5 most devastating MMA knockouts of 2021 so far

The knockout. One of the most thrilling aspects of MMA is the fact that someone can get their lights out quick at any given moment. The myriad of options -- from kicks to punches to elbows -- allow for some of the most heart-stopping moments in the sport. Whether it's an accumulation of damage or a come-from-behind home run hitter, knockouts can truly captivate the crowd like no other.

Despite a global pandemic stopping live events around the world, MMA has lead the charge for sporting events to continue safely. The UFC had one of their most profitable years during the pandemic. ONE Championship, on the other hand, managed to hold more than 20 events in 2020. Simply put, MMA became the symbol of (quite literally) "fighting on" in the midst of a pandemic.

While 2020 was a landmark year of pushing forward despite adversity, 2021 is where everything went full steam ahead. Live events with crowds came back and with them, the awe-inspiring knockouts that left everyone's jaws on the floor. The year isn't over yet but we have knockout of the year candidates already lining up. Here are a few that have risen above the increasing pool of finishes this year:

---

#5. Lito Adiwang's knockout of Namiki Kawahara (ONE Championship: UNBREAKABLE)

Lito 'Thunder Kid' Adiwang's slugfest with Japanese Namiki Kawahara was as technically sound as it was brutally violent. Every strike was thrown with knockout intentions but with grace and near-perfect technique. The sound of shins and fists connecting was sickening and yet, both fighters showed poise and finesse throughout.

In the second round, however, all that finesse and grace went out the window, at least for Kawahara. Adiwang threw a perfectly-timed check hook as he walked backwards, dropping the Japanese warrior and finishing the fight instantly. It was a brutal ending to a dazzlingly violent fight.

#4. Francis Ngannou claims the throne via devastating knockout (UFC 260)

Cameroonian knockout king Francis 'The Predator' Ngannou annahilated his way to the golden strap in 2021. Ngannou has barreled through the UFC's heavyweight division ever since losing back-to-back bouts in 2018. His new-found fight IQ, cleaner striking technique, and surprisingly effective wrestling have complemented his earth-rattling power.

At UFC 260, the hard-hitting behemoth showed then-champion Stipe Miocic his full fighting potential. Early on, 'The Predator' showed a level of patience mostly unseen in his previous fights. Gone were the looping overhands as Ngannou utilized clean, straight punches.

After defending a takedown early on, the Cameroonian stalked the champion, eventually dropping him with a nifty combination. Miocic recovered but only prolonged the inevitable. Shortly after the initial knockdown, Ngannou shut Miocic's lights off with a short left hook. Ngannou, with proper technique, might be the scariest striker ever.

---

#3. Adriano Moraes makes history (ONE on TNT 1)

Brazilian contender Adriano 'Mikinho' Moraes sent shockwaves throughout the sport after his historic knockout of Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson. The magnitude of what Moraes achieved so soundly can't be overstated.

Johnson, widely considered one of the greatest ever, has the all-time record for most consecutive UFC title defenses and had never been stopped in his career.

Imagine everyone's surprise when Moraes scored the knockout despite being mostly regarded for his grappling skills. Some naysayers would attribute the win to Johnson's inability to adapt to ONE's ruleset and heavier weight classes. ONE's flyweight division is contested at 135 pounds, 10 pounds over Johnson's usual fighting weight. On top of that, the ruleset allows knees and kicks to downed opponents, something Johnson might not have been prepared for.

Regardless, Moraes did the unthinkable and rose to mainstream popularity after his win. This devastating knockout also proves that the UFC doesn't have a monopoly on the best fighters in the world. Now that is quite an achievement.

#2. Rose Namajunas' knockout win proves she's the best (UFC 261)

Perfectly placed and set up, Rose Namajunas' slick head kick knockout reclaimed her the UFC strawweight throne. The kick was never seen coming as Rose set low and hit high on then-champion Zhang Weili. It was a thing of beauty and should be studied by anyone starting in MMA. The win caps off Rose's comeback campaign after losing the strap in devastating fashion back in 2019.

When watched in slow-motion, you can observe Zhang defending for a low kick with her eyes looking down. It's the perfect depiction of "never seen it coming". Rose's head kick has striking coach Trevor Whittman written all over it. Wittman's technical genius can be seen in his students including Rose and the man in our next entry.

---

#1. Kamaru Usman does well on his violent promise (UFC 267)

'The Nigerian Nightmare' Kamaru Usman came through with his promise to finish bitter rival Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal at UFC 267. The event was the first UFC pay-per-view event to hold crowds in an arena during the pandemic. It was the perfect "welcome back" to fans as the UFC stacked their card with thrilling fights, all of which delivered in style.

The main event, however, was one for the history books. Usman and Masvidal had had bad blood brewing between them ever since their first outing at UFC 251. The rivalry was at a fever pitch and the perfect ending came a minute into the second round.

A picture-perfect straight right hand from Usman, who put all his weight into the punch, connected on Masvidal's jaw. The challenger dropped like a sack of potatoes and Usman solidified his status as pound-for-pound king. Bar one TKO loss early in his career, Masvidal had never lost via total knockout before this fight. It was as devastating as they come and a strong candidate for knockout of the year.