In the opening bout of the evening the UK’s Andre Winner exploded an overhand right onto Roli Delgado’s chin that instantly switched out his lights and left him slumped motionless against the cage.

Delgado had been warned earlier in the opening round when Winner landed an almost identical punch that sent him to the mat.  On that occasion he managed to recover, but he wouldn’t be so lucky the second time.

It was a perfect way for Winner to properly introduce himself in the UFC after emerging as the runner up in The Ultimate Fighter Season 11. It also seemed like he was destined for the $40,000 ‘Knockout Of The Night’ award, but Germany’s Denis Siver had other ideas.

Facing a tough, durable competitor like Paul Kelly who had only lost once (to a submission) in previous ten bouts meant that Siver would have to pull of something special to end the fight inside the distance.

In the end he did just that. After Siver had attempted a number of head kicks earlier in the fight, Kelly was ready when he appeared to be unleashing another one and instinctively raised his hands to block it. Unfortunately for him Siver had decided to change things up, and executed a perfect spinning back kick straight to his exposed abdomen, sending him reeling backwards in pain.

The blow would earn Siver the K.O Of The Night award and left Kelly with a trip to the hospital for suspected broken ribs.  Remarkably it wasn’t a genuine K.O as Kelly briefly attempted to fight on, but it was clear that he was in no state to continue and the referee called a halt to the match.

Purists would say that Winner should win the award for his clean K.O, but either was a worthy winner and will become a permanent part of each fighters highlight reel.

Click HERE for more info on how to watch the Denis Siver Vs Paul Kelly fight.

Article By RossC