5. Mirko Filipovic vs. Igor Vovchanchyn
Pride Total Elimination 2003
Aug. 10, 2003 | Saitama, Japan
Once the left leg connected, Vovchanchyn was instantly frozen. He crumbled like someone had yanked the carpet out from underneath him, allowing “Cro Cop” to pounce and land a powerful, albeit unnecessary, right hand to the other side of Vovchanchyn’s face. Even though hardcore fight fans already knew of Filipovic from his days in K-1, the steadily growing American MMA fanbase that was just getting into Pride had a new favorite fighter. His clubbing of Vovchanchyn remains one of Pride’s greatest moments, and when it comes to knockouts, it still sits right near the top.
Number 4 » Gonzaga vs. Filipovic