In the buzzing world of mixed martial arts, nothing gets fans on their feet quite like a knockout. The UFC has been home to some of the hardest hitters in combat sports history, fighters who possess the kind of power that can turn the tide of a fight with a single blow. From heavyweights to featherweights, these knockout artists have left an indelible mark on the sport and etched their names into UFC history.

This list isn’t just a celebration of raw power, though that certainly plays a part. It’s a recognition of the fighters who’ve honed their striking. They possess the technique and timing to deliver those blows with pinpoint accuracy. They are the knockout artists who have built their careers on highlight-reel finishes, leaving opponents sprawled on the canvas in a heap of unconscious defeat.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 hardest hitters in UFC history, exploring their legendary knockouts and the impact they’ve had on the sport and eventually crowning the hardest hitter in UFC history.

 

 

HARDEST HITTERS AND THEIR LEGENDARY KNOCKOUTS

10. Josh Emmett:

Josh Emmett has cemented his name as one of the most devastating punchers in UFC history, possessing a rare combination of power, precision, and timing. Throughout his career, he has delivered numerous highlight-reel knockouts, leaving opponents stunned and fans in awe.

Emmett’s knockout power is evident in every weight class he’s competed in. His ability to shut off the lights with a single strike and his knockout of Michael Johnson is a prime example, where a perfectly timed right hand sent Johnson crashing to the canvas. Emmett’s knockout against Mitchell is a defining moment in his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the hardest hitters in UFC history. It’s a testament to his dedication, skill, and raw power, making him a must-watch fighter for any MMA fan.

Notable knockouts include:

Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296: A perfectly placed knee to the head followed by a flurry of punches secured the knockout at UFC 296, earning Emmett a Performance of the Night bonus.

Michael Johnson at UFC on ESPN 2: A perfectly timed right hand sent Johnson crashing to the canvas.

Mirsad Bektic at UFC Fight Night 155: A barrage of punches led to a TKO victory in the first round at UFC Fight Night: De Randamie vs. Ladd.

  1. Justin Gaethje:

Justin Gaethje, aptly nicknamed “The Highlight,” is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and devastating strikers in UFC history. His relentless aggression, coupled with his concussive power, has earned him a reputation as a knockout artist. Gaethje’s unique style of fighting, which involves constant forward pressure and a willingness to engage in brawls, often leads to spectacular finishes. 

Since joining the UFC in 2017, Gaethje has consistently delivered exciting fights, earning numerous Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. His notable victories include wins over Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler. Despite his aggressive style, Gaethje has also shown resilience and heart, coming back from adversity to secure victories.

Notable Knockouts:

Tony Ferguson at UFC 249: A dominant performance culminated in a fifth-round TKO, ending Ferguson’s record of 12 wins in a row, earning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.

Edson Barboza at UFC on ESPN 2: A perfectly timed right hook sent the notoriously durable Barboza crashing to the canvas in the first round at UFC on ESPN 2. 

Dustin Poirier: Following the loss to Dustin on UFC on Fox 29, Justin faced him in a rematch at UFC 291 for the Baddest Motherfucker Belt, and won in the second round.

  1. Ilia Topuria:

Ilia Topuria, known as “El Matador,” is a rising star in the UFC’s featherweight division, rapidly gaining recognition for his well-rounded skills and dominant performances. Hailing from Georgia and representing both Georgia and Spain, Topuria’s undefeated record and impressive finishing rate have made him a fighter to watch. 

Since joining the UFC in 2020, Topuria has maintained an undefeated record, finishing most of his opponents. His impressive wins include victories over Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and Bryce Mitchell. Topuria’s dominance inside the octagon has earned him performance bonuses and a rapidly growing fan base. His defeat of the 4-year champion has made him a focus to reckon with. He also ranks #5 on the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Notable knockouts:

Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298: A stunning second-round knockout at UFC 298 that earned him the UFC Featherweight Championship and solidified his place as a top contender.

Damon Jackson at UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori: A first-round knockout in his UFC debut, showcasing his power and precision.

Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 204: A second-round knockout after a knockdown from a head kick in round one, further demonstrated his striking abilities.

  1. Sergei Pavlovich: The Russian Heavyweight Prospect:

Sergei Pavlovich is a rising star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight division. With his powerful striking and aggressive fighting style, Pavlovich has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC.

Sergei Pavlovich was born in May 1992, and fighting out of Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Sergei Pavlovich competes in the UFC heavyweight division. He made his UFC debut on November 24, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2, where he was defeated by Alistair Overeem via knockout in the first round. Much like his idol, Fedor Emelianenko, Pavlovich possesses a natural ability to generate knockout power with seemingly effortless strikes. This isn’t just brute force; it’s a combination of technique, timing, and fight IQ. Pavlovich is adept at finding openings and capitalizing on them with devastating precision.

