While other gigantic slams – such as Matt Hughes’ emergency counter-slam KO of Carlos Newton (UFC 34), Frank Shamrock’s career-ending suplex of Igor Zinoviev (UFC 16), or Jessica Andrade’s title-winning slam of Rose Namajunas (UFC 237) – are legendary in their own right, Rampage’s powerbomb stands out for its sheer height, power and pro-wrestling flair, translated into actual reality. fight. The impact literally folded Arona in half upon landing, leading to an instant knockout.
The fight: Rampage Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona
In the early 2000s, PRIDE FC was the premier heavyweight and light heavyweight promotion in the world, showcasing explosive athletes in a ring instead of a cage. Ricardo Arona, a top Brazilian prospect with a strong wrestling base, took on explosive wrestler-striker Quinton Jackson in a light heavyweight bout.
The fight was competitive early, with Arona pressing forward and trying to impose his ground game. But Rampage, known for his raw power and unpredictable style, waited for the perfect opening. With Arona working on his back, Jackson explosively hoisted him high above his head in a classic sit-out powerbomb position, lifting Arona completely off his feet, almost vertically, before driving him head and neck first straight down into the canvas.
The landing was catastrophic. Arona’s head and upper back absorbed the full force, his body contorting as his legs flew back and forth in a sickening arc. He was cold on impact – no follow-up attacks were necessary. The referee waved it away almost immediately. The entire sequence happened in a flash, but the image has been repeated countless times in “best of” compilations.
This slam KO is often called the greatest in MMA history because:
Altitude and airtime — Arona was lifted extremely high for an unscripted fight.
Influence — The fall combined gravity, Jackson’s strength, and Arona’s momentum into a devastating force.
Context – It happened against a top wrestler in the prime era of PRIDE, increasing Rampage’s star power and propelling him to eventual UFC success (including a light heavyweight title).
Other contenders for biggest/boldest slams
While Rampage vs. Arona takes the crown for pure spectacle, MMA history has no shortage of slams with highlights:
Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton (UFC 34, 2001) — Newton had Hughes locked in a deep triangle choke. Refusing to tap, Hughes stood up and slammed Newton’s head into the mat, knocking him out and winning the welterweight title. Often called the most “warrior” slam.
Frank Shamrock vs. Igor Zinoviev (UFC 16, 1998) – A brutal powerslam that broke Zinoviev’s collarbone and ended his career in just 22 seconds – one of the first and most terrifying slam KOs.
Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas (UFC 237, 2019) — Andrade reversed a takedown attempt into a huge side slam that knocked out the champion and earned her the strawweight belt in one of the greatest comebacks via slam.
Fan-voted rankings on sites like Tapology and UFC’s own “Grand Slams” features, along with viral YouTube compilations of slam KOs, consistently place Jackson-Arona at or near the top.
In a sport full of knockouts, submissions and wars, a perfectly executed slam combines raw athleticism, timing and violence in a way that few other moves can match. Rampage Jackson’s powerbomb on Arona remains the gold standard: the moment MMA fans point to when debating the greatest slam of all time.
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