Which fighter scored the first knockout in UFC history?

Gerard Gordeau scored the first knockout in UFC history.

Gordeau recorded the historic finish at UFC 1 on November 12, 1993, defeating sumo wrestler Teila Tuli by knockout in the opening bout of the tournament. The fight ended after Gordeau landed a high kick that struck Tuli in the face.

The result is notable because UFC 1 was designed to compare different martial arts styles rather than to follow the modern structure of regulated MMA. There were no weight classes, time limits, or standardized gloves at the event.

Gordeau later reached the UFC 1 final but lost to Royce Gracie by submission. That later result is why Gordeau is not the tournament winner, even though he produced the first knockout in UFC history.