Josh Emmett has delivered one of the most brutal knockouts of the year to open UFC 296 against Bryce Mitchell.
Emmett entered the bout on a two-fight losing run, but snapped it with vicious intent less than two seconds into the opening round, landing a thumping knockout blow on Mitchell.
The latter – a late replacement for injured Giga Chikadze – was floored by a right hand from Emmett that landed clean on his face and sent him crumpling to the canvas.
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Mitchell began convulsing on the ground in frightening scenes, but later regained consciousness and was helped to his feet.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan was left stunned at what had just transpired.
“That sounded like a baseball bat hitting a coconut,” Rogan said as replays of the punch were shown.
Rogan added Emmett sent Mitchell “right into the shadow realm” and branded the punch as if Emmett “dropped a nuclear wearhead on his (Mitchell) head”.
Speaking to Rogan after the fight, Emmett opened by thanking Mitchell for taking the fight on short notice before sending a message to the rest of the division.
“I am the most powerful featherweight in the world,” he said.
The featherweight bout marked a devastating opening to the main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.