UFC fighter knocked out cold after taking knee to the face
Aljamain Sterling went stiff as a board as he toppled on to the canvas after eating a perfectly timed flush blow to the chin.
It took just 67 seconds for Marlon Moraes to take out his opponent in what will inevitably feature on many knockout-of-the-year lists. Sterling, a 28-year-old New Yorker, was attempting a takedown when the Brazilian unleashed a lethal knee to the chin.
The blast instantly switched off Sterling’s lights for his first KO defeat.
Sterling crunched up and toppled onto the canvas frozen stiff. The referee furiously waved the contest off and summoned medical staff as Moraes celebrated his 20th win.
Doctors tended to Sterling for several minutes inside the Octagon at the UFC event in California while Moraes conducted his post-fight interview outside.
Sterling was then transported to a local hospital for “precautionary measures.”
Afterward, Sterling posted on Twitter: “Hats off to Marlon. Thought I timed the TD perfectly and he was able to land a nasty knee.”
“Sucks to be the nail, but this is the fight game. I’m OK for all those asking.”
Moraes also took to Twitter in support of his opponent.
He wrote: “Thank God for the win but way more importantly praying that Aljamain is fine and 100% healthy! This game is nothing compared to our health. [Much] respect for him and his amazing team.”