UFC fans go wild as Vinicius Oliveira scores ‘life-altering’ flying knee KO of the year in promotional debut

UFC fans think the KO of the Year competition is already over.

Vinicius Oliveira scored one of the greatest knockouts by a debuting fighter in history against fellow newcomer Bernado Sopaj at UFC Vegas 87 on Saturday night.

3

The 28-year-old was badly beaten up during the first half of the fight, but he managed to turn the tables before knocking his rival out cold with just 19 seconds in the third round.

As Sopaj wobbled back to the cage after coming out on the bad end of an exchange, Oliveira sprinted at him before going airborne with a flying knee.

It connected perfectly on Sopaj’s chin and sent him crashing face-first to the floor, prompting MMA fans to take to social media in their droves to rave about the spectacular KO.

Ex-UFC champion Aljamain Sterling tweeted: “WTF!”

READ MORE ON UFC

I was a UFC champion before drug addiction – now The Rock is making a movie about my life

I fought GSP and Johnson - but no one hit me harder than 'The Irish Hand Grenade'

One fan said: “Vinicius Oliveira with the KO of the Year!!!!”

Another wrote: “CLEANEST flying knee I’ve seen in years and all after Sopaj almost had Oliveira beaten.”

A third person added: “That flying knee was gross. I hope that lads alright, hell of a heart on him and that looked like a life-altering knee.”

Someone else commented: “HOLY S*** KO OF THE YEAR FROM OLIVEIRA AGAINST SOPAJ WITH A FLYING KNEE”

Most read in MMA

Daniel Cormier reveals biggest regret of his career and it's to do with Jon Jones

All you need to know about UFC 315 as Muhammad defends welterweight title in Canada

Every upcoming UFC fight and full 2025 results – Pimblett wins with Hill next in action

Former UFC champion praises Welsh fighter as he spoils opponent’s homecoming in bloody win

3

3

Oliveira walked away from his UFC debut win with a rare double bonus.

‘LokDog’ naturally earned an extra $50,000 (£39,500) for Performance of the Night after his highlight-reel KO, but both he and Sopaj earned an additional $50,000 for putting on the Fight of the Night.

Olveira is now 20-3 as a pro and his past five victories have all come by stoppage. Sopaj dropped to 11-3 and was finished for the first time in his career.

MMA fans are already looking forward to seeing both men in action again.

Whatever they do, it seems highly unlikely Oliveira, Sopaj or anyone else in the UFC will score a better KO before 2024 is over.