In fact, of Prates’ 23 pro wins, 18 have now come courtesy of his sensational knockout power. Prates’ highlight-reel finish had pros on social media struggling to find the words to describe it, with Vince Morales settling on “Prates looks like he hits people with a [sic] tazer! They all drop like that.”

A knockout is more than a single strike. It's a snapshot of what makes mixed martial arts magnificent. It's power and precision, the faltering of seemingly indomitable spirits, and a reminder that life can change instantly. This year was abundant with ...