UFC Fight Night 77: Thomas Almeida Scores Vicious Knockout over Anthony Birchak

We've seen some absolutely devastating knockouts over the years in MMA, but UFC bantamweight Thomas Almeida might've scored one of the most vicious in recent memory. Facing Anthony Birchak at UFC Fight Night 77, Almeida expanded his highlight reel with a devastating first-round knockout.

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In a word...brutal. Just brutal. #UFCSP https://t.co/P9fSr3tyaJ

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 8, 2015"

Oof. That's rough. 

The knockout is similar to that of Tank Abbott vs. Steve Nelmark, a fight best remembered for its gruesome aftermath, which saw Nelmark collapse in a twisted heap after taking a right hand from Abbott. Like Nelmark, Birchak was left looking like a contortionist following the hellish punches.

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DAYUM! pic.twitter.com/W1dhrmw0AV

— ZombieProphet (@ZProphet_MMA) November 8, 2015"

That said, this fight wasn't defined just by its brutality. This was also something of a coming-out party for Almeida.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has been an absolute force since joining the UFC in 2014. He debuted with an exciting bout opposite The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 cast member Tim Gorman, and while that fight would go to decision, it earned him Fight of the Night honors. Since then, however, Almeida hasn't made the judges earn their paychecks. 

Almeida is 3-0 in 2015, with all of his wins coming via knockout. He has spent a total of only 14 minutes, 12 seconds in the cage over the course of the year and has earned Performance of the Night bonuses for all of his fights.

Already ranked at No. 8 in the UFC's official bantamweight rankings, he could easily step into a top-five spot with this victory. Regardless, Almeida has cemented himself as one of the foremost prospects in the UFC.