30 of the best MMA knockouts of all time [UPDATED AUGUST 2023]
By Amy Kaplan
22. Rashad Evans sends Salmon downstream
From UFC Hollywood – Evans vs. Salmon – 2007
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is known around the MMA world as a boxer and a wrestler, so when he landed this sweet head kick on Sean Salmon, the world took notice.
Evans controlled the center of the cage while pressuring Salmon to the fence. After a couple of his signature feints, Evans unleashed hell with his right foot.
This kick proved to be a turning point for both of these men. Both fighters entered this fight as true contenders in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Salmon was 10-1, and Evans was 10-0 going into this bout. The right foot of Evans sent both fighters careers into completely different directions.
Evans went on to knock out Chuck Liddell and eclipse the UFC’s light heavyweight title. He remains a top contender today at 36 years old. Salmon went on to have a below-average MMA career, finishing up at 18-21 as a professional.
The reaction of Salmon after the kick make this knockout particularly devastating, as the stunned light heavyweight contender’s head slammed swiftly on to the canvas upon impact.
After 1:06 into the second round, Evans jogs out of the cage after another day at the office.