Notable Knockouts:

Curtis Blaydes (UFC Fight Night 222): In a highly anticipated main event, Pavlovich shocked the MMA world by dispatching the perennial contender, Curtis Blaydes, in just over three minutes of the first round.  A series of brutal punches sent Blaydes crashing to the canvas, signaling a changing of the guard in the heavyweight division.

Derrick Lewis (UFC 277): Pavlovich’s knockout of Derrick Lewis was one of the most prolific knockout artists in UFC history. Though his victory in the first round was considered premature by fighters and fans alike, it was in no way a small defeat.

Tai Tuivasa (UFC on ESPN 42): Against the fan-favorite Tai Tuivasa, Pavlovich earned Performance of the Night award with a first round KO.

  1. Alex Pereira: POATAN

Alex Pereira, hailing from Brazil, has quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the UFC. With a background in kickboxing, where he was a multiple-time champion. Pereira’s natural talent and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks of kickboxing. He became a two-time Glory Middleweight Champion and a Glory Light Heavyweight Champion, making history as the first fighter to hold two belts simultaneously in the organization. His kickboxing career was marked by spectacular knockouts, often delivered with his signature left hook, earning him the nickname “Poatan” (Hands of Stone).

Pereira’s arrival in the UFC in 2021 was met with anticipation and excitement. His reputation as a knockout artist preceded him, and he quickly lived up to the hype. In just his fourth UFC fight, he captured the middleweight championship by defeating his longtime rival, Israel Adesanya, whom he had previously defeated twice in kickboxing. Pereira’s reign as middleweight champion was brief but impactful, marked by his electrifying knockout power and his rivalry with Adesanya. In 2023, he made a bold move up to the light heavyweight division, where he once again shocked the world by defeating Jiří Procházka to become the new champion. This made him the ninth fighter in UFC history to become champion in two different weight classes.

Notable Knockouts:

Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295: Pereira after his decision to move to the heavyweight category faced former UFC Light Heavyweight champion for the vacant belt and won the bout via TKO. 

Jamahal Hill at UFC 300: Alex Pereira made his first title defence against  the former UFC champion where he won in the first round with a left hook.

Andreas Michailidis (UFC 268): In his UFC debut, Pereira announced his arrival with a spectacular flying knee knockout in the second round, leaving Michailidis unconscious and the MMA world buzzing with excitement.

  1. Chuck Liddell: The Iceman:

In the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), few fighters have left as lasting an impact as Chuck Liddell. His reign in the early to mid-2000s was defined by one thing above all else: bone-crushing knockout power. Liddell wasn’t just a puncher; he was a finisher, a fighter whose victories often came in the form of spectacular knockouts that left fans awestruck.

Known as “The Iceman,” Liddell thrilled fans with his aggressive fighting style and devastating knockout power. Born on December 17, 1969, in Santa Barbara, California, Chuck Liddell competed in the UFC light heavyweight division. He made his UFC debut on May 15, 1998, at UFC 17: Redemption, where he defeated Noe Hernandez via unanimous decision.

Chuck Liddell’s legacy transcends wins and losses. He was a pioneer of the sport, a fighter who brought a new level of excitement to the UFC with his aggressive style and devastating knockouts. He inspired a generation of fighters and remains a fan favorite to this day. His reign as “The Iceman” may have ended, but his thunderous punches and his record for the longest knockout streak will forever be etched in UFC history.

Notable Knockouts:

Tito Ortiz – UFC 47: In the second round of their highly anticipated bout, Liddell landed a devastating right hook that sent Ortiz crashing to the canvas. As Ortiz struggled to get back to his feet, Liddell unleashed a barrage of follow-up punches, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.

Randy Couture – UFC 52: One of the greatest moments in UFC history. In the first round of their highly anticipated rematch, Liddell caught Couture with a perfectly timed counterpunch that sent him crashing to the canvas. As Couture attempted to recover, Liddell swarmed him with a series of vicious punches, prompting the referee to stop the fight and declare Liddell the winner by knockout.

Renato Sobral – UFC 62: Liddell’s rematch with Renato Sobral with Liddell delivering a devastating left hook that sent Sobral crashing to the canvas in the first round.

  1. Conor McGregor: The Notorious:

Nicknamed “The Notorious” Conor McGregor is one of the most popular and successful fighters in UFC history. The Dublin-born Irishman stormed onto the scene with a flashy style and an even flashier left hand. Unlike some strikers who rely on brute force, McGregor’s secret weapon was his laser-sharp focus and pinpoint accuracy.

He possesses the kind of power that can turn a fight on its head with a single blow. With incredible striking and knockout power, McGregor has finished many of his opponents with his devastating left hand. Beyond his knockout power, McGregor possessed a well-rounded skillset that complemented his striking. His movement was exceptional, allowing him to evade attacks and create openings for his counters. His trash talk, while often brash and over-the-top, served a strategic purpose, distracting opponents and playing mind games.

