The 50 Most Jaw-Dropping Moments in UFC History

At UFC 134, Rousimar Palhares was involved in one of the most puzzling moments in UFC history. After rocking Dan Miller with a head kick, Palhares walked away and climbed the cage in celebration.

This was all well and good.

However, referee Herb Dean had not stopped the fight. When Dean informed Palhares that he had prematurely rejoiced, the bout resumed and Palhares was nearly knocked unconscious by Miller.

In the end, Palhares recovered and avoided what would have been one of the most jaw-dropping turn of events in MMA history. Still, this series of occurrences was still shocking to any fans watching.

In honor of another interesting blunder for Palhares, who was recently knocked out after accusing Nate Marquardt of greasing mid-fight, here are the top 50 most jaw-dropping moments in UFC history.

Keith Hackney vs. Joe Son

In the quarterfinals of a tournament at UFC 4, Keith Hackney teed off on the groin of Joe Son. Although Son was wearing a protective cup, he eventually rolled over and tapped due to a choke hold.

Despite the UFC's decision to ban groin shots, this scene long served as unfortunate evidence of the brutal early days of MMA.

Gary Goodridge vs. Paul Herrera

In the first fight of his long MMA career, Gary Goodridge met Paul Herrera at UFC 8. Less than 20 seconds into the bout, Goodridge trapped Herrera in a crucifix position and knocked him helpless opponent into unconsciousness with a brutal series of elbows.

Tank Abbott vs. Steve Nelmark

Tank Abbott's entire career has seemed like a jaw-dropping moment.

However, in December 1996, Tank Abbott delivered one of the most impressive knockouts of his career when he turned Steve Nelmark's body into Jell-O.

Frank Shamrock vs. Igor Zinoviev

Frank Shamrock had plenty of impressive performances throughout his MMA career, but his most jaw-dropping moment came in his first title defense.

Only 22 seconds into the fight, Shamrock lifted his opponent—Igor Zinoviev—and completed a slam for a knockout victory.

Pete Williams vs. Mark Coleman

A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Mark Coleman was 6-1 heading heading into his fight with Pete Williams at UFC 17.

Nonetheless, Williams disposed of Coleman in spectacular fashion, as he landed a head kick that knocked Coleman out cold.

Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva

After a solid 5-1 start to his MMA career, Vitor Belfort met Wanderlei Silva in October 1998.

Less than a minute into the fight, Belfort exploded and, after the dust cleared from a blur of punches, Silva was left lying on the canvas.

Tito Ortiz vs. Evan Tanner

In case anyone forgot, Tito Ortiz was once one of the most dominant champions in MMA history.

The second of Ortiz's five straight title defenses came in a fight with Evan Tanner at UFC 30. Just 30 seconds into the bout, Ortiz lifted and slammed Tanner for a jaw-dropping knockout.

Shonie Carter vs. Matt Serra

Is there anything more majestic in MMA than the spinning backfist?

At UFC 31, Shonie Carter knocked Matt Serra out with one of the prettiest spinning backfists you will ever see, which led to a shocking knockout.

B.J. Penn vs. Caol Uno

In the third fight of his career, an extremely promising B.J. Penn fought Caol Uno. In a truly dominant performance, Penn overwhelmed Uno for an 11-second knockout.

Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton

After Carlos Newton dethroned Pat Miletich as UFC Welterweight Champion, Miletich-trained Matt Hughes returned to the UFC for a shot at Newton.

When Newton slapped a triangle choke on Hughes in the second round, Hughes lifted Newton and slammed the champion to the canvas for an incredible knockout victory.

Frank Mir vs. Tim Sylvia

At UFC 48, Frank Mir caught Tim Sylvia in an armbar. Silva decided not to tap, which prompted his arm to snap.

As everyone watched the replay in awe, Sylvia actually protested referee Herb Dean's stoppage.

Yves Edwards vs. Josh Thomson

Although he was recently on the receiving end of a pretty nasty knockout by Sam Stout, Yves Edwards owns some spectacular knockout wins of his own.

Most notably, Edwards blasted Josh Thomson with a flying head kick at UFC 49. Thomson has his back turned toward Edwards and was attempting to square up just as the kick landed.

Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II

At UFC 52, Frank Trigg hit Matt Hughes with a low blow that went unnoticed by the referee. Immediately after the groin shot, Trigg rocked Hughes.

In one of the most incredible comebacks in UFC history, Hughes recovered and submitted Trigg before the end of the first round.

James Irvin vs. Terry Martin

For a fighter who had a losing record in the UFC, James Irvin spent a lot of time on highlight reels. One of Irvin's several jaw-dropping knockouts came at UFC 54, where Irvin dropped Terry Martin with a flying knee less than 10 seconds into the second round.

