5 most devastating MMA knockouts of 2021 so far

#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.

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#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.