Top 5 knockouts in the history of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)

#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.

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#1. Uriah Hall vs. Adam Cella – TUF 17 (2013)

Photo credit: UFC / FX - Uriah Hall knocks out Adam Cella

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.