MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for June 2014

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMAjunkie takes a look at the best knockouts from June 1-30. Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMAjunkie’s “Knockout of the Month” award for June 2014

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting on your choice for “Knockout of the Month.”

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THE NOMINEES

James Moontasri def. Jordan Rinaldi at RFA 15
A perfectly-placed uppercut from James Moontasri knocked Jordan Rinaldi out cold at RFA 15. Moontasri showed massive power in the fight as he picked his shots and eventually landed the fight-ending blow, which was impressive enough to earn a call to fight in the UFC.

Kevin Casey def. Andrew Sanchez at RFA 15
“The Ultimate Fighter 17? cast member Kevin Casey showed he’s more than just a grappler with a thudding knockout of Andrew Sanchez to capture the RFA middleweight championship. An overhand left spelled the beginning of the end and Casey finished the job with some powerful strikes on the ground.

Timur Valiev def. Adam Acquaviva at WSOF 10
The WSOF 10 preliminary-card saw one of the best knockouts of the month take place as Timur Valiev landed a gorgeous flying knee to the chin of Adam Acquaviva. Valiev knew he had his opponent in trouble from the moment the strike landed; however, no follow-up blows were required as the referee stopped the match.

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THE WINNER

No stranger to highlight-reel finishes, James Moontasri (7-2) delivered another stunning finish with a second-round knockout of Jordan Rinaldi (6-3) at RFA 15 in California.

The opening round was competitive, as the pair went back-and-forth on the feet. Moontasri, switching stances as he threw punches and kicks, got the best of the early action, but it was only a precursor of what was to come in the second frame.

As Rinaldi moved in, seeming to look for a takedown, Moontasri leveled him with a pinpoint uppercut that immediately left his opponent out cold. A few hooks added an exclamation point as Rinaldi fell to the floor, but the first punch had already sealed the deal 74 ticks into the second frame. The devastating shot forced Rinaldi to be carried out on a stretcher.