5 most violent knockouts in UFC history

Uriah Hall (L) Gary Goodridge (R) - Photo credit: Twitter [@JohnKingMMA and @JHagholm1]

Many elite strikers have competed in the UFC since its inception. As a result, fans have witnessed many spectacular knockouts over the years. Each era in the promotion's history has featured memorable knockouts across divisions that are still being talked about today.

Some recent examples include the knockouts wins by Jorge Masvidal and reigning women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. They both gained a greater appreciation from fans following their devastating knockout victories over Ben Askren and Jessica Eye.

If history is an indicator, vicious knockout wins could lead to fighters having a much more lucrative career. It could earn a 'Performance of the Night' or 'Knockout of the Night' bonus. It could also lead to the fighter becoming a bigger pay-per-view draw. This list will look back at the five most violent knockouts in UFC history.

#5. Masvidal knocks out Ben Askren - UFC 239

THE FASTEST KO IN UFC HISTORY ⚡️

On this day 3 years ago, Jorge Masvidal (+130 ML) connected with the flying knee on Ben Askren for the 5-second win

(via @ufc)

https://t.co/x3qQggSDRj

UFC 239 was a significant event in Jorge Masvidal's career. The MMA veteran was coming off an impressive knockout win over Darren Till, which snapped his two-fight losing skid.

He has bounced back-and-forth between lightweight and welterweight throughout his career and was getting back on track at 170lbs.

'Gamebred' was in for a tough test against former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion Ben Askren. The former Olympic wrestler had an unbeaten record and was on the verge of earning a title shot. It was no secret what 'Funky's gameplan would be against Masvidal. He was going to use his wrestling to take the fight to the ground.

But Masvidal had other plans and wasted no time in finishing Askren. He charged at his opponent, and as 'Funky' ducked his head for a takedown, 'Gamebred' connected with a flying-knee. Askren was immediately knocked out and Masvidal followed up with ground strikes. The fight lasted only 5 seconds and set the record for the fastest knockout in the promotion's history.