Brutal! Former UFC champion falls 'sideways' after devastating knockout in boxing debut; watch the moment

Former UFC champion falls 'sideways' after devastating knockout in boxing debut. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The premiere of Luke Rockhold in professional boxing ended in disaster on Saturday night (30), at the AO Arena, in the main fight of Misfits Boxing 22. The former UFC champion was brutally knocked out by Darren till in a confrontation that was marked by a devastating knockout, which left the American lying unconscious and 'twisted' in the ring.

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Rockhold now faces a tough blow in his debut in the sport. A former UFC champion, the American also lost to Mike Perry in previous experience through 'bare-knuckle boxing'.

Till is undefeated, has improved to three wins and no losses in the promotion and is already drawing attention to a possible fight against former boxing champion Carl Froch, who was present at the arena and was challenged.

Darren Till delivers a violent knockout and ruins former UFC champion Luke Rockhold's professional boxing debut.

Rockhold started the fight confidently, using his reach and movement to control the first round. The American seemed poised to impose his game, but that changed dramatically in the final seconds of the round, when Till landed a powerful overhand that dropped Luke for the first time and left him dazed for the remainder of the count.

In the second round, Rockhold was unable to fully recover. Darren continued to press and landed heavy blows that staggered the former champion. The referee stopped the fight to check on Rockhold's condition, but allowed the fight to continue while the former UFC champion struggled to regain control.

The most shocking scene came in the third round. After cornering Rockhold against the ropes, Till unleashed a combination that culminated in a devastating left hook. The blow was so violent that not only did he fall, but the American was knocked to the ground and thrown across the ring.

DARREN TILL KNOCKS OUT ROCKHOLD IN THE THIRD ROUND TO RETAIN HIS MISFITS TITLE! #Misfits22 pic.twitter.com/59sNy1Dudg

— Combat Media (@CombatMedias) August 30, 2025