SUMMARY
- Joe Rogan recently gave his perspective on the greatest way to win inside the Octagon.
- Joe Rogan talked about the incident again on his JRE Podcast episode #2074, featuring Shane Gillis, the standup comedian.
Longtime UFC analyst Joe Rogan recently gave his perspective on what the ‘Greatest Way’ to win inside the Octagon is. During an episode of the JRE Podcast, Rogan cited the example of Leon Edwards at UFC 278 when stating his perspective.
In a stunning turn of events, Leon Edwards secured what Joe Rogan dubbed the greatest head-kick knockout in UFC history, stunning the MMA world with a finish that came seemingly out of nowhere. Rogan marveled at Edwards’ flawless technique and the high stakes surrounding the late fifth-round finish against former Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.
Rogan expressed the gravity of the moment, stating, “That was one of the most spectacular head-kick knockouts in the history of the sport — considering the stakes, considering the consequences.” The victory marked a dramatic turn of events as Usman appeared to be cruising towards a relatively easy decision win.
Joe Rogan talked about this incident again on his JRE Podcast episode #2074, featuring Shane Gillis, the standup comedian. “The greatest way to win a fight by far is a head kick knockout. There is no wilder thing to see and for him to land that in the 5th round of a fight that he was losing and then say there is no pound for pound. The belt belongs to nobody,” said Rogan.
He further added, “That guy is in the most elevated state of understanding what winning is all about ever. There’s no higher level. He beats the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, becomes the UFC Welterweight champ in a fight he was losing and head kicks him(Kamaru) boom, and walks off.” Joe Rogan ranks this as the “greatest way to win a fight”.
Despite Leon Edwards winning the first round, Kamaru Usman dominated the second, third, and fourth rounds. The final round saw Edwards land the lethal head kick to KO Usman. Joe Rogan has called it his favorite head-kick KO. But what about other head-kick KO’s that have been written in the history books of the UFC?
Greatest head-kick knockouts in UFC History
6. Uriah Hall vs. Adam Cella (The Ultimate Fighter 17 finale):
Uriah Hall, touted as a feared striker, showcased his skills against Adam Cella. A devastating wheel kick to Cella’s face left the arena in stunned silence, emphasizing Hall’s striking prowess.
5. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193):
Holly Holm’s win over the seemingly invincible Ronda Rousey was a monumental upset. Holm’s strategic counterpunching, particularly the left shin into Rousey’s jaw in the second round, resulted in one of MMA’s greatest upsets.
4. Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Hughes II (UFC 50):
Georges St. Pierre avenged his first professional loss by landing a perfect switch kick on Hughes’s head. This victory made GSP the first Canadian UFC champion and earned him the Knockout of the Night award.
3. Josh Thomson vs. Nate Diaz (UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez):
Nate Diaz, known for his toughness, faced Josh Thomson in a striking battle. Thomson’s powerful right-head kick in the second round stunned Diaz, leading to a rare knockout. This victory showcased Thomson’s skill and toughness, as Diaz had never been knocked out before.
2. Joaquin Buckley vs. Impa Kasanganay (UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen):
Joaquin Buckley delivered an unexpected and jaw-dropping knockout with a spinning backkick. Impa Kasanganay caught off guard, fell instantly, securing Buckley the Knockout of the Year for 2020.
1. Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko Cro Cop (UFC 70):
Mirko Cro Cop, a Pride veteran, faced Gabriel Gonzaga in a highly anticipated bout. Gonzaga shocked the world with a head-kick knockout, mirroring Cro Cop’s signature move. This historic knockout earned Gonzaga a Knockout of the Night bonus and a shot at the heavyweight title.
Do you rank Leon Edward’s knockout of Kamaru Usman as one of the best knockouts of all time? Which other head-kick knockouts deserve a place in the top 6? Tell us in the comments below.