Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296 delivered one of the most brutal KOs in the history of the UFC. The finish came two minutes into the very first round and kicked off things for the main card. With the win, Emmett has shaken off his last two losses. As for Mitchell, it was a repeat of December 2022, when he suffered his first UFC loss. Only this time, his loss left the likes of Dana White and Joe Rogan shocked.

Mitchell aggressively moved forward, with relentless pressure on Emmett, a dance of feints, but not much was connecting. With three minutes remaining in the round, Emmett delivered a single powerful punch that sent Mitchell face-first into the canvas! A stunning knockout, and Mitchell was out cold.

Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier were speaking about how strong Emmet hits hard and seconds later he just showed why he is not someone who should be taken lightly. ‘CC0’ dominated the match and ended it in the very first round itself. Emmet’s dominance made Rogan worry about Mitchell’s condition.

After the knockout, Mitchell was down, and as Joe Rogan exclaimed, having convulsions. Rogan and the broadcast team were highly worried as it seemed as if ‘Thug Nasty’ was having some intense seizures, but being the proud man he is, Mitchell stood tall with his team’s support. The commentators were not happy to see Mitchell not sitting down and walking out of the cage after a harsh KO like that. Similar reactions ensued on X after the explosive start to the main card. Dana White was even more stunned and rushed to the Octagon to assess the situation.

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UFC world concerned for Bryce Mitchell after UFC 296 KO

Bryce Mitchell stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to face Emmett after Giga Chikadze pulled out with a groin injury. Ex-UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and many others expressed concern for the fighter after witnessing the KO and the events that followed.

HOLY FUCCCCK! That is scary! Hoping Bryce is ok after that shot. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#UFC296

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 17, 2023

After Mitchell calmed down, Rogan was furious and advised everyone to give him a chair to sit on, as he was not in a condition to move. If they keep standing, injured fighters mess up their knee.

Ariel Helwani was in agreement with Rogan on the same point.

Rogan is 100% right. Why aren’t they giving Mitchell the stool?!

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 17, 2023

Retired fighter Kenny Florian hoped Mitchell was doing alright. The way the fight ended worried many fighters.

Emmett landed a picture perfect overhand right on Mitchell, yikes! I hope Bryce is ok, that was a scary one.

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 17, 2023

Even Amanda Nunes was shocked by the KO.

Later, while addressing the media, Josh Emmett himself admitted it was hard to celebrate after that brutal knockout and wished his opponent the best. Did you watch the knockout? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.