Pettis, MMA's star, knocks Horiguchi cold with a 'KOof the year' spinning fist that sends commentator wild

Sergio Pettis, a MMA superstar, produced one of the best knockouts of the year when his spinning punch knocked Kyoji Horiuchi to the ground.

American Pettis escaped almost certain defeat by the remarkable strike that sent the commentator wild.

Pettis was far behind in the cards, as Horiguchi, the dominant player, easily won the first three rounds of Friday's game.

Three minutes and 24 seconds into his fourth round, the Bellator 272 bantamweight bout was overturned at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

The two got into a close quarters fight and Pettis kicked a high-kick.

Horiguchi tried to hide under it, but Pettis used his kick momentum and spun him into a spin. The resultant punch hit his opponent right on the cheek.

The Japanse was instantly knocked out, and sent sprawling to the canvas.

Pettis tried to end it with a hammer punch, but his opponent was already gone and the ref pulled him out.

Pettis stated that he was shocked to lose the fight after the event. I have to do something extraordinary.

"And it came out at just the right moment."

Horiguchi had landed more strikes than Pettis' 19, before the KO, and he also held the advantage on the floor.

Pettis was the victorious and that was all she wrote.

He said, "I had to face some adversity. Tonight Horiguchi gave it all to me.

"Man, it was difficult trying to time his beat, try to get him to move down, but man, it was just hard to open up.

"My coaches have always told me that if you are open to learning, you will be one of the greatest in the world," and that is what I am striving for.

"I am only 28 years old, and this fight taught me that there is so much more I can do."

The TV commentator was lost for words, and simply stated: "ARE YOU KINDING ME?" !"

It was a hit with online fight fans.

Brett Okamoto wrote "SHOWTIME Sergio Pettis?" ?

"OMGGGGGGGG. This could be the end of the year. It is amazing to think about the technique and the destruction it has caused. Unbelievable."

Marc Raimond called it "Unreal."

Pettis is now 4-0 in Bellator with the win.

Anthony, Pettis' brother placed a $10,000 wager on his sibling. He cashed out when it appeared he was going lose.