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Since its debut in 2005, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has been the site of some of the most incredible knockouts in UFC history. Many fighters have competed on the show hoping to earn a UFC contract and maybe, one day, become champion.
Several TUF participants have realized both dreams, including Kamaru Usman, Michael Bisping, Matt Serra, and T.J. Dillashaw.
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It’s no secret that fighters known for finishes have been given opportunities by the UFC. Looking back at past seasons, the number of elite-level strikers that have participated on the show is astonishing. Regardless of weight class, each season has featured a highlight-reel knockout.
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Some past TUF competitors are remembered more for their knockouts on the show than what they accomplished in their careers. This list will look at the top five knockouts in the history of The Ultimate Fighter.
#5. Roy 'Big Country' Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub - TUF 10 (2009)
In a season that featured heavyweights, Roy 'Big Country' Nelson and Brendan Schaub met in the finale to determine the TUF champion.
Nelson defeated fan-favorite Kimbo Slice, Justin Wren, and James McSweeney to get to the finals. Meanwhile, Schaub beat Demico Rogers, teammate Jon Madsen, and Marcus Jones to earn a crack at 'Big Country'.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that Nelson even competed in that season of TUF. He already had 17 professional fights at that point and was much more experienced than the other competitors. Furthermore, he had been in fights with recognized heavyweight names like UFC veteran Jeff Monson and Andrei Arlovski. One could make the argument that Nelson could've joined the UFC without having to go through TUF.
When Nelson fought Schaub in the finale, it didn't take long for his immense power to decide the outcome. At 3:42 of the first round, Nelson unleashed a right hand that caught his opponent behind the ear. It was clear from the way Schaub hit the ground that the fight was over. That did not deter 'Big Country' from adding another strike for good measure, before referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest.
#4. James Vick vs. Daron Cruickshank – TUF 15 (2012)
Another memorable knockout took place in Season 15 when James Vick beat Daron Cruickshank. TUF 15 was unique as it featured a live element on the FX network. The filmed portion of each episode was followed by live fights. This made the episodes unpredictable and engaging for viewers, who were able to watch the fights and progression of each fighter unfold in real-time.
Vick, representing Team Cruz, took on Cruickshank from Team Faber in a lightweight bout in the preliminary round. After a feeling out process in the early moments of the fight, Cruickshank threw a spinning kick that connected.
Vick wasn’t too fazed and proceeded to move forward. When his opponent shot for a takedown, Vick threw a knee at the same time that caught the onrushing Cruickshank right on the chin. The impact immediately knocked him out cold and earned Vick a spot in the next round.
#3. Scott Smith vs. Pete Sell – TUF 4 (2006)
The UFC did something different for TUF 4. Called ‘The Comeback,’ the season's cast comprised former UFC fighters who had never won UFC gold. The winners were guaranteed a title shot.
Although both Smith and Sell were already eliminated, they were given another opportunity to compete in a prelim bout in the finale. The middleweights did not let go of the chance to impress and put on an exciting back-and-forth contest that saw both fighters aggressive right from the opening bell.
After a wild first round, Smith finished Sell in the second with a come-from-behind knockout. Sell landed a body shot that left Smith noticeably hurt. Sensing an opportunity, Sell ran towards him to finish the job, only to get caught with a right hook to the jaw that immediately knocked him out.
Smith vs. Sell was awarded Fight of the Night.
#2. Matt Riddle vs. Dan Simmler – TUF 7 (2008)
One of the best and arguably the most brutal knockout in TUF history took place in season 7 when Matt Riddle knocked out Dan Simmler. Before Riddle made a name for himself as 'The King of the Bros' in WWE, he pursued a UFC career.
TUF 7 saw the UFC experiment with yet another format change. The season started with 32 fighters as opposed to 16. The fighters would have to win a preliminary fight in order to earn the opportunity to compete on the show. UFC President Dana White attempted this format change to raise the overall quality of the competition. By having a preliminary fight, it forced fighters to show up in peak condition.
In the middleweight contest against Simmler, Riddle made a great first impression as fellow fighters, coaches, and White looked on. About five seconds into the second round, Riddle connected with a right hook that dropped Simmler and followed that up with three hammer fists on an already-unconscious opponent.
Simmler was noticeably hurt after the fight and needed to be taken away in an ambulance. It was later revealed that he had sustained a broken jaw as a result of the knockout.
#1. Uriah Hall vs. Adam Cella – TUF 17 (2013)
Topping this list as the greatest knockout in TUF history is Uriah Hall’s spinning kick destruction of Adam Cella on TUF 17.
The knockout has become synonymous with the show ever since. In the middleweight bout, Cella pushed the pace with his striking and tried to throw Hall off his gameplan with takedown attempts. However, Hall, the much better striker, used his knees and kicks to maintain the distance.
Towards the end of the first round, Hall found an opening after landing a few jabs and unleashed a devastating spinning kick. It was powerful, quick, and on the button. Cella’s head bounced hard off the canvas, which had fellow fighters, coaches, and UFC President Dana White concerned.
After receiving medical attention, Cella got back to his feet and embraced Hall. Cella didn’t have much recollection of what had transpired as he was heard asking Hall, “What happened, bro?”
While discussing the knockout later in the episode, Hall mentioned that he felt bad for the way he knocked out Cella.
“It feels good but at the same time, part of me feels bad about what happened. It’s a hurt business, but I’m a human being. As a human being, I kinda felt bad that you know I could possibly really hurt him and Adam, I hope you’re alright man. Sorry about the kick. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon and I hope you don’t hate me,” said Uriah Hall.
