30 of the best MMA knockouts of all time [UPDATED AUGUST 2023]

26. Israel Adesanya KO's Alex Pereira to finally defeat his longtime foe

From UFC 287 - 2023

When Israel Adesanya stepped into the Octagon on April 8, 2023, the odds were against him. He'd already lost to Alex Pereira three times before (twice in kickboxing and once in the UFC).

But he was determined to get his title belt and embarrass Pereira in the process.

It took Adesanya just two rounds to find his shot, a counter right that flatlined Pereira before the bell sounded.

The KO was surrounded in controversy though when Adesanya mocked Pereira's son who was sitting cageside, in retaliation for the boy mocking him many years prior.

But celebration aside, it was one of the best KOs of the year and earned a Performance of the Night bonus.