In one of the most talked-about moments in combat sports this year, former UFC middleweight Claudio Ribeiro delivered a stunning first-round knockout against ex-Olympic boxer Michel Borges at Karate Combat 59 on February 13, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
The striking contest took place at the Telemundo Center and was billed as MMA vs. boxing, a matchup that has fans debating which discipline truly dominates.
Unlike a full MMA fight, this bout focused solely on stand-up striking, giving both athletes the chance to test their hands and feet without grappling or ground work.
MMA vs Boxing Debate Gains Momentum
Talk around MMA and boxing has been growing louder in recent months. Boxing stars like Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson have publicly defended their sport’s superiority over MMA, with Crawford declaring that MMA promotions will never outshine boxing and Stevenson even calling out top MMA fighters to step into the ring with him.
These comments sparked strong responses from MMA fighters, including Joaquin Buckley, who made bold claims about how an MMA striker could handle top boxers.
This rivalry in opinion set the stage perfectly for the clash between Ribeiro and Borges at Karate Combat 59.
A Quick and Decisive Finish
From the opening bell, Ribeiro, who had limited success inside the UFC Octagon, wasted no time showcasing his power.
He opened the fight with a sweeping leg kick that briefly unbalanced Borges, briefly putting the former Olympic silver medalist off his feet.
Seizing the moment, Ribeiro followed up with a heavy combination that dropped Borges to the canvas.
With the Olympic boxer on the ground, Ribeiro continued to land solid blows until the referee stepped in to stop the bout.
The entire sequence unfolded in less than five minutes, leaving many spectators stunned at how quickly the contest ended.
What This Means for MMA and Boxing
Ribeiro’s performance has reignited conversations among fight fans about which combat sport produces more effective stand-up fighters.
Some argue that MMA training provides a wider range of striking skills that can surprise boxers outside the traditional boxing ring.
Others still believe that a pure boxer’s technique and timing give them the edge in striking-only exchanges.
Regardless of where you stand, the knockout showcased Ribeiro’s striking instincts and reminded everyone that MMA fighters are well-rounded athletes capable of fast finishes against accomplished opponents.
Looking Ahead
Karate Combat 59 isn’t just remembered for the Ribeiro vs. Borges clash. The event featured several high-profile matchups that highlighted the versatility and excitement of modern combat sports, blending elements of karate, kickboxing, and MMA under a unique ruleset.
As MMA and boxing continue to cross paths in various events around the world, performances like Ribeiro’s finish will add fuel to the debate and keep fans talking long after the final bell.