Spencer Fisher vs. Matt Wiman

Like James Irvin, Spencer Fisher has also been known more for providing excitement than for being any kind of legitimate contender.

At UFC 60, Fisher hit Matt Wiman with a solid punch, which caused Wiman to wag is finger in the air to show that he was alright. Well, Fisher used that lack of focus as an opportunity to knock Wiman out with a beautiful flying knee.

Wanderlei Silva: "I want to f--k Chuck."

At UFC 61, UFC President Dana White announced that light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell would meet Wanderlei Silva if he was able to defend his belt at UFC 62.

Although that fight didn't materialize until later on, the announcement did provide one of the more humorous moments in UFC history.

Joe Lauzon vs. Jens Pulver

At UFC 63, Joe Lauzon was matched up with former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver.

Although the bout was expected to be a tune-up for Pulver, Lauzon shocked the world by winning via knockout in the first minute of the fight.

Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin

After knocking out Chris Leben in his UFC debut, Anderson Silva was given a title shot against UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin.

Although Franklin had become the most accomplished middleweight champion in the history of the organization, Silva made quick work of his opponent. "The Spider" hasn't surrendered his title in the five years since that fight.

Scott Smith vs. Pete Sell

In November 2006, Scott Smith executed one of the most incredible knockouts in UFC history. After getting hurt badly with a shot to the body, Smith looked to be finished.

However, when Pete Sell rushed in to finish the job, Smith surprised his opponent with a desperation punch. Amazingly, the punch landed and knocked Sell out cold.

Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes II

After an incredibly promising start to his MMA career, it seemed only a matter of time until Georges St-Pierre had the torch passed along to him from UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes.

Still, that didn't make it any less surprising when that transfer of power finally did take place. The fact that St-Pierre earned the belt by dropping Hughes with a head kick made it even more impressive.

Travis Lutter Fails to Make Weight for Title Fight

After earning a once-in-a-lifetime shot at a UFC belt by winning The Ultimate Fighter, Travis Lutter ruined his opportunity by failing to make weight for his title fight with UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.

Lutter proceeded to lose the fight, but that didn't make the situation any less embarrassing for Lutter.

Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia

After retiring from fighting and taking more than a year off, a 44-year-old Randy Couture returned for a title fight against UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia.

Eight seconds into the fight, Couture rocked Sylvia. Although it didn't lead to a finish, this knockdown gave Couture the momentum he needed to capture the belt with a unanimous decision.

Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre

Unlike the aforementioned Travis Lutter, Matt Serra did make weight after earning his title shot through The Ultimate Fighter.

Competing against UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre, Serra made the most of the opportunity. Serra's first-round technical knockout of St-Pierre at UFC 69 stands as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko Filipovic

After winning a Pride Openweight Grand Prix in 2006, Mirko Filipovic joined the UFC and was expected to contend for the heavyweight title.

In a fight that could have earned him a title shot, Filipovic was ironically knocked out with a head kick from Gabriel Gonzaga. Ironically, Filipovic had become famous for his own head kicks throughout his career.

Quinton Jackson vs. Chuck Liddell

In the midst of one of the most dominant title runs in UFC history, Chuck Liddell met Quinton Jackson at UFC 71.

Jackson was the fighter responsible for Liddell's last loss, but many expected Liddell to either win or perform much better in the rematch.

Less than two minutes into the fight, Jackson knocked Liddell out cold and became the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Chris Leben vs. Terry Martin

After losing back-to-back fights, Chris Leben met Terry Martin in September 2007. In the third round, Martin rocked Leben.

However, Leben continued to press forward in a zombie-like state. In an incredible turn of events, Leben cracked Martin and was awarded a knockout victory.

James Irvin vs. Houston Alexander

In another highlight-reel knockout for James Irvin, "The Sandman" put Houston Alexander to sleep with a superman punch at just eight seconds of the first round.

Rory Markham vs. Brodie Farber

In July 2008, Rory Markham was in trouble in the first round of a fight with Brodie Farber. Although Farber was pressing forward, Markham landed an incredible head kick that earned him Knockout of the Night honors.

Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell

Heading into UFC 88, Chuck Liddell's decline had already begun. However, "The Iceman" was coming off of a victory in his last appearance against Wanderlei Silva.

Rashad Evans quickly laid to rest any hopes Liddell had for a comeback, though, by scoring a highlight-reel knockout in the second round.

Dale Hartt vs. Corey Hill

It is never fun having to go back and look at this injury for any reason. Without fail, it has jaw-dropping effects every single time, though.

Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva

Heading into his UFC 94 fight with Thiago Silva, the only criticism anyone had of Lyoto Machida was his inability to finish opponents on a regular basis.

However, with one second left in the opening round, Machida became not only fighter to finish Silva.

Matt Hamill vs. Mark Munoz

At UFC 96, two fighters known for their wrestling had a fight end in the striking department.

