Ever since UFC 300 the ‘Knockout of the Year’ award winner for 2024 in mixed martial arts was presumed to be Max Holloway’s epic last second knockout against Justin Gaethje during their ten seconds gentlemen’s agreement.
MAX HOLLOWAY KNOCKS GAETHJE OUT COLD WITH ONE SECOND REMAINING #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/6rUSAxwsP6
— Steven Rae (@stevenrae_) April 14, 2024
However, other fighters have thrown their own knockouts into the proverbial hat as the year progresses. Just last month came the first knockout that could potentially challenge Holloway.
Shara Magomedov has been known for the unusual attacks in his kick and spin-heavy arsenal. Yet the knockout he unleashed to finish Arman Petrosyan at UFC 308 was something new even to him.
‘Bullet’ launched into a spinning backfist which connected before instantly twirling the opposite way to land another with his other fist.
KO of the Year has a lot of potential candidates but Shara Magomedov just made his claim. A DOUBLE spinning backfist. Unbelievable. #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/eV0bIyJ1C0
— Talen Guzman (@TalenGuzman) October 26, 2024
The double spinning backfist knockout is something that has never been seen before, so if anything can dethrone Max Holloway than it will be this.
Other knockouts which may crack the shortlist include Vinicius ‘LokDog’ Oliveira’s third round running, jumping knee finish over Bernando Sopaj, as well as Ilia Topuria vs. Alex Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit St. Denis, and Alex Pereira’s iconic finish of Jamahal Hill.
Insane flying knee by Vinicius Oliveira.pic.twitter.com/ouJIvtPYZn
— Noodle (@noodlebuys) March 2, 2024
Still, the World MMA Awards on December 5th, 2024 will most likely hand Max Holloway the award, as will most other publications who hand out such accolades.
