The Quickest Fight Ever in MMA: Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren

Honestly, it’s worth noting that you could easily just Google it, but the journey to discovering the quickest fight in MMA history surely adds to the suspense. And what better story than the iconic 5-second KO from Jorge Masvidal to Ben Askren?

The Phenomenal 5-Second KO

The fight that stands out among all others is the one between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren. The fight started and ended in an astonishingly short time frame. Masvidal sprints at Askren as soon as the fight begins and delivers a flying knee that sends Ben Askren into the shadow realm. According to reports, Masvidal landed the knee in just 2 seconds, bringing it down to an over-all 5-second fight. By the 3-second mark, Askren is already a motionless sack of potatoes, sprawled on the floor. The referee then took an additional 2 seconds to rush in and perform his duty to stop the fight.

Historical Context

There is a similar story from the K-1 Hero’s MMA promotion in Japan. In this fight, a fighter sprinted towards his opponent, a former Olympic wrestler who instinctively ducked down for a takedown, only to be kneed into unconsciousness. This fight was recorded as 4 seconds. In another fight, this time in a lower-tier promotion known as Cage Kings, a fighter managed to knock an opponent out in an astonishing 2 seconds. This feat might be hard to beat.

UFC 239: The Turning Point

It all happened on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239. The bout between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren saw Masvidal execute a flying knee that hit Askren’s head almost immediately. Fortuitously for Masvidal, this move proved devastating for Askren, who essentially ducked his head right into Masvidal’s incoming knee, striking Askren’s temple and instantly knocking him out cold. The entire fight was recorded in a mere 5 seconds, making it the quickest recorded KO in UFC history.

Official Records vs. Instant Impact

According to offical records, the fight was clocked at 5 seconds. However, it is reported that Askren was unconscious around the 2–3 second mark. The quick reaction of the referee was crucial in stopping the fight and ensuring Askren’s safety.

Conclusion

While the exact details of the quickest fight in MMA history can be debated, the remarkable 5-second KO from Jorge Masvidal to Ben Askren stands out as a historic event in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Fans and fighters alike will remember it as one of the most memorable, if not the most shocking, spectacle in the sport’s history. It serves as a testament to the unpredictability and awe-inspiring nature of MMA.