Who Has the Most Knockouts in UFC History?

Knockouts are probably what attracts a fan to the sport of MMA most. The UFC has had some memorable highlight-reel knockouts since its introduction. Over the years we have seen some vicious and technical knockout artists grace the octagon. From Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort to Anthony Johnson and Francis Ngannou, there have been numerous vicious KO artists over the years in the UFC.

To be on the list for the most knockouts in the history of the UFC, a fighter’s skills, as well as longevity, are equally important. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Francis Ngannou, Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, and many more are all emphatic knockout artists. However, they are not on the list for a variety of reasons.

Here we take a look at the fighters who have set the records in the UFC for their record of knockouts in the promotion.

4. 9 knockouts

Francis Ngannou, Max Holloway, Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Rich Franklin

There are 6 fighters who have claimed 9 T/KO victories in the UFC. Four of them have held gold in the promotion, whereas the other two have challenged for the belt. Former champions Max Holloway (featherweight), Andrei Arlovski (heavyweight), Rich Franklin (middleweight) and current heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic are tied in the fourth spot.

Former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion., K-1 Grand Prix champion and UFC title challenger Alistair Overeem is among the UFC champions in this list.

Another former UFC heavyweight title challenger and current No. 1 contender Francis “The Predator” Ngannou also makes the list with 9 knockouts. What’s impressive about his presence here, is that he has the least fights and time spent in the company.

Ngannou finds himself among some of the biggest names after just 11 UFC fights. Furthermore, he has registered knockout wins over former champions like Andrei Arlovski and Cain Velasquez in his short stint in the promotion.

3. 10 knockouts

 Donald Cerrone, Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Michael Bisping, Chuck Liddell

There are five fighters with 10 knockouts in the UFC. The all-time leader in wins and finishes Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone holds his place in his own right. He is the only active fighter with 10 knockouts in the promotion.

Former heavyweight champions Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, both hold 10 knockouts in the division.  Former light heavyweight champion, “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell also takes his place on the list.

Michael Bisping has 10 UFC T/KO’s. The last one against Luke Rockhold saw him ascend to the pinnacle of the 185 pounds division.

2. 11 knockouts

Derrick Lewis, Matt Brown, Thiago Santos, Anthony Johnson, Anderson Silva

Derrick Lewis is the holder of the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history. “The Black Beast” has managed to add 11 victims to his collection of knockouts. Matt Brown has 11 knockouts in welterweight, which is also a divisional record.

Thiago Santos, Anderson Silva, and Anthony Johnson have all managed to get 11 knockouts in the UFC in the light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions, respectively. ‘The Spider’s’ numbers are held in higher regard as seven of his T/KO wins have come in title fights. He has finished legends like Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, Rich Franklin and Stephan Bonnar.

1. 12 knockouts

Vitor Belfort

The former light heavyweight champion, Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort stands alone at the top of the mountain for the most knockouts in UFC history with 12. He has finished opponents in three different divisions i.e. middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.

Belfort has knocked out the likes of Luke Rockhold, Dan Henderson, Michael Bisping, Rich Franklin, and many more legends throughout the course of his UFC career that began in 1997.

Who do you think has been the most prolific knockout artist in the history of the UFC? Let us know your thoughts below.