Igor Vovchanchyn vs. Francisco Bueno

Ukrainian kickboxer Igor Vovchanchyn was one of the most powerful knockout artists in the history of the sport, and an early star of Pride Fighting Championships. In one of the most infamous performances of his career, he knocked out inexperienced fighter Francisco Bueno at Pride 8 in 1999.

Heading into the fight, Bueno was largely unknown, having only competed a handful of times prior to stepping up to face Vovchanchyn. Vovchanchyn, by contrast, was one of the most experienced competitors in the world, having participated in 35 professional mixed martial arts fights by the time he stepped into the ring at Pride 8.

Little was known of Bueno’s game plan heading into the fight. For Vovchanchyn, however, fans knew what to expect. Just as he had done in previous outings against the likes of Gary Goodridge and Mark Kerr, the Ukrainian striker would look to sprawl and brawl. He packed excellent power and was equally comfortable with either hand.

A slow start to the fight ended suddenly, and in spectacular fashion. Vovchanchyn stalked Bueno around the ring for over a minute, but refused to expose himself. Bueno, seemingly reluctant to engage, continued to sidestep and backpedal away from the encroaching European. Eventually, Vovchanchyn backed Bueno into a corner in the ring. This prompted Bueno to move in to attack, which left him open for a brutal right hook by Vovchanchyn that shut Bueno’s lights off while he remained on his feet. Bueno, unconscious as soon as the crushing right hand landed, fell face first like a test car dummy, and was hit several times more on the way down.

The knockout victory over Bueno was Vovchanchyn’s single greatest highlight reel moment, and is still replayed to this day. Bueno was also the easiest mark Vovchanchyn would be fortunate enough to face, as he drew only the best of the best for the remainder of his career in Pride, before retiring from active competition in 2005.