The first quarter of 2025 has produced some devastating knockouts across the board.
Mauricio Ruffy’s spinning kick against King Green at UFC 313 is likely the frontrunner for the best UFC finish of the year so far.
Meanwhile, at XFC 52, Jaron Lathrop replicated one of the most impressive knockouts of all time in his pro debut after spinning on the spot to head kick his opponent.
Whilst these jaw dropping moments are why fight fans tune in, they can also create some worrying moments in the immediate aftermath.
On the same night that fans heavily criticized the stoppage of Manuel Torres vs Drew Dober inside the Octagon, a BKFC fighter had a scary reaction to a devastating knockout.
Fans worry for Stevie Taylor after a huge knockout loss at BKFC
BKFC returned to Manchester on Saturday night for a Fight Night card that was headlined by a clash for the UK featherweight title.
In the end, it was BKFC veteran Conor ‘Da Crook’ Cooke who stole the headlines with his devastating knockout against Stevie Taylor.
Taylor was making his second appearance inside the ring after winning via knockout on the BKFC Prospect Series in June of last year.
Cooke, on the other hand, had gone 4-1 in the promotion having won the UK light heavyweight title in his last outing in November.
With just over 20 seconds left on the clock until the end of the first round Cooke landed a huge right hand to the already hurt Taylor which sent him crashing to the canvas.
As Cooke stoically stood over his opponent, Taylor started to convulse on the floor before quickly receiving medical attention.
In the top reply to the knockout on social media, one fan questioned whether Taylor is “ok”, to which BKFC responded with a clear and concise message.
Other responses also acknowledged both the knockout itself and Taylor’s health with one fan summarizing what went through most spectator’s minds.
“Brutal but terrifying hope he doing alright”
BKFC has built its brand off of moments like this
Anyone who tunes into a BKFC card knows what they’re getting themselves into because of the reputation of the promotion.
Their latest event in the UK saw just 4 of 12 fights go to a decision with the main event ending in the first round as Gary Fox won the vacant UK featherweight title.
It’s constant action and unmatched violence which is either an overwhelming positive or negative depending on personal taste.
The promotion’s next event sees them head to Dubai for back-to-back cards with some big names in action across both April 4th and April 5th.