Sherdog’s Top 10: Head Kick Knockouts

Mike SloanSep 16, 2015



5. Mirko Filipovic vs. Igor Vovchanchyn
Pride Total Elimination 2003
Aug. 10, 2003 | Saitama, Japan


Filipovic’s famous quote about his right leg sending people to the hospital and his left leg sending them to the cemetery almost rang true at the Saitama Super Arena. “Cro Cop” leveled Vovchanchyn in just 89 seconds, as his left shin bounced of the Ukrainian’s head and created a cracking sound that reverberated throughout the venue.

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