Video: Fighter shooting for takedown throws insane back-elbow, faceplant KOs opponent

Insane. Just insane. That’s the most accurate and succinct way to describe Dzhikhad Yunusov’s brutal elbow knockout at ACA 117 on Friday.

During a preliminary card bout vs. Brazil’s Leonardo Limberger, Russia’s Yusunov (18-5) grabbed hold of a leg against the fence. Boringggg. Right? WRONG.

Rather than grind his opponent into the fence until the referee separated him, Yusunov waited for his moment and exploded. He quickly spun and landed a vicious back elbow that faceplanted Limberger (14-2) and ended the fight.

WOOOOOW! Dzhikhad Yunusov spinning back elbow KO! pic.twitter.com/d6a3HhTLd9

— ACAMMA (@ACA_League) February 12, 2021

I’ll admit, I don’t quite have Caposa-levels of experience watching two dudes I’m unfamiliar with slug it out across the world. However, I’ve certainly contributed my fair share of viewing time. From the UFC to Bellator to ACA and beyond, I can’t say I’ve ever seen a maneuver quite like this.

Sure, there have been spinning back elbows and up-elbows and elbows against the fence. However, to land this from a ducking position – a takedown attempt – has to make this one of the more unique elbow finishes I’ve ever seen. It’s not quite a Yair Rodriguez vs. “Korean Zombie” level of mind-blowing rarity, but it is certainly within the ballpark.

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