How Jorge Masvidal’s Lightning KO Ended Ben Askren’s Undefeated Run
When Jorge Masvidal landed a flying knee that dropped Ben Askren in just five seconds, the UFC world collectively gasped. It wasn’t merely a knockout; it was a statement that reverberated through mixed‑martial‑arts headlines for weeks. The bout, part of UFC 239 in July 2019, instantly became the fastest KO in the promotion’s modern era, and it reshaped the trajectories of both athletes.
The Paths That Converged: Masvidal vs. Askren
Masvidal entered the fight as a seasoned striker with a reputation for “street‑fighter” toughness, while Askren was a wrestling prodigy who had never tasted defeat in MMA. Askren’s résumé included an unbeaten streak of over 20 fights, highlighted by his dominant grappling in the NCAA and later in ONE Championship. Masvidal, on the other hand, had spent years building a reputation for finishing fights in spectacular fashion, most famously with a knockout over Nate Diaz in 2016.
Why the Fight Drew So Much Hype
Fans loved the clash of styles: a relentless striker versus an unbeaten grappler who rarely left the cage standing. The narrative was simple yet compelling—could Askren’s elite wrestling neutralize Masvidal’s explosive striking? Media outlets amplified the intrigue by touting the fight as a potential “passing of the torch” for the welterweight division.
Five Seconds In: The Anatomy of the Knockout
From the opening bell, Masvidal feigned a low kick, prompting Askren to lower his guard. In a split‑second decision, Masvidal leapt, delivering a perfectly timed flying knee to Askren’s head. The impact knocked Askren flat on his back, and the referee halted the bout before Askren could even attempt a takedown. The entire sequence lasted exactly 5.0 seconds, setting a new benchmark for speed in UFC history.
Immediate Reactions Inside the Octagon
- Referee’s call: The stoppage was swift, avoiding any unnecessary damage.
- Askren’s response: He appeared stunned, later acknowledging the knockout as the most shocking moment of his career.
- Masvidal’s celebration: He ran toward the crowd, arms raised, a grin that captured the sheer surprise of the moment.
What the Knockout Meant for Masvidal’s Career
Beyond the headline, the win propelled Masvidal into the upper echelon of welterweights. It earned him a spot in the highly anticipated “BMF” bout against Nate Diaz later that year, a fight that would further cement his status as a crowd‑pleaser. Moreover, the knockout reinforced Masvidal’s brand as a fighter capable of delivering instant fireworks—an image that helped him secure lucrative endorsement deals and a multimillion‑dollar contract with the UFC.
Askren’s Perspective: From Undefeated to Unsettled
Askren never expected such a rapid defeat. In post‑fight interviews, he admitted the knee caught him off guard and that his game plan, heavily reliant on closing distance for a takedown, was rendered obsolete in a flash. The loss sparked discussions about whether his wrestling‑centric approach needed evolution to remain competitive against high‑level strikers.
Technical Takeaways for Fighters and Fans
Coaches dissected the knockout to illustrate the importance of defensive awareness even in the opening seconds. Key lessons include:
- Never assume a takedown will be the first exchange; striking threats can appear instantly.
- Maintaining a high guard during the first 10 seconds can prevent surprise attacks.
- Feints, when timed well, can create openings for high‑impact techniques like flying knees.
Legacy of the Five‑Second KO
In the years since UFC 239, Masvidal’s knockout remains a benchmark for speed and precision. It is frequently referenced in highlight reels, used as a teaching moment for aspiring fighters, and continues to spark debate about the evolution of mixed‑martial‑arts tactics. For Askren, the fight became a turning point, prompting a brief retirement before a short comeback attempt in 2020.
Beyond the Octagon: Cultural Impact
The knockout transcended sport, spawning memes, viral clips, and endless commentary on social platforms. It reminded casual fans that MMA can deliver moments of pure, unscripted drama. Even years later, the clip is still shared as a prime example of how quickly fortunes can change in combat sports.
FAQ
How did Masvidal land the flying knee so quickly?
Masvidal used a low‑kick feint to draw Askren’s attention downward, then exploded upward with a perfectly timed knee aimed at the head. The element of surprise, combined with Askren’s forward momentum, made the strike devastatingly effective.
What was the reaction from the UFC community?
Commentators, fighters, and fans called it “the knockout of the year,” praising Masvidal’s bravery and technical execution. Analysts also highlighted the fight as a reminder that no opponent is immune to a well‑placed strike, regardless of their grappling pedigree.
Did the knockout affect Askren’s future fights?
Yes. The loss ended Askren’s unbeaten streak and prompted him to reassess his strategy. He briefly retired, later returning for a single bout in 2020 before stepping away from competition for good.
Is the five‑second KO still the fastest in UFC history?
As of 2026, it remains the quickest knockout in the modern UFC era, though earlier events in the organization’s early years featured sub‑five‑second finishes that are less documented.