Graham Paul Smith, 23, of Acre Lane, Oldham, admitted one count of racially aggravated grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 18 months at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Wednesday.
The court head that the 53-year-old victim was on Shrewsbury Street just before midday on October 31, 2009, when Smith began verbally abusing him.
The victim confronted Smith, and was then punched in the face and fell to the floor.
The victim got up and was once again punched to the ground by Smith, who then made racist comments towards the victim.
He was taken to hospital for treatment to a bleed on his brain.
Detective Sergeant Ian Webb, of Oldham CID, said: "The fact Smith was drunk before midday and prepared to randomly launch tirades of verbal abuse against complete strangers tells you exactly what type of person he is.
"His level of aggression indicates he was clearly looking for a fight and his actions left his victim critically ill as a result.
"While he has made a remarkable recovery the consequences could have been far worse, even fatal.
"There is no place for this type of behaviour on the streets of Oldham and this prison sentence will offer the opportunity for him to reflect on his thuggish and totally unacceptable behaviour."
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