One name immediately stood out to a fighter who knows a thing or two about knockouts.
We saw some spectacular knockouts in 2025, with Lerone Murphy’s win over Aaron Pico taking Bloody Elbow’s pick for one of the best certainly one of the 12 months.
Certain fighters are capable of construct reputations for putting their opponents away in ruthless fashion even in a sport as unpredictable as MMA.
A recent list of the toughest hitters in MMA history did share some similarities with Bloody Elbow’s most dangerous punchers.
Nonetheless, it was only going to be a matter of time before some took issue with one fighter particularly who was included in the highest 10.
- LATEST NEWS: Amanda Nunes breaks silence after UFC 324 cancellation in post with Kayla Harrison’s biggest rival
What’s one of the best knockout in MMA history?
Matt Brown questions whether Bo Nickal’s inclusion on hardest punchers list is a joke
Having retired in 2024, Matt Brown is just three knockouts away from Derrick Lewis’ UFC KO record of 16.
‘The Immortal’ has probably the most knockouts and finishes within the history of the promotion’s welterweight division, making him an informed voice in terms of a subject like MMA’s most devastating hitters.
Many fans questioned whether a listing that was recently posted by MMA UNCENSORED on social media included one UFC fighter simply to draw attention.
Brown, then again, remarked in his response to the graphic that the fighter’s management should be the people liable for the rating.
Names like Francis Ngannou, Anthony Johnson, and even Ilia Topuria aren’t surprising to see on a listing like this.
The #8 spot belonging to Bo Nickal, who has produced two knockouts contained in the Octagon, is totally the other of what you’ll expect to see.
Brown has defended Nickal against criticism previously but still couldn’t help but query this post.
“This must be a joke right?” Brown questioned on X. “Bo Nickal? I’m on the side that also believes Bo shall be a champion sooner or later but who made this list? His manager?”
- LATEST NEWS: Ex-UFC title challenger plans to retire from MMA on the White House if not offered a brand new contract
How high is Bo Nickal’s ceiling in MMA? 🤔
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say
Ilia Topuria’s former opponent should replace Bo Nickal on this list
The highest 10 list from MMA UNCENSORED is difficult to argue with outside of Bo Nickal’s inclusion.
While it could be easy to swap him out for various heavyweight fighters from the history books, there’s one other name that must be in contention.
If it wasn’t for Ilia Topuria, there’d be no argument that Josh Emmett is probably the most destructive featherweight fighter the Octagon has ever seen.
Jeremy Stephens can also be within the conversation but Emmett has among the nastiest one-shot finishes which have ever taken place outside of the heavyweight division.
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say