Knockout Kings: Fighters with the Most Knockouts in UFC History

By Ali Hammad September 06, 2024 04:54

Photo by Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The UFC is no stranger to intense battles and flashy KOs, and moments like these define careers and draw in fans from all over the globe. Here, we are listing fighters who have the most knockouts in UFC history, dissecting their fighting style, greatest achievements, and the meaning of knockouts in MMA.

Why UFC Knockouts Matter

Nothing gets the heart pumping like a good knockout in mixed martial arts. Knockouts are the ultimate way to end fights quickly, as they demonstrate a fighter's power, accuracy, and timing. KO wins are flashier than decision victories and carry much more weight in a fighter's legacy. Fighters with many KOs in their resume are often highly idolized, as they hold the power to alter an otherwise even bout in one strike.

Derrick Lewis: A Heavyweight Powerhouse

Career Knockouts

A particular force in the heavyweight division, Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis, is tied for first among knockout victories with 15. A heavyweight with freakish power and an iron chin, Lewis is best known for his one-punch KO power. Throughout his career, he has registered significant wins via knockout against elite competitors like Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes.

Fighting Style and Techniques

Lewis is best known for his granite chin and brutal fight-ending counterstriking. He can lull the opposition into a false sense of security and upend that with his brutal right hand. An example of this was his knockout over Volkov at UFC 229 with only seconds left, which speaks to that patience and power.

Matt Brown: The Immortal Brawler

Key Career Moments

The immortal Matt Brown, with 13 UFC knockouts, is yet another knockout aficionado. Known for his striking volume and forward-pressure style, Brown has primarily competed as a welterweight. Winning by knockout was his trademark, especially with the wins against Diego Sanchez and Erick Silva.

Fighting Style and Techniques

Brown is gritty and tenacious in the fight. Blending Muay Thai with volume in a high-pressure attack, he tends to drown opponents under wave after wave of strikes. If he can keep up his relentless pace and aggressive striking, it means nothing but trouble for anybody in the octagon.

Anderson Silva: The Spider's Legacy

Career Highlights & Knockouts

Former middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva is perhaps the best-known striker with 11 knockouts inside the UFC. The Silva era is defined by jaw-dropping in-knockouts of opponents, including Vitor Belfort and Forrest Griffin.

Fighting Style and Techniques

Silva's style of fighting combines precision striking with elusiveness and creativity. His UFC 126 win over Vitor Belfort via front kick KO is one of the most famous moments in UFC lore. What makes Silva unique as a knockout artist, though, is his remarkable ability to pick up on openings and capitalize with the precision of a surgeon.

Vitor Belfort: The Phenom's Explosive Power

Career and Notable Victories

Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort, currently 12 UFC Knockouts, is known for his explosive power and hand speed. Fighting at a variety of weights, Belfort scored one of his biggest wins with this KO stoppage of Wanderlei Silva in 44 seconds at UFC Brazil.

Fighting Style and Techniques

Belfort is aggressive and fast-paced with his attacks, using a flurrying attack to overwhelm an opponent. That aggressive style has also led to 14 stoppages. Famously, he downed Michael Bisping with a head kick at UFC on FX striking.

Dustin Poirier: The Diamond's Accuracy

Key Career Wins and Knockouts

Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier is a fighter who will always bring you an exciting fight because he has quick and great cardio and has 11 knockouts. His knockout win over Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje throughout the lightweight division made Poirier a household name.

Fighting Style and Techniques

A combination of punching and in-fight adjustments defines Poirier's game. His striking is accurate, and he does it perfectly with exceptional footwork that helps him dictate the pace and range. At UFC 257, Poirier displayed his power and precision when he recorded a knockout victory over McGregor.

Knockouts in UFC: How They've Changed Over Time

UFC fighting styles and the evolution of techniques have affected knockout percentages over time. As the sport continued to evolve, fighters mastered more aspects of fighting, creating more well-rounded Martial Artists incorporating striking, grappling, and conditioning. The evolution has made for more intentional KOs, thus making the sport even more competitive and technical, as these fighters now have a wider repertoire.

These fighters epitomize the high stakes and sudden change of fortunes inherent to UFC. Their power to execute fight-ending finishers thrills fans and helps them secure their spot as a legend in the book of the all-time great UFC fights.