Unforgettable Upkick Moments in UFC

In the annals of UFC history, few techniques have produced as dramatic and rare a finish as the upkick. A striking move delivered from the ground, the upkick has officially resulted in only two knockouts within the octagon. These extraordinary moments, separated by nearly 14 years, showcase the unpredictability and raw power of mixed martial arts.

Jon Fitch's Pioneering Strike Against Thiago Alves

The first recorded upkick finish in UFC history occurred during a welterweight clash at Ultimate Fight Night 5 on June 28, 2006. Jon Fitch faced off against Thiago Alves in a battle of rising contenders. At a critical juncture in the second round, Fitch, positioned on his back, unleashed a devastating upkick that caught Alves flush on the face. The strike dropped Alves instantly, allowing Fitch to follow up with ground strikes and secure a TKO victory at the 4:37 mark of the round. This moment etched itself into UFC lore as the inaugural upkick knockout, highlighting Fitch's adaptability and precision from a defensive position.

Niko Price's Modern Marvel at Fight Night Tampa

Fast forward to October 12, 2019, and the UFC witnessed its second and, to date, only other upkick finish at Fight Night Tampa. Niko Price took on James Vick in a welterweight bout that electrified the crowd. While on his back, Price timed a perfect upkick that landed squarely on Vick’s chin during the first round. The impact was immediate, rendering Vick unconscious before he hit the canvas at around the 1:44 timestamp. This stunning knockout not only earned Price a Performance of the Night bonus but also cemented his place alongside Fitch in the exclusive club of fighters to achieve this rare feat. The visual of Vick collapsing underscored the sheer force and timing required to execute such a move against a standing opponent.

The Rarity and Impact of Upkick Finishes

These two instances stand as testaments to the skill and opportunism needed to land an upkick knockout in the UFC. Unlike more common finishes via punches or submissions, the upkick remains an outlier due to the specific circumstances required for its success. Both fights demonstrated how a single, well-placed strike from an unexpected angle can turn the tide of a match in an instant. The scarcity of this technique as a finishing move—only twice in over two decades of UFC history—speaks to its difficulty and the defensive awareness of modern fighters. These moments continue to be celebrated as iconic highlights, showcasing the diverse arsenal available to competitors in the octagon.