(Image Via Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Brian Kelleher
has always been a fighter who brings excitement to the cage, but on one unforgettable night in 2020, he truly lived up to his nickname. Facing off against rising star Hunter Azure, an undefeated 8-0 prospect, Kelleher was seen as the underdog. Azure had all the hype—he had impressed Dana White’s Contender Series and even taken down an Ultimate Fighter winner in his
UFC
debut. But Kelleher had other plans. In a stunning upset, he delivered one of the most devastating knockouts of his career, proving that experience and power could trump hype. It was a moment that defined his UFC tenure, one that fans still talk about today.
The Knockout That Shocked the UFC World
Brian Kelleher, a 40-fight veteran, had moved up to featherweight for this fight, entering the cage with a record of 4-3 in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Azure, the undefeated prospect, was riding high after an impressive decision win over Brad Katona. The matchup looked like a stepping stone for Azure—until ‘Boom’ decided to flip the script.
The fight, which took place in May 2020, saw Azure come out strong, showing off his wrestling and striking. But Kelleher stayed patient, waiting for his opportunity. When it came in the second round, he didn’t miss. He uncorked a monstrous left hand that sent Azure crashing to the mat. Two brutal follow-up punches sealed the deal, leaving Azure unconscious and Kelleher with one of the most memorable knockouts of the year.
‘Boom’ had done it. He had silenced the doubters and handed Azure his first professional loss in emphatic fashion. It was a victory that cemented his reputation as a dangerous finisher, always capable of producing a moment of magic inside the Octagon.
They Don’t Call Him Brian “BOOM” Kelleher For Nothing
Kelleher went 3-2 in his next five fights before his career took a downturn. His last victory came in 2022 against
Kevin Croom
, after which he suffered losses to elite talents like Umar Nurmagomedov and Cody Garbrandt. In October, the UFC cut Kelleher along with 11 other fighters, and on Wednesday, he officially announced his retirement.
“I don’t know what’s next but it seems fighting has come to an end,” Kelleher tweeted. “What a journey. Thank you all who have supported me. Love you. BOOM.”
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For fight fans, that knockout of Hunter Azure will always stand as a reminder of the power of ‘Boom’—a moment when he shocked the world and lived up to his name in spectacular fashion.
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