Amanda Nunes’ Brutal Knockout Of Cris Cyborg Proves She’s The GOAT

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Amanda Nunes’ brutal first round knockout of Cris Cyborg proves she’s the greatest of all time. 

The Brazilian mixed martial artist made history when she took on Cris “Cyborg” Justino Venâncio at UFC 232, at The Forum in Inglewood, California, on Saturday (December 29), where the fight lasted just 51 seconds.

After becoming the women’s bantamweight champion in July 2016, Nunes defended the belt three more times, before stepping up weight divisions, to take on 33-year-old Cyborg for her women’s featherweight title.

During the 51 second fight, the Lioness landed 13 of 21 significant strikes and knocked Cyborg to the mat twice, ending the fight with the second knockdown.

Take a look at the brutal KO:

The Brazilian backed her opponent up against the cage and upheld a steady and accurate attack until Cyborg collapsed to the floor face down.

The 33-year-old hadn’t lost a fight since 2005 and had held the UFC featherweight title for the past two years, defending it three times; but her streak was shattered within a minute after stepping into the cage with Nunes.

In taking the win, Nunes now joins Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier to become the third fighter in UFC history to hold two title belts simultaneously, proving she’s up there as the GOAT.

Speaking after the fight, Nunes was asked whether it had gone as she expected – she admitted she’d had the win in mind ever since signing the contract.

According to news.com.au, she replied:

Yeah, for sure. When I signed the contract, I said ‘this is going down and I’m going to be the first female two-time champion in the UFC’

I am the first female two-champ in the UFC. I am the greatest. Dana, now I have to be in the Hall of Fame.

Cyborg, a pioneer of women’s MMA, held a dominance in the sport that had been unmatched, and was regarded as one of the most feared women within the UFC.

Many felt she was going to continue her winning streak over Nunes, but the fight left fans and pundits stunned, acknowledging Nunes will now go down in UFC history as one of the greatest fighters ever.

Speaking after the fight, UFC commentator Joe Rogan said:

That was insane. Out of all the potential outcomes, first round KO by Amanda Nunes like that, all the things we’ve said in the past, that Amanda Nunes has ridiculous knock out power, man did you see it tonight. Wow.

She’s the best ever. The fact that she just knocked out Cyborg, she’s number one.

I mean that is just amazing, to knock out Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg in the first round, two of the biggest names in the history of the sport, she’s incredible.

UFC President Dana White also praised the champion in the post-fight press conference, saying:

She’s the best ever — how can you deny it?

That’s what this fight was for. This fight was to find out but if you look at her resume and who she’s beat, she’s the best ever. Nobody can dispute that — you can try and say some stupid sh*t but she’s the best ever.

There’s no denying it; Nunes really is the greatest of all time. Congratulations on the win!

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Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.