https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1315066583962849283
On UFC‘s Fight Island (Yas Island in Dubai) Saturday, Joaquin Buckley squared off against Impa Kasanganay in a middleweight bout. This is how you get $50,000 for knocking an opponent out cold and looking like a ninja in the bargain.
The spectacular knockdown happened in round 2. Buckley came in with a high kick that Kasanganay ably blocked and held. Then they entered The Matrix for a moment as Buckley leveraged his opponent’s tight hold on one leg to pivot and deliver a gracefully brutal spinning heel kick for the ages.
As seen in the video, the blow flattened Kasanganay. Lights out.
KO of the Year! 🔓
Go all angles on @NewMansa94's masterpiece 😳
[ #UFCFightIsland5 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/1ywVZzin5U
— UFC (@ufc) October 10, 2020
Analyst Paul Felder dubbed it “the greatest KO I’ve seen ever” and the fighters’ colleagues in the UFC quickly tweeted their admiration for the move.
💯
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) October 10, 2020
That move.
That’s 50 G’s!— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 10, 2020
Some crazy NINJA sh*t 😳.
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 10, 2020
Note to self: Don’t catch Joaquin Buckley’s kicks.
Noted. 😂😂#UFCFightIsland5
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) October 10, 2020
Wow we just witnessed the best KO of 2020 @ufc
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 10, 2020
Sherdog.com reports Buckley did receive a $50,000 bonus for the spectacular move.
As for Impa Kasanganay, his response—after he recovered—was a model of good sportsmanship.
Much respect you sir @marcgoddard_uk ! Thank you I love what I get to do. Came to fight left of my shield. God bless you and I appreciate your message. I hope to see you soon 💪🏿 Definitely Huge congrats on a such game shot @Newmansa94 way to fight. https://t.co/zSHkdrNhXw
— Impa Kasanganay (@kingimpa) October 11, 2020
It’s not the kind of move that anyone could easily reproduce, but it would be shocking if there weren’t several more attempts in UFC matches to come.