The 10 most stunning knockouts of the Zuffa era

With UFC 200 just around the corner and Zuffa, LLC reportedly on the verge of selling the world's foremost MMA organization, it's time to look back at the history made during the Zuffa era*.

*includes UFC events dating back to Feb. 23, 2001 (UFC 30)

Best of the Zuffa era

• The 10 most stunning knockouts
• The 10 most amazing submissions
• The most memorable moments
• The 10 most furious fights
• The 20 greatest fighters (20-11)
• The 20 greatest fighters (10-1)

​We start off with 10 knockouts that are significant for their historical importance, execution, and sheer brutality.

10. B.J. Penn def. Sean Sherk (UFC 84, May 24, 2008)

Almost 20 minutes into his first title defense, B.J. Penn was already well on his way to taking a decision from Sean Sherk. But "The Prodigy" unilaterally decided that Sherk's time was up.

In the closing seconds of Round 3, Penn launched an aggressive assault, capped off by a flying knee that crumpled Sherk against the cage.

The lightweight champion celebrated by licking the blood from his gloves and waving his arms to declare the fight over before the referee made it official.

9. Uriah Hall def. Adam Cella (TUF 17, 2013)

Uriah Hall entered "The Ultimate Fighter 17" as one of the season's most intriguing prospects, though fans were curious how his flashy style would translate to the show.

It came through loud and clear when he connected with a spinning hook kick to Cella's head that resulted in one of the scariest KOs anyone had ever seen.

8. Rashad Evans def. Chuck Liddell (UFC 88, Sept. 6, 2008)

Rashad Evans' finish of the beloved Chuck Liddell was so vicious, that Evans was booed for years afterwards whenever he was shown on screen at events.

"Suga" silenced the crowd at the Philips Arena in Atlanta when he beat Liddell to the punch with an overhand right that looked like it temporarily separated Liddell's head from his shoulders.

7. Holly Holm def. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193, Nov. 15, 2015)

Ronda Rousey could not be stopped.

With a spotless 12-0 record and a reputation for putting her opponents away early, there was no reason to expect Rousey would have any trouble with Holly Holm.

Unfortunately, her newfound love of knockouts had Rousey thinking that she could stand with Holm, a world champion boxer.

Her judo prowess was nowhere to be found as she clumsily ran right into Holm's fists. Completely outclassed, Rousey became the victim of a Holm head kick that has since received more play than a Taylor Swift single.

6. Spencer Fisher def. Matt Wiman (UFC 60, May 27, 2006)

Here's one tip for any aspiring fighters out there: If you get hit hard, don't waste time trying to convince everyone that you're not hurt.

Matt Wiman learned this lesson the hard way when he took a sharp 1-2 combination from Spencer Fisher that backed him up. He boldly waved his finger in the air and shook his head to show that he was fine.

Seconds later, Fisher connected with a flying knee that he threw with so much force it sent him hurtling over Wiman's head.

Wiman was anything but fine after that.

5. Vitor Belfort def. Wanderlei Silva (UFC Brazil, Oct. 16, 1998)

If anyone ever asks you how Vitor Belfort got the nickname "The Phenom," all you have to do is show them this clip.

Belfort and Wanderlei Silva were in the early days of their legendary careers when they were matched up in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Knowing what we know now about both men, it's incredible to watch Belfort blow through "The Axe Murderer" in just 44 blinding seconds.

4. Dan Henderson def. Michael Bisping (UFC 100, July 11, 2009)

Sportsmanship be damned.

Dan Henderson did not think too highly of Michael Bisping after they spent a season coaching against each other on "The Ultimate Fighter." Bisping was a master of getting under his opponent's skin and Henderson was no different.

What was different was how Henderson handled the situation. "Hendo" stalked Bisping before landing his trademark H-Bomb right hand that gave Bisping the first knockout loss of his career.

The thunderous Randy Savage elbow afterwards was icing on the concussive cake.

3. Edson Barboza def. Terry Etim (UFC 142, Jan. 14, 2012)

In fairness to Terry Etim, nobody on Earth could have seen this hit coming.

Edson Barboza reached deep into his bag of tricks and unleashed an extraordinary wheel kick that instantly turned Etim into a mannequin.

The move was so impressive that it became the first MMA highlight to be nominated for a "Best Play" ESPY award.

T-2. Anderson Silva def. Vitor Belfort (UFC 126, Feb. 5, 2011)
T-2. Lyoto Machida def. Randy Couture (UFC 129, Apr. 30, 2011)

Who wore it better? And by "it" we mean another human being's foot.

The front kick had traditionally been a move designed to hit a fighter's body and push them back. When performed by the brilliant Anderson Silva, it became a deadly finishing maneuver.

Keep in mind that Belfort is one of the all-time great strikers in MMA and Silva made him look absolutely foolish by asking him "What did the five toes say to the face?"

The move was repeated and arguably bettered by Silva's friend, Lyoto Machida. "The Dragon" assisted Randy Couture with his retirement plans by demolishing him with a leaping karate kick that would make Mr. Miyagi proud.

1. Gabriel Gonzaga def. Mirko Cro Cop (UFC 70, Apr. 21, 2007)

Mirko Cro Cop was destined for the UFC heavyweight championship after fighting the best of the best over in Japan's PRIDE promotion. All he had to do was get past Gabriel Gonzaga, a strong, but inexperienced foe that was sure to fall to Cro Cop's signature head kick.

Even Gonzaga acknowledged Cro Cop's lethal weapons. He grounded the Croatian for as long as he could, only to have the referee reset them back on the feet where Gonzaga was in danger. It was the beginning of the end.

For Cro Cop.

Out of nowhere, Gonzaga landed a head kick that robbed Cro Cop of his senses, his dignity, and probably most of his childhood memories.

It's been nine years since Gonzaga turned the heavyweight division upside down and we still haven't seen a better knockout.