Systems were shut down in devastating fashion inside the Octagon in October, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld as he selects the month’s top five UFC knockouts.

Many forlorn fighters weren’t just stopped this month; they were knocked spark out in a variety of jaw-dropping ways.

October’s finest finishes saw a freak athlete announce himself in a new weight class, a new contender come up big on home soil, a stalwart get back on track, a natural-born killer do his thing, and a veteran go out on his shield.

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5: End of the Road

Court McGee went out on his shield in his final fight at UFC 332. The veteran was willing in his swansong but simply couldn’t hang with the younger Eric Nolan, who put him down for good in the third round.

4: Death Touch

Damian Pinas unleashed an uppercut from the depths of hell to starch Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 332 and pick up his third straight first-round finish.

3: Touchy Subject

Andre “Touchy” Fili ended a two-fight losing skid in sensational fashion when he nearly decapitated Kai Kamaka III with a sick head kick at UFC Vegas 122.

2: Lights Out, Mouthpiece Out!

Canada’s own Mike Malott landed one of the most perfectly timed knees you’ll ever see to stop Joaquin Buckley and send his mouthpiece flying in the main event of UFC Edmonton.

1: Heeeere’s Johnny

Johnny Walker looked spectacular in his heavyweight debut, murking Mick Parkin with an elbow, flying knee and Thai plum knee combination at UFC 332.