Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
You’ll be pressed to find a more stunning comeback than this.
On this day nine years ago, a heavyweight fight would take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that would go on to serve as one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.
June 26th, 2011: Cheick Kongo knocks out Pat Barry in stunning comeback
The card was UFC on Versus 4 and it was originally supposed to be headlined by a welterweight fight between Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and former Strikeforce champion Nate Marquardt. With Johnson pulling out due to an injury and Marquardt removed due to failed medicals, Kongo vs Barry was bumped up to headline the event instead. It was a first-ever time in a UFC headlining spot for both men.
Kongo entered the fight on the back of a draw against Travis Browne, whilst Barry had recently won a decision against Joey Beltran. Neither man was heavily favoured in the fight, with both being former kickboxers who possessed great knockout power on the feet.
After a feeling-out process halfway through the first round, Barry would slip a jab from Kongo to land a massive overhand right behind the ear. Kongo’s legs went out as he crashed to the canvas, and as Barry followed up to finish the show referee Dan Miragliotta had his hands on “HD” milliseconds away from stopping the fight.
The wildest 30 seconds in MMA history happened 9 years ago today pic.twitter.com/81EMPOsK7w
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 26, 2020
Somehow Kongo made it back to his feet, but a right hand from Barry put him down yet again. Barry tried desperately to do what he couldn’t first time around, finish Kongo with his follow up shots, but he couldn’t. Back to his feet again, Kongo took a few steps back and as Barry walked towards him with his hands down, Kongo planted his feet and unleashed two right hands that turned Barry’s lights out.
“That is one of the craziest stoppages I have ever seen!” said Joe Rogan in utter shock at the comeback from Kongo. Barry was still unconscious on the canvas with his eyes rolled to the back of his head as Kongo walked around the octagon with his hand proudly in the air.
Rightfully being awarded Knockout of the Night, Kongo would go on to fight four more times for the UFC before signing with Bellator. Meanwhile, Barry went 2-4 in the UFC after the loss and then had a short-lived return to kickboxing.