A year of Ultimate Fighting would be incomplete without a look back at the top UFC knockouts in 2022. Given how many spine-chilling, jaw-dropping performances the MMA fighters had, 2022 is a difficult year to pick.
Strangely, fight fans have become resigned to witnessing two warriors inflict damage and, on occasion, knock the other guy out. Even the most seasoned fans had to pull their jaws up off the floor after witnessing some of 2022’s knockouts. The UFC octagon has produced some nasty moments in its history, but it is safe to say that this year, fight fans watched knockouts that might very well rank among the all-time greats.
Fortunately, as the world slowly recovered from the virus, many fans were able to see some of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC 2022 from the stands. The adrenaline rush of a devastating knockout in a huge arena full of fight fans is unparalleled!
Check out some of the top UFC knockouts in 2022.
1) Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman
Were there any reservations about this one? If fans had to pick one moment from the whole UFC 2022 season, it would undoubtedly be Leon Edwards’ knockout of Kamaru Usman. Edwards’ KO was like something out of a movie. Rocky’s left foot landed on the P4P best in the last seconds of the battle, and the world came to a halt.
Edwards had just one option to become the welterweight champion after losing on the scorecards. Just as the world was preparing to watch another championship defence by Usman, Leon Edwards stunned everyone with a left-kick KO. This might go down as the best title bout conclusion ever.
2) Michael Chandler vs Tony Ferguson
It would be a travesty not to put this knockout among the Top 5 Best UFC Knockouts in 2022. When Michael Chandler battles in the octagon, he nearly always wins. This battle versus Tony Ferguson lived up to the expectations. After a rough first round against the former lightweight interim champ, Chandler turned the tables with a single kick.
Chandler’s front-kick knockout may be the best front-kick KO of all time. It was heartbreaking to watch a legend like “El Cucuy” die in such a tragic way. Tony Ferguson got knocked out for the first bout in his career at UFC 274. Michael ‘Iron’ Chandler appeared out of nowhere with this front kick.
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3) Sean Strickland vs Alex Pereira
It’s safe to assume that Alex Pereira’s knockout will go down as one of the most unforgettable knockouts of all time. His “death of touch” left hook is legendary among Brazilian middleweights. This was a championship eliminator, with the winner receiving a crack at the title. Strickland chose to be bold and fight toe-to-toe with one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
Pereira had yet to demonstrate his left hook to UFC fans. His spectacular knockout couldn’t have come at a better time. Pereira’s knockout earned him a championship chance against his adversary, Israel Adesanya. Given the stakes for “Poatan,” this has to be one of the top UFC knockouts of 2022.
4) Marlon Vera vs Dominick Cruz
Chito Vera’s knockout of Dominick Cruz will go down as one of the most devastating in the promotion’s history. The rising bantamweight contender faced off against the man considered to be the best bantamweight of all time. If Cruz is recognised for anything, it is his unconventional hitting technique, which makes opponents struggle to land blows on him.
In his bout against Cruz, Marlon Vera had the same issues. Dominick’s slipping and sliding made it exceedingly tough for Marlon Vera to deliver the fatal punch. Vera, on the other hand, scored a crushing left kick to the face after carefully studying Cruz’s head movement. This KO’s setup makes it one of the most flawlessly timed KOs of the year.
5) Jamahal Hill vs Johnny Walker
This knockdown was probably one of the most terrifying images to see in 2022. Jamahal Hill and Johnny Walker, both known for their knockout power, squared up at the UFC Apex. The current light heavyweight championship contender’s knockout put the whole division on notice.
Jamahal Hill’s counter right hand that struck Walker’s dome caused the Brazilian to collapse to the ground like a crumbling skyscraper. It’s not often that we witness a boxer collapse to the ground like Walker did when he was hit with Hill’s right hand.
