 15, 2024

4: Back With A Bang

A year after being brutally knocked out by Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell returned with a bang at UFC 310 as he slammed Kron Gracie to the canvas and finished him with two crushing left elbows.

🇺🇸 BRYCE MITCHELL DID US ALL A FAVOR KNOCKING KRON GRACIE TFO!!!#UFC #UFC310 #MMA pic.twitter.com/6Tga7hU9wj

— Ezee (@EzeemmaCraic) December 8, 2024

3: Recurring Nightmare

Seasoned kickboxer Dustin Jacoby cleaned favourite Vitor Petrino’s clock at UFC Tampa in almost identical fashion to how Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman famously knocked out Jorge Masvidal in their second welterweight title fight in 2021.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF!

Dustin Jacoby vs Vitor Petrino

Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal#UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/JyLgnN3Dwl

— 𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓢𝓾𝓰𝓪 🍭 (@SignatureSuga) December 15, 2024

OMG! Dustin Jacoby KOs Vitor Petrino w/ a clean right hand!! But did you see homegirls expression in the CROWD wearing the WHITE SHIRT!! WAIT FOR IT AT THE END … 👀👊🏽🤣 pic.twitter.com/gvnWVZpCzq

— MMA Homie Podcast (@theMMAhomies) December 15, 2024

2: Stone Cold Killer

“Killer” Cub Swanson turned back the clock at UFC Tampa, the 41-year-old turning in a vintage performance against Billy Quarantillo that he finished in style with a walk-off knockout in the third round.

CUB SWANSON SLEEPS BILLY QUARANTILLO!!! WHAT IS THIS CARD #UFCTampapic.twitter.com/OostkUynWw

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 15, 2024

1: Swinging For The Fences

Michael Johnson had no qualms about trading leather with Ottman Azaitar at UFC Tampa, knocking him out cold in the second round with a massive right hook and landing two extra shots on his unconscious foe.

OH MY GODD!!!! MICHAEL JOHNSON SLEEPS OTTMAN AZAITAR! #UFCTampapic.twitter.com/Kzdd2rI9cM

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 15, 2024