Marlon Moraes delivers one of the most incredible knockouts of the year

The Brazilian Marlon Moraes has just given a headache to those in charge of choosing the best knockout of the year in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Because the way he defeated Aljamain Sterling last Saturday at UFC Fight Night 123 was simply spectacular.

Being two top 10 fighters in the bantamweight division (61kg) of the UFC, many expected a fairly even fight between Moraes (ranked 7) and Sterling (ranked 8). But inside the octagon, the story was very different.

Just one minute into the first round of the fight, Moraes sent Sterling to the canvas with a left hook. From the ground, the American tried to finish the fight with an armbar, but the Brazilian managed to escape in time.

When both were face to face again, Sterling was preparing to go for a takedown. But Moraes guessed his intention and caught him off guard with a spectacular knee strike. A clean hit that instantly knocked down the popular 'Funk Master'.

"Thank God for the win, but more importantly, praying that Aljamain is 100% healthy. This game is nothing compared to our health. I have a lot of respect for him and his amazing team," said Moraes after achieving one of the most incredible knockouts of the year.

"I take my hat off to Marlon. I was planning to do a perfect takedown and he anticipated me with a brutal knee. That's how the fight game is. I'm okay for everyone who was worried," responded Sterling on his Twitter account.