Sherdog’s Top 10: Pride Knockouts

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10. Gary Goodridge vs. Oleg Taktarov
Pride 1
Oct. 11, 1997 | Tokyo

Two heavyweight bombers who made names for themselves in the UFC’s early days were among the featured combatants at the first-ever Pride Fighting Championships event, and they did not disappoint. Goodridge and Taktarov tore into each other at a measured pace, each man hunting the knockout. Three seconds short of the five-minute mark, “Big Daddy” separated from a clinch and unloaded a concussive overhand right. The punch instantly knocked Taktarov cold, and he fell face-first onto the canvas. For good measure, Goodridge slammed a right hand into his temple, but even without the final blow, Taktarov was not going to get up anytime soon.

Goodridge had a remarkable career that spanned roughly 15 years. He won a ton and lost a lot, but he was never in a dull fight. He scored plenty of wicked knockouts in other organizations, but none came close to stacking up to his one-punch obliteration of Taktarov.

Number 9 » Fiery Finish