Jon Jones was extremely impressed as Carlos Prates blasted out Neil Magny with a stunning KO.
The hot UFC welterweight prospect had made a bright start to life in the promotion with three wins since signing, and he was looking to take out his most experienced rival in Magny on the UFC Vegas 100 fight night bill.
And Prates flew out of the traps, and with ten seconds left on the clock in the first round, produced a statement moment that stunned those present.
Prates found his moment with Magny retreating and in survival mode as the clock ticked down in the opener, landing a bizarre left hand.
It appeared to clip Magny and must have carried some seriously ferocious power, and as they clinched he fell flat on his face to the canvas.
There was no more action needed as the referee saw the American’s condition and immediately halted the contest.
Current UFC heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound king Jones was cageside to watch the fight.
He clapped and was left with a huge grin on his face after witnessing the talent’s latest impressive win.
Jones turned immediately and gave compliments about Prates to those around him, and it is clear he impressed those present.
It saw him pocket a Performance of the Night bonus, and it will now be a rise that will be followed by many.
Prates has developed a surprising reputation as a star, given he does not take the orthodox route a normal fighter takes.
‘The Nightmare’ has opened up about his bizarre cigarette habit, which he believes has helped inspire his success.
“I think, I smoked since [I was] 15 years old,” he said.
“I have more time living, smoking than without smoking. So for me, it’s normal.
“I smoke before the fight; on the day of the fight, you know, it’s normal.
“Now we [are] here in Louisville, so I [am] try to go drink some whiskey because [this] is capital of whiskey, and I really like whiskey.
“I’m not the kind of guy [who’s an] athlete, you know – I like to say that I’m a fighter, not an athlete because everybody says things.
“Sometimes I go to parties, smoke cigarettes, and drink. Of course, it’s not good, but I know how to find a way [to win] and things might get done.”
Jones will return himself in a heavyweight showdown with Stipe Miocic on November 17 at UFC 309.
‘Bones’ has hinted that it could be his final bow, given he has now accomplished all he set out to in the sport.
But challengers are queuing up to try to become the man to beat him, including Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira.
The American has indicated he would rather face Pereira if there is to be another return in 2025.
