A memorable moment in MMA history occurred on this day in 2004, featuring one of the sport`s most powerful knockouts delivered by a true legend.
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s peak was marked by his status as a major star in MMA, a fact easily understood. While his charisma contributed, it was primarily his raw power that propelled him to the top ranks in promotions like PRIDE and the UFC.
Although Jackson has memorable KOs in the UFC, one particular highlight from his PRIDE Japan tenure stands out as the most significant. He had previously defeated Masaaki Satake with a slam, but two years later, he achieved his career`s most iconic finish with an even more brutal slam.
On June 20, 2004, at PRIDE Critical Countdown, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson sought to earn a rematch against his notable adversary, Wanderlei Silva. His opponent was the skilled submission fighter Ricardo Arona, who had an impressive start in PRIDE with three consecutive wins against notable fighters like Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, and Murilo Rua.
Joe Rogan Highlighted the Damage from the Slam
About seven minutes into the fight, Arona attempted a triangle choke from his back, which seemed to be tightening around Jackson. Responding to the submission attempt, Jackson used his immense strength to lift Arona high above the canvas before slamming him down with immense force.
Arona was immediately knocked unconscious upon hitting the mat. Joe Rogan discussed this powerful finish on an episode of the JRE MMA Show featuring Jackson. The veteran commentator suggested that this specific slam could possibly be the most forceful impact ever sustained by a fighter in MMA history.
You got your whole body like this and he’s over the top of your head. That’s so much force. That may be the hardest anybody’s ever been hit in this sport because look at the amount of travel he does. Bro, you got him like 12 feet in the air, look at that. He goes straight, and you were powerful as f— back then.
Rogan Believed Arona Was Never the Same
Speaking about the knockout again on the main Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan reiterated the severity of the impact Arona suffered.
I mean that dude definitely could have died. He probably got the worst trauma, the worst brain trauma.
Rogan suggested the knockout fundamentally altered Arona`s career path. However, Arona did manage to recover and achieve four consecutive victories, including wins over top fighters like Kazushi Sakuraba and Wanderlei Silva, reaching the finals of the 2005 PRIDE middleweight Grand Prix.
Rogan concluded:
That was the worst and this guy was never the same again… Ricardo Arona was never the same again.
Gareth Pendleton