Sports

Top five UFC knockouts that’ll make you cringe

Published

5 years ago

April 9, 2020

If you’re finding yourself hankering for some mma betting, why not get clued up on some of the greatest knockouts that have happened previously, and get into the fighting spirit! Be ready to analyse their moves and learn what it takes to be a winner!

UFC stands for the “Ultimate Fighting Championship” and is a form of Mixed Martial Arts, otherwise known as MMA, where a series of fights take place during what fans know as fight nights. It is quite similar to boxing in its rituals – bringing together the best fighters and then having them compete at different weights, in front of an eager crowd that is begging for blood. The organisation began in 1993, and has revolutionised the fight business, standing today as a premium global sports brand, media content company and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world.

The UFC has been around for 17 years now, and throughout the years, it has provided us with many excruciating knockouts. Keep reading and prepare to wince as we take a look back at the most brutal knockouts in UFC history.

Silva Vs. Belfort

At UFC 126, one of the more recent knockouts on the list, we saw Brazilian-American Anderson Silva launch a ferocious front kick into fellow Brazilian Vitor Belfort’s poor face, defending his previously held grand title. The crowd cheered as Belfort fell to the floor, unable to recover from the tremendous blow, with Silva landing a couple more punches for good measure. Show off!

Silva Vs. Jardine

Wanderlei Silva went up against the now actor Keith Jardine at UFC 84 in 2008. Within 36 seconds of dancing around the ring, Silva landed a relentless series of tight-fisted punches to Jardine’s face, disarming his opponent completely. Jardine fell to the floor and the rest was history. This impressive knockout earned Wanderlei the “Knockout of the Night” award, as well as “Knockout of the Year” – understandably so!

Jackson VS. SIlva

Following on from his victory, Wanderlei Silva went on to receive a stark wake-up call from America’s own Quinton Ramone “Rampage” Jackson. Rampage Jackson, as he is more commonly known, came to UFC 92 with an untameable fire in his belly, having been previously knocked out twice by none other than Silva himself. Jackson pushed forward in the pair’s third fight, slamming Silva several times in the jaw before the Brazil native finally fell back in defeat. Jackson continued to land punches until he was finally pulled away, and declared the winner.

Marquardt Vs. Maia

Nate Marquardt truly showed the audience how it should be done when he launched a winning attack on Demian Maia in UFC 102. Maia approached his opponent and attempted to land his first hit with some kind of jumping strike; however, it appeared that Marquardt wasn’t going to have a single second of it as he intercepted his opponent before Maia’s foot had barely left the ground. He slammed the older fighter with a single blow to the face – Maia falling back instantly and rolling onto his back. Marquardt stood over him and looked ready to go in for the kill, but he decided to show mercy, stepping away and enjoying the moment as a champion.

Harris Vs. Branch

The final knockout we wish to visit is from UFC 116, where Gerald Harris took out David Branch in a rather athletic knockout. Brach attempted to take the upper hand by jumping up and wrapping his limbs around Harris, trying to pull guard and make his opponent succumb to a vulnerable position. However, Harris proved to be wise to this, and pushed Branch’s head away from him, slamming the other fighter down onto the canvas. Branch’s head bounced off the floor, knocking him out cold. Harris went on to win “Knockout of the Night” for this feat, for the second time in three fights.

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.