Sherdog’s Top 10: Knees

Mike SloanAug 11, 2015



4. Norifumi Yamamoto vs. Kazuyuki Miyata
K-1 Hero’s 5
May 3, 2006 | Tokyo


“The Ultimate Fighter” generation did not cut its collective teeth on legends like “Kid” Yamamoto, but he was a dazzling competitor in his heyday. The Yamamoto currently under contract to the UFC is not quite what he once was, as age, injuries and mileage have taken a toll. However, at his peak, he often poached opponents in vicious fashion.

When Yamamoto took on Miyata at K-1 Hero’s 5, “Little Hercules” was still getting his feet wet in MMA. Their fight was expected to entertain, but “Kid” was the favorite, with many expecting an explosive knockout. An old saying rang true for this one: “Don’t blink, or you might miss something.” It was over in a blink.

As soon as the fight started, Yamamoto rushed across the ring, leaped into the air and smacked Miyata with a textbook flying knee. His right knee missed, but when his left knee collided with Miyata’s head, he was out cold. It lasted a whopping four seconds and remains one of the fastest knockouts in MMA history.

Number 3 » Enter Sandman