Prior to the fight, I'm not sure Matt Hamill had ever even attempted a head kick before. However, he was able to knock Mark Munoz out with one in the first round of their bout.

Lyoto Machida vs. Rashad Evans

At UFC 98, two undefeated light heavyweights met in a title fight. In the second round, Lyoto Machida crumpled Rashad Evans with a right hook.

Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping

After coaching against each other on The Ultimate Fighter, Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping met at UFC 100 in July 2009.

While Henderson was clearly looking to land his overhand right, Bisping couldn't defend it. In one of the more devastating knockouts ever seen, Henderson defeated Bisping in the second round.

Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin

Unlike some of the other knockouts, Anderson Silva's lazy jab against Forrest Griffin isn't really the primary reason for thsi fight making the list.

Simply, the shear ease with which Silva toyed with Griffin made all three minutes of this fight incredible to watch.

Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia

After winning the first 11 fights of his career by employing his outstanding ground game, Demian Maia was given an interesting matchup with the well-rounded Nate Marquardt.

In trying to show that he had some striking ability, Maia was floored by Marquardt in 21 seconds. The knockout blow swept Maia clean off of his feet.

Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck

After being out-wrestled by Josh Koscheck for three rounds, Paul Daley tried to hit his opponent with a punch after the final bell at UFC 113.

The unbelieveable lack of judgement resulted in Daley's banishment from the organization.

Mauricio Rua vs. Lyoto Machida II

After losing a controversial decision to Lyoto Machida in their first meeting, Mauricio Rua refused to let an immediate rematch go to the judges.

Rua pushed the pace in the first round and handed Machida the first loss of his career in a knockout.

Mike Russow vs. Todd Duffee

After clearly losing the first two rounds in his fight with the up-and-coming Todd Duffee, Mike Russow scored a unbelievable knockout midway through the third round of the UFC 114 bout. The knockout brought a swift halt to a promising career for Duffee.

Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin

Chuck Liddell made his last stand at UFC 115, where he got off to a good start against Rich Franklin. However, a suspect chin failed "The Iceman" in a knockout loss to the former middleweight champion.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

After loads of trash talk, Chael Sonnen was finally given his opportunity to prove that he could beat Anderson Silva at UFC 117. However, even after dominating the first four rounds of the fight, Sonnen was caught in a triangle choke and submitted with less than two minutes remaining in the fight.

Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao

The UFC's introduction of the featherweight division was a smashing success in December 2010, as Pablo Garza landed a jaw-dropping flying knee less than one minute into his fight with Fredson Paixao.

Jeremy Stephens vs. Marcus Davis

After losing the first two rounds of his fight with Marcus Davis, Jeremy Stephens knew he needed to make something happen in the final frame. The heavy-handed Stephens did just that by knocking Davis out in spectacular fashion.

Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort

Whether Steven Seagal helped him perfect the technique or not, Anderson Silva's front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 was nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Pablo Garza vs. Yves Jabouin

Flying triangles are cool and all, but no one ever thought a fighter could actually pull one off at the highest level of the sport. Apparently, those rules don't apply to Pablo Garza, who submitted Yves Jabouin with the technique at UFC 129.

Lyoto Machida vs. Randy Couture

In a possible attempt to one-up Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida knocked Randy Couture out with a flying front kick at UFC 129. Again, Steven Seagal's involvement has no bearing on whether or not this knockout was incredible.

Sam Stout vs. Yves Edwards

Fighting an equally dangerous striker at UFC 131, Sam Stout scored an incredible knockout of Yves Edwards. A looping hook sent Edwards slamming down onto the canvas.

This highlight-reel knockout seems to carry more meaning now that we know it will be the last time Stout will have had long-time coach Shawn Tompkins in his corner. Tragically, Tompkins passed away unexpectedly last month.

Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry

After practically being knocked out by Pat Barry at UFC on Versus 4, Cheick Kongo planted his wobbly legs and threw two haymakers. Both connected and left Barry unconscious on the ground.

Undoubtedly, Kongo's win over Barry will go down as one of the most incredible comebacks in MMA history.

Tito Ortiz vs. Ryan Bader

With his UFC career on the line at UFC 132, Tito Ortiz delivered with an incredible submission win over Ryan Bader.

After knocking Bader down with a short right hand, Ortiz latched onto a guillotine choke to secure his first victory in nearly five years.

Dennis Hallman at UFC 133

I hate to end on such a ridiculous note, but I have been going in chronological order in case you haven't noticed, and Dennis Hallman's shorts at UFC 133 were nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Hallman later revealed that he had not chosen to wear the attire on his own accord. Instead, the getup was forced upon him due to a lost bet.

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. Sean has also had his work featured on UFC.com and LowKick.com. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.