Carlos Prates got a $50,000 bonus for a sickening knockout of Li Jingliang at UFC 305 on Saturday.
But if the bonus-picking members of the UFC brass had seen a photo of the knockout moment by Colin Murty in Perth, Australia, before their decision, they might have been inclined to give Prates even more – or send a little something Murty’s way.
Career photojournalist Murty, who was shooting for Getty Images via Agence France-Presse, has an extensive resume stretching back more than 40 years, but you won’t find a lot of MMA on his CV. That’s what will make those who appreciate good photography – particularly good sports photography – love this shot even more.
(And if you’re tempted to say, “Oh, he probably just has a really good camera,” then please go away. He does. Of course he does. And he also has the kind of eye and instincts that can lead to an insane image like this. Most of the rest of us don’t, no matter how much our iPhones lie to us #SupportRealPhotographers.)
China’s Li Jingliang (in red) is knocked out by Brazil’s Carlos Prates at UFC 305 in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
Prates opened up the pay-per-view main card with a stunning walk-off knockout of Jingliang late in the second round. It was the first time “The Leech” had been knocked out in a career dating back 17 years.
See the face-melting moment Prates shut Jingliang’s lights out below.
China’s Li Jingliang (in red) is knocked out by Brazil’s Carlos Prates in their men’s welterweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the Perth Arena in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
Li Jingliang (in red) is knocked out by Brazil’s Carlos Prates at UFC 305 in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
Absurd, is it not?
Prates’ win was his 10th straight – the past nine of which have been by knockout, including his first three in the UFC.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.
