Spectacular Finish in Season 9 Finale
Juan Diaz delivered one of the most memorable moments in Dana White’s Contender Series history, scoring a devastating spinning-back elbow knockout over Won Il Kwon during Week 10 of Season 9. The strike landed cleanly at 4:58 of the second round, instantly ending the bout and sending Diaz to the canvas in celebration. The knockout marked the first spinning-back elbow finish ever recorded on the DWCS stage.
The Setup and Execution
Throughout the fight, Diaz maintained a measured pace, pressuring Kwon with sharp combinations and forcing defensive reactions. In the closing seconds of the second round, he noticed Kwon repeatedly ducking under punches and capitalized with a perfectly timed spin. The elbow connected flush to the chin, dropping Kwon immediately as the referee stepped in to halt the contest. The precision and timing of the strike drew immediate praise from analysts and fans alike.
Contract Secured and Viral Reaction
UFC president Dana White awarded Diaz a UFC contract moments after the finish, calling the knockout one of the most spectacular in Contender Series history. Clips of the strike spread rapidly across social media, with many labeling it an early candidate for “Knockout of the Year.” The win improved Diaz’s professional record to 15-5-1 and solidified his place as one of the most exciting new additions to the UFC roster.
