Top 5 Fastest Finishes in UFC Flyweight Division History

Since the departure of former longtime flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in 2018, UFC’s 125-pound weight class has found its renewed excitement in the form of current champion Deiveson Figueiredo and contenders Brandon Moreno, Kai Kara France and Askar Askarov, who are all constant names in UFC betting odds.

The division also houses some of the sensational wins in the history of the UFC, which saw the fastest finishes of all time. These quick finishes provide an extra thrill to fight fans and their picks in the UFC odds. Today, we will dive into the top five fastest finishes in the history of the flyweight division.

Dustin Ortiz vs. Hector Sandoval – 15 Seconds

The fastest finish in the history of UFC’s flyweight division belongs to Dustin Ortiz, who obliterated Hector Sandoval in just 15 seconds of their match in August 2017. Ortiz, a UFC veteran, exchanged with Sandoval early in the fight, only to be caught with a left hook, but he absorbed it well to unleash a perfect counter right-hand punch straight to Sandoval’s temple.

It immediately put Sandoval on skates, and Ortiz blitzed him with two more punches to plant him on the canvas. Ortiz then closed the show by adding three more hammer fist strikes before the referee officially called for the stoppage.

Henry Cejudo vs. T.J. Dillashaw – 32 Seconds

One of the most memorable finishes in UFC history was when Henry Cejudo TKO’ed T.J. Dillashaw in their championship fight in January 2019. This win was more remarkable when Cejudo only needed 32 seconds to defend his flyweight crown against Dillashaw. This was Cejudo’s first flyweight title defense after carving out a split decision victory over Demtrious Johnson in their rematch.

The former Olympic gold medalist caught everyone by surprise by shooting for an early takedown attempt against the more diverse striker Dillashaw. Cejudo instead exchanged blows with the challenger until he clipped him with a right hand to the temple, which started a barrage of punches and eventually the finish to retain his title.

Fredy Serrano vs. Yao Zhikui – 44 Seconds

Fredy Serrano’s TKO win over Yao Zhikui in November 2015 is somewhat bizarre as it ended in an unfortunate arm injury. Serrano attempted a takedown against Zhikui and slammed him onto the canvas, however, the latter’s arm landed first, which caused the injury. Still, as the old saying in sports states, “A win is a win” nonetheless.

This TKO victory of Colombia’s Fredy Serrano was stopped in 44 seconds during the first round, and it set the record for the fastest finish in the division’s history at that time. After this win over the Chinese athlete, Serrano appeared in two more UFC bouts before being released in 2016 after receiving two consecutive losses courtesy of Ryan Benoit and Hector Sandoval.

Su Mudaerji vs. Malcolm Gordon – 44 Seconds

The most recent fastest finish in UFC’s flyweight division was recorded by Su Mudaerji when he knocked out Malcolm Gordon in November 2020. The Chinese prospect made quick work of Gordon as he punched his way to a 44-second knockout win to pick up his second UFC victory and impress his U.S. debut under the promotion.

Mudaerji established his range early in the fight and found a home to his left punch to Gordon’s chin, prompting the beginning of his end. This fantastic win from the ‘’Tibetan Eagle’’ displayed his power and speed, thus, sending shockwaves in the whole division that he is here to stay and potentially compete for a title soon.

Ben Nguyen vs. Tim Elliott – 49 Seconds

If the first four finishes in this list were in the form of a knockout or TKO, then this finish by Ben Nguyen over Tim Elliot comes in the form of a submission. This happened in June 2017 when Nguyen submitted Elliot via a rear-naked choke finish in just 49 seconds to secure his fourth UFC win in five appearances.

Tim Elliott will replace Joseph Benavidez and face Ben Nguyen at UFC Fight Night in New Zealand#UFC

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) May 11, 2017

Nguyen prevented Elliot from securing a takedown and reversed a throw from him, which made it possible for ‘’Ben 10’’ to end up on his back. From there, The Integrated MMA representative maneuvered his way into the submission victory. Unfortunately for Nguyen, he was released by the UFC after receiving back-to-back losses to Jussier Formiga and Wilson Reis.