Josh Emmett created one of the most brutal one-punch knockouts in recent memory at UFC 296.
Emmett (19-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) stepped into the octagon for the third time in 2023, looking to snap a two-fight skid. Standing in his way was short-notice opponent Bryce Mitchell. However, Mitchell (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) didn’t stay upright for long, as Emmett landed a devastating knockout punch at 1:57 of Round 1.
The featherweight bout opened up the UFC 296 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The threat of Emmett’s power kept Mitchell on high alert in the early sequences. Emmett darted forward looking to land a right hand to the body, but Mitchell did well to evade the connection. Unfortunately for Mitchell, his defensive success did not last much longer.
Emmett would close the distance and sit on a right hand that found Mitchell’s chin. The strike knocked Mitchell out cold, and the celebration for Emmett was on. As cameras showed Mitchell on the canvas, his body began shaking in a seizure-like movement.
JOSH EMMETT ONE HIT WONDER 💥 #UFC296
Stream #UFC296 LIVE on ESPN+ PPV 🍿 https://t.co/R7p1InbYK6 pic.twitter.com/nMvnlhvH2Q
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 17, 2023
A few moments after the scary