Published 3 days ago
A flying knee in five seconds: the shock that shattered combat conventions
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In July 2019, UFC 239 delivered one of MMA’s wildest KOs: Jorge Masvidal floored Ben Askren in just five seconds with a flying knee as spectacular as it was unexpected. This lightning-fast victory, the result of meticulous tactical preparation, propelled "Gamebred" to the top of the promotion and redefined KO expectations.
To remember:
- Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee against Ben Askren at UFC 239 remains one of the fastest KOs in history.
- Masvidal exploited a flaw in Askren’s defense thanks to a meticulous tactical analysis.
- This bold technique redefined KO standards in MMA and propelled Masvidal toward world title opportunities.
On July 6, 2019, the UFC 239 bout between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren entered legend. In less time than it takes to say it, "Gamebred" sent his opponent to the canvas with a flying knee as technical as it was spectacular. This five-second KO, one of the fastest in the promotion’s history, marked a turning point in MMA.
Behind this masterstroke lies an extraordinary tactical preparation. Masvidal had dissected Askren’s style, spotting his tendency to engage in close combat after a feint. This anticipation allowed "Gamebred" to exploit a rare flaw in a wrestler as formidable as he was undefeated in wrestling.
Askren himself admitted the boldness of the move:
*"No one had tried that move from that angle."* An admission that underscores the impact of this technique, capable of surprising even the most seasoned observers.
A KO That Changed the Game
This five-second KO did far more than crown Masvidal: it redefined expectations in MMA. Before this fight, quick KOs were often associated with powerful punches or kicks. But a flying knee, executed with such precision, was unprecedented.
This victory also opened the door to world title opportunities for Masvidal, confirming his status as a fighter capable of turning everything upside down in an instant. A feat that continues to inspire new generations of practitioners.
Masvidal’s KO of Askren remains an absolute benchmark, a perfect blend of preparation, audacity, and technique. Five seconds to enter legend: a performance that reminds us that in MMA, everything can change in a flash.