5 best UFC knockouts of 2018

Modified Sep 13, 2019 05:35 GMT

The UFC has seen some wild and wonderful knockouts in 2018, including this classic from Yair Rodriguez

#4 Lyoto Machida vs. Vitor Belfort – UFC 224 – 05/12/2018

Lyoto Machida's front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort was picture-perfect

In a battle of longtime veterans, Lyoto Machida faced off with his countryman Vitor Belfort in Brazil in May in what many people were figuring could be the last UFC fight for both men.

That guess turned out to be correct, as Belfort retired after the fight while Machida signed with Bellator – but few observers guessed how good the finish would be.

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With the fight threatening to turn into a staring contest with only one minute gone, Machida suddenly lashed out with a front kick that landed flush to Belfort’s face.

‘The Phenom’ went crashing to the ground and Machida had no reason to follow up, instead standing over his fallen foe, hands on his hips, before bowing in a show of respect.

Some seven years after Anderson Silva popularised the front kick by knocking Belfort out, Machida had managed to uncork an even better-looking version of the strike – on the same opponent – and while it won’t be remembered in the same iconic fashion as Silva’s, it was arguably prettier viewing – and a tremendous moment for Machida to sign off his decade-long UFC career with.

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Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

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Edited by Alan John