Gustavo Oliveira Delivers Devastating Spinning Back Elbow KO at PFL Europe 2, Honors Late Diogo Jota

At PFL Europe 2, rising Portuguese bantamweight Gustavo Oliveira made an unforgettable impression with a spectacular first-round knockout that could easily find itself in the running for Knockout of the Year.

Fighting with purpose and precision, the 28-year-old Oliveira entered the SmartCage ready to showcase his evolving skill set, but few expected the breathtaking finish he would deliver. Facing off against Anas Azizoun in a high-stakes bantamweight clash, Oliveira wasted no time in asserting himself. While both fighters initially looked to feel each other out, Oliveira quickly found his rhythm and timed one of the most devastating spinning back elbows seen in recent MMA memory.

The knockout came at just 3:25 of the opening round. During a brief exchange in the pocket, Oliveira suddenly spun with devastating intent, landing the elbow flush on Azizoun's temple. The strike was so clean and powerful that Azizoun was rendered unconscious instantly, collapsing to the canvas in a heap. The commentary team exploded in disbelief as the crowd erupted in awe at the brutal elegance of the finish.

The knockout left no doubt about Oliveira’s talent and explosiveness, and it certainly raised his profile within the PFL ranks. Moments like these are rare in MMA, and Oliveira seized the spotlight with a highlight-reel finish that fans and pundits will likely revisit for years to come. The performance not only put his name on the map in a crowded bantamweight division, but it also cemented him as a fighter to watch on the European circuit and beyond.

While the spectacular KO dominated the headlines, Oliveira’s post-fight gesture provided a moment of touching humanity. As his name was announced following the victory, Oliveira held up a handmade shirt bearing the name and number of Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3 while traveling with his brother in Spain. The tribute added a deeply emotional layer to an already unforgettable night.

In honoring Jota, Oliveira reminded the MMA community that beyond the highlight-reel knockouts and fierce competition, there are powerful stories and personal motivations that drive these athletes. His tribute to Jota resonated with fans and added a poignant postscript to his breakthrough moment.

As the MMA world reflects on PFL Europe 2, it’s clear that Gustavo Oliveira’s electrifying spinning back elbow isn’t just one of the most brutal knockouts of the year—it’s also one of the most meaningful. With one perfectly timed strike, Oliveira announced himself as a force to be reckoned with, while also paying homage to a fallen compatriot in a way that transcended sport.

One thing is for certain—Gustavo Oliveira definitely added a new highlight to his reel on Saturday at PFL Europe 2. And it’s a highlight that may just earn him Knockout of the Year honors when all is said and done.