Mark Hunt v Stefan Struve

It would be remiss to start any list honouring the great walk-away knockouts without paying tribute to the king of the genre, Mark Hunt.

The Kiwi heavyweight contender, who made a name for himself fighting under legendary Japanese MMA promotion PRIDE, defied an astounding height disadvantage to fell Stefan Struve in brutal fashion in March 2013.

Mark Hunt v Roy Nelson

The Super Samoan took home 2014’s Knockout of the Year after relieving Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson of his senses with this well-timed uppercut at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Mark Hunt v Frank Mir

Hunt completed a UFC hat-trick of walk-away kayos when he left former heavyweight champion Frank Mir face down on the canvas in 2016.

It was a victory made all the more sweet for Hunt after Mir failed a subsequent drugs test for a banned metabolite leading to a two-year suspension from the sport.

Melvin Guillard v Rick Davis

Melvin Guillard stole the show at UFC 60 with this clobbering knockout of Rick Davis, confirming himself as one of the most promising youngsters in the promotion in the process.

But despite his undeniable talent inside the Octagon, the Louisiana man struggled to live up to his potential over the course of his career and left the UFC in 2014.

Edson Barboza v Terry Etim

The fight that announced Barboza as one of the most vicious kickers in the world of mixed martial arts, Edson Barboza’s demolition job on Terry Etim remains arguably the most impressive spinning heel kick we’ve ever seen.

Lyoto Machida v Vitor Belfort

Former light heavyweight king Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida signed off from the UFC in some style with this front kick knockout of countryman Vitor Belfort.

The Brazilian remains active in the world of MMA and last fought for rival promotion Bellator in September 2019.

Yair Rodriguez v Korean Zombie

There is not much that can be said of Mexican star Yair Rodriguez’s jaw-dropping knockout against Chan Sung Jung, aka the Korean Zombie, other than to watch the video.

One of the most creative strikes in UFC history brought to an end one of 2018’s best fights – a finish rightly crowned the best of the year by multiple MMA outlets.

Marlon Moraes v Aljamain Sterling

This knockout embodies the genre perfectly, with Moraes turning away to celebrate just moments after making impact with bantamweight rival Aljamain Sterling in 2017.

The Brazilian would subsequently go on a tear through the division before running into Henry Cejudo on his maiden attempt at the 135lb title.

Sean O’Malley v Eddie Wineland

"In my opinion, that’s the best walk-away KO I’ve ever seen,” Joe Rogan told ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley moments after the young bantamweight star stopped Eddie Wineland at UFC 250.

There’s stiff competition for that title – but O’Malley is certainly in with a shout after pocketing a cool $50k performance bonus for his Octagon efforts.

Cody Garbrandt v Raphael Assuncao

Nobody could have expected Sean O’Malley’s monster knockout to be usurped on the very same night – but Cody Garbrandt delivered a jaw-shattering reminder of his talents just hours later when he levelled Raphael Assuncao with a huge right hook.

The former bantamweight king also walked away with a tasty $50k bonus for his memorable buzzer-beater at UFC 250.