A 26-year-old MMA fighter won with a stunning 'Superman punch' that knocked his opponent out cold in an instant
- Is it a bird?
- Is it a plane?
MMA fighter Mehdi Dakaev gave an extraordinary demonstration on how to land a 'Superman punch' — a flying left hook — on Friday during an Eagle FC 43 event in Moscow.
It was the first knockout win of Dakaev's career. The 26-year-old's finishes had previously been by submission — like choke, armbar, and kimura.
But against Makkasharip Zaynukov, in the headlining fight of the Khabib Nurmagomedov-led combat sports promotion, Dakaev connected with a shot that will likely be replayed for many years to come.
Approximately 42 seconds into the second round, Dakaev began the fight-finishing sequence.
Zaynukov ducked underneath Dakaev's first hook, and began retreating away from the center of the cage, toward the fence.
Dakaev quickly leaped off of his feet and, while he was in mid-air, he threw and connected with a punch so powerful it dropped Zaynukov, who face-planted the canvas.
With Zaynukov lying unconscious on the ground, Dakaev got one more shot in before the referee waved the contest off by pulling the victor off of the fallen fighter.
It was all over.
Watch the Superman punch right here:
Victory advanced Dakaev's pro MMA record to 14 wins (one knockout, five submissions, and six decisions) against two losses.
It was his third fight, and third win, while competing with the Eagle FC fight firm since it rebranded from Gorilla Fighting Championship in 2020.
Nurmagomedov, after retiring from the UFC as its lightweight champion, bought Gorilla FC for $1 million and changed the name to Eagle — a reference to his combat nickname, "The Eagle."
Eagle FC is going from strength to strength under Nurmagomedov's stewardship, as it has an interesting focus on prospects.
Eagle FC will host its first ever US show in Miami, Florida, on January 28, 2022.