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1. Jose Aldo vs. Cub Swanson
WEC 41
June 7, 2009 | Sacramento, Calif.

Swanson sported a 13-2 record and had rattled off back-to-back wins in wake of his shocking loss to a shopworn Jens Pulver. Aldo had begun his ascent to the top of the featherweight division, as he had touched off his run in the WEC with four straight finishes against Chris Mickle, Rolando Perez, Jonathan Brookins and Alexandre Franca Nogueira. Most expected the Brazilian to be too much for Swanson, but few foresaw the dramatic fashion in which his situation would unravel.

The Jackson-Wink MMA rep never got a chance to get started. By the time Swanson realized the fight had started, he was turtled on the canvas, blood pouring from a horrific gash on his left eyebrow. Aldo had delivered a double flying knee to his face and followed with a few left hooks to force the stoppage. It was over in just eight seconds and remains arguably the most spectacular finish of Aldo’s great career.