Demetrious Johnson and 4 other incredible walk-off KOs
One of the things that distinguish mixed martial arts from other combat sports, like boxing and kickboxing, is the ability to follow a hurt opponent to the ground and land follow-up strikes. In both boxing and kickboxing, fighters are given counts after knockdowns, allowing them a chance to recover.
In MMA, no such rule is in place. When fighters are knocked off their feet by powerful strikes, their opponents are at liberty to chase them to the ground to seal their victory. They can continue landing follow-up blows until the referee either steps in to wave off the fight or the opponent is knocked into unconsciousness.
This list, however, covers a different type of finish. Specifically, it covers a walk-off KO whereby UFC fighters knock their foes out cold and simply walk off, never bothering to land subsequent strikes. This happens when an opponent is unconscious even before hitting the ground.
#5. Uriah Hall vs. Adam Cella, TUF 17
While Uriah Hall ultimately lost the 17th installment of The Ultimate Fighter reality television series, he captivated fight fans around the world with his brutal knockout of fellow TUF contestant Adam Cella.
With just five seconds left in the 1st round, Hall drew Cella's rear hand away from his foe's chin by faking a jab to dupe him into hand-fighting. As Cella obliged, exposing the right side of his chin, Hall unleashed his years of martial arts experience.
In honor of The Ultimate Fighter returning tonight, here is Uriah Hall's crazy KO on Adam Cella during season 17 of TUF https://t.co/PBwb3mdnRe
'Prime Time' uncorked a spinning hook kick that blasted Cella into the shadowy realm of unconsciousness as soon as the blow landed. While his foe lay motionless on the mat, Hall walked off before celebrating his win by mimicking the 'Hadouken' used by Street Fighter character Ryu.
However, as Cella remained on the ground, gasping for air with his eyes staring up at the ceiling, fear darkened the atmosphere as concern for his health became apparent.
In a moment of shock, Hall apologized to his foe before being pulled away by head coach Chael Sonnen. Adam Cella would recover, and the moment became part of UFC folklore. To this day, the knockout remains the greatest finish in TUF history.