When Diego Lopes and Jean Silva stepped into the Octagon at Noche UFC in September 2025, everyone knew fireworks were coming. What nobody expected was one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history.

Lopes, facing a hostile and trash-talking Silva, absorbed early punishment before uncorking a spinning elbow that instantly rendered his opponent unconscious. The technique, timing, and stakes combined to create an unforgettable moment that has been named the consensus Knockout of the Year for 2025.

“Diego Lopes against Jean Silva. Spinning elbow. It was a war. He got rocked,” former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad said when announcing his pick. “Anytime Diego is in a fight, anytime he’s in the cage, it’s just nothing but chaos.”

The knockout was particularly satisfying for Lopes given the bad blood leading up to the fight. Silva had engaged in extensive trash talk, questioning Lopes’ legitimacy as a contender. The Brazilian-born Lopes answered in emphatic fashion.

The finish came after a brutal exchange where Lopes appeared to be in trouble. His ability to recover and deliver the knockout blow demonstrated both his durability and finishing instinct.

Other contenders for the award included Mauricio Ruffy’s spinning wheel kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313 and Lerone Murphy’s victory over Aaron Pico at UFC 319, but Lopes’ combination of technique and stakes proved unbeatable.

The victory set up Lopes’ upcoming title shot against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325, proving that spectacular finishes can indeed fast-track a fighter to championship opportunities.