English mixed martial arts sensation Yannick Bahati etched his name in Cage Warriors history with a stunning knockout that left spectators in awe.
Facing Australian opponent Charles Joyner in a highly anticipated rematch, Bahati needed just four seconds to end the contest – securing the fastest knockout ever recorded in Cage Warriors competition.
The breathtaking sequence saw Bahati grab Joyner’s lead hand before unleashing a devastating right backhand that instantly rendered his opponent unconscious. Joyner fell backward onto the canvas as the referee quickly intervened to prevent any unnecessary follow-up strikes.
“Wow. That’s got to be three or four seconds,” exclaimed commentators as shock registered on the faces of those witnessing the lightning-fast finish.
Bahati, aptly nicknamed the ‘Black Mamba,’ celebrated his historic achievement by leaping to the top of the cage and roaring in triumph. The decisive victory settled unfinished business between the two fighters, who had previously battled to a split draw at Cage Warriors 181 last November.
The win also snapped a challenging streak for the 35-year-old, who had gone four fights without a victory. Speaking after his remarkable performance, Bahati wasted no time calling out potential future opponents.
“World title, baby,” Bahati declared. “James Webb, Andy Clamp. World title. Doesn’t matter who is next.”
The Birmingham native also proudly noted that he had bested fellow hometown fighter and former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards’ record for quickest knockout. Edwards had previously scored an eight-second knockout of Seth Baczynski at a UFC Fight Night in April 2015, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
Bahati’s career has seen him compete across multiple promotions including Bellator and the Extreme Fighting Championship before finding success in Cage Warriors. Interestingly, his list of previous opponents includes current UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who defeated Bahati via guillotine choke in just 90 seconds during their 2017 encounter at EFC Worldwide 62.
After experiencing a difficult stretch with just one win in eight fights, the ‘Black Mamba’ has emphatically announced his return to form with this record-setting performance that has the MMA world buzzing.
