The lightweight class is perhaps the most packed in the UFC, with names such as Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, and Michael Chandler striving to be the greatest 155-pound fighter in the world. It’s no surprise that these MMA fighters are dominating online sports betting thanks to the numerous UFC odds offered by various sportsbooks.
Aside from the rich skill pool, the lightweight division has produced some of the quickest finishes in the promotion’s history. Today, we’ll look at the best five finishes in division history.
Terrance McKinney vs. Matt Frevola – 7 Seconds
Terrance McKinney eventually made the UFC roster in 2021 after racking up an incredible 10 victories and three losses outside of the company. The young Washington native wasted little time, setting a division record with a 7-second win over Matt Frevola in June 2021.
“T.Wrecks” launched a one-two punch combination that knocked Frevola down, then followed it up with five more blows on the ground to cause the referee to call a halt. McKinney unfortunately blew up his knee while celebrating his debut triumph.
- Terrance McKinney holds the record with 7 seconds.
- These wins were under 15 seconds.
Gray Maynard vs. Joe Veres – 9 Seconds
Gray Maynard had the second-fastest finish in the UFC’s lightweight division, knocking out Joe Veres in September 2007 to earn his first win in the organization. It was also his UFC debut and his third professional victory in five fights. Maynard’s win over Veres lasted barely nine seconds.
“The Bully” followed his opponent and landed his opening blow, an overhand left hook to the chin of Veres. The massive shot quickly knocked Veres to the canvas, and Maynard profited by connecting with three more punches to earn the victory.
BJ Penn vs. Caol Uno – 11 Seconds
Because of his several remarkable wins and finishes during his professional career, BJ Penn is one of the most legendary competitors in UFC history. One of those legendary finishes came in November 2001, when he knocked out Caol Uno to remain unbeaten in his third UFC bout. The Japanese began the contest with a strong offensive and attempted a soaring kick, which Penn blocked.
Following that powerful onslaught, the “Prodigy” blitzed Uno with a three-punch combination, the third of which was an uppercut that hit hard on his chin, knocking him out. The former lightweight champion finished the battle with four more strikes, securing a championship shot in his next fight.
Rob Emerson vs. Manvel Gamburyan – 12 Seconds
Rob Emerson entered the UFC on the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2007. Both men were knocked out and unable to continue in his final battle with Gray Maynard, which ended in a no-contest decision. Nonetheless, Emerson found himself in the UFC and recorded one of the quickest finishes in the lightweight category.
After a tight split decision victory over Keita Nakamura in his debut UFC bout in February 2008, he was slated to face Manvel Gamburyan in August 2008, however this time he won via stoppage. Gamburyan was grabbed by the “Saint” with a strong right fist to the chin. Then Emerson shoved him to the ground for a scramble, but just like before,
Jens Pulver vs. John Lewis – 15 Seconds
Jens Pulver, the initial 155-pound champion, had the fifth-fastest finish in UFC lightweight division history. It happened in November 2000, during his UFC debut, when he crushed John Lewis in only 15 seconds, leaving an indelible impact on MMA fans.
“Little Evil” surprised Lewis with a quick one-two punch combo. Then he set up another left punch that connected on Lewis’ chin and instantly sent him to another realm. It was one of the earliest walk-off knockouts in the UFC’s early days. That victory propelled him to a championship fight in his next bout, which he won unanimously over Caol Uno.