Notable Knockouts:

Jose Aldo at UFC 194: McGregor became the featherweight champion of the world by knocking out Aldo in just 13 seconds with a devastating left hook.

Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205: McGregor made history by becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously by knocking out Alvarez in the second round with a brutal flurry of punches.

Donald Cerrone at UFC 246: McGregor made a triumphant return to the Octagon by knocking out Cerrone in just 40 seconds with a devastating head kick and follow-up punches.

  1. Derrick Lewis: The Black Beast:

Derrick Lewis, also known as “The Black Beast,” is one of the most feared heavyweights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) who has the most knockouts in UFC history. Born on February 7, 1985, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, as mentioned before Derrick currently holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history and UFC heavyweight history.

Starting his journey in MMA in late 2009, Derrick Lewis competes in the UFC heavyweight division. He made his UFC debut on April 19, 2014, at UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne, where he defeated Jack May via knockout in the first round.

With his incredible punching power and relentless fighting style, Lewis has become known for his ability to end fights spectacularly. He isn’t just a knockout artist; he’s a patient predator, stalking his prey with a predator’s focus before unleashing a devastating blow that can turn the tide of a fight in an instant.

Notable Knockouts:

Alexander Volkov – UFC 229 2018: In one of the most memorable comebacks in UFC history, Derrick Lewis secured a stunning knockout victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC 229. With just seconds remaining in the third round of their bout, Lewis landed a thunderous right hand that sent Volkov crashing to the canvas.

Travis Browne – UFC Fight Night 2017: In the second round of their bout, Lewis landed a devastating right hand that staggered Browne. Both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night for their performance.

Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 185: After  Blaydes tested positive for COVID-19, their initial fight scheduled to hold at UFC on ESPN 18, their fight was rescheduled and Lewis won with a second round knockout.

Lewis’s knockout victories and aggressive fighting style have made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC. With his incredible punching power and never-say-die attitude, Lewis has earned a place among the hardest hitters in UFC history.

  1. Anthony Johnson: Rumble:

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is another fighter known for his incredible punching power. But he wasn’t just a fighter, he was a walking highlight reel. His highlight reel is a testament to his devastating impact. His left hook was a thing of beauty and destruction, capable of switching off an opponent’s lights in the blink of an eye. His knockout of Alexander Gustafsson, a man known for his granite chin, remains etched in fight fan memory.

The Georgia native possesses the kind of knockout power that can turn a fight on its head with a single blow. With a background in wrestling and boxing, Johnson has the kind of explosive power that strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents. Nicknamed for the thunderous impact of his strikes, Johnson left a trail of unconscious opponents throughout his UFC career. While he may not have secured the coveted UFC championship title, Johnson cemented his place in fight history as one of the most feared strikers thanks to his bone-crushing punching power.

Notable Knockouts:

Glover Teixeira at UFC 202: Johnson showcased his incredible punching power by knocking out Teixeira with a brutal uppercut in the first round.

Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox 14: In a battle of two of the top light heavyweights in the world, Johnson proved he was a force to be reckoned with by knocking out Gustafsson in the first round.

Ryan Bader at UFC on Fox 18: Johnson continued his reign of terror in the light heavyweight division by knocking out Bader in the first round with a vicious series of punches.

  1. Francis Ngannou: The Predator:

Francis Ngannou isn’t just the hardest hitter in UFC history; he’s one of the hardest hitters in the history of combat sports. The Cameroonian-born heavyweight possesses the kind of power that can end a bout with a single punch. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at over 250 pounds, Ngannou has the kind of raw, bone-crushing power that strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents.

Ngannou’s claim to fame is undeniable: he possesses some of the hardest-hitting punches ever recorded in combat sports history. This isn’t mere hyperbole. In 2018, a visit to the UFC Performance Institute yielded a scientific confirmation of what fight fans already knew: Ngannou’s right hand is a missile. He registered a staggering 129,161 units on a PowerKube, a device that measures punching power. This shattered the previous record and cemented his status as the undisputed king of knockout power in the UFC.

In October 2023, Ngannou faced Tyson Fury, the undefeated WBC and Lineal Heavyweight Champion where he outlanded Fury 37 to 32 in power punches. Although he lost the fight in a controversial split decision, he was ranked #10 by the WBC.

Notable Knockouts:

Alistair Overeem at UFC 218: Ngannou sent Overeem crashing to the canvas with a vicious uppercut that left the Dutchman unconscious before he hit the ground.

Cain Velasquez at UFC on ESPN 1: In a battle of two heavyweight juggernauts, Ngannou landed a thunderous uppercut that sent Velasquez reeling and sealed the deal with a barrage of follow-up punches.

Stipe Miocic at UFC 260: This rematch for the UFC Heavyweight Championship ended with Ngannou knocking Miocic out in the second round, thus claiming the title.