5 most explosive moments from UFC 265: Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane

#2 Manel Kape scores his first UFC win in style with a flying knee

Manel Kape claimed his first UFC victory with a beautiful flying knee

Flyweight Manel Kape missed weight by a stunning 4lbs for his clash with Ode Osbourne, meaning he wasn’t eligible for one of UFC 265’s $50k bonus cheques. He probably regrets that error more than ever this morning, as he undoubtedly scored one of the night’s most explosive finishes.

Looking for his first UFC win after two straight losses, the former Rizin star wasted little time in dealing with Osbourne, who was doing some good work of his own early in the first round.

When Osbourne charged forward after cutting Kape, though, he made the major error of leaving himself slightly open. And ‘Starboy’ took full advantage. seemingly launching through the air before landing a flying knee that knocked Osbourne silly.

JUST LIKE THAT ⚡️ @ManelKape adding one to the highlight reel!!! #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/S1XB8cq2cH

— UFC (@ufc) August 7, 2021

‘The Jamaican Sensation’ did come around pretty quickly, claiming an early stoppage, but realistically the fight was definitely over and marked a good stoppage from referee Jeff Rexroad.

We’ve seen numerous flying knee finishes in the UFC over the years and they’re always incredibly explosive. Unsurprisingly, this one was no exception.

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#1 Miles Johns scores a knockout to remember over Anderson dos Santos

Miles Johns scored UFC 265's most explosive finish with his KO of Anderson dos Santos

When UFC 265’s $50k bonus awards were announced, the promotion surprised everyone by giving out four "performance of the night" cheques. Less surprising was the fact that one went to Miles Johns.

The bantamweight prospect – who is now 3-1 in the UFC – took Anderson dos Santos apart, and ended things with what was almost certainly the most explosive finish of the night.

Dos Santos was never really in the fight at all. Johns worked him over from the off with his superior striking game, beating up his legs with low kicks, hammering him with heavy punches and combinations. He clearly won the first two rounds.

But if fans thought ‘Chapo’ would be willing to cruise to a decision, they were thankfully mistaken. Just over a minute into the third round, he landed a left hook to the body and followed with an overhand right that knocked the Brazilian clean out.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! 😱 Did @MilesXJohns just do that?!? #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/46yf31apim

— UFC (@ufc) August 7, 2021

Dos Santos fell to the ground in an exaggerated way – largely because he was as stiff as a corpse – and just like that Johns had picked up one of the best knockouts of 2021.

‘Chapo’ will find it hard to climb to the top of such a loaded division, there’s no disputing that. But if he can continue to fight in this manner, he’ll have a spot on the UFC’s roster probably for as long as he wants it.