Most Finishes in UFC History: Top UFC Finishers
In the UFC, nothing excites fans more than a finish, whether it’s a knockout, a TKO, or a slick submission. These moments reveal who’s truly in control, as the fight concludes before the judges have a say. Throughout the years, the UFC has witnessed submission experts, knockout champions, and tough veterans who have earned their names by finishing fights quickly. Fighters like Charles Oliveira, who has the record for the most finishes in UFC history with 20 (including a record 16 submissions) and veterans like Jim Miller with 19 finishes, highlight the significance of ending fights quickly.
Image Source: ufc.com(Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Top 5 Most Finishes in UFC History
Here are the top 5 fighters with the most finishes in UFC history, where early endings built unforgettable legacies.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Finishes | Knockouts (KO/TKO) | Submissions |
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 20 | 4 | 16 |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 19 | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | Donald Cerrone | 16 | 6 | 10 |
| 4 | Derrick Lewis | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 5 | Matt Brown | 15 | 12 | 3 |
Charles Oliveira – 20 Finishes
Finishes: 4 knockouts, 16 submissions
Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history, with a total of 20 wins that ended before the final bell. He is also known as the submission king, boasting 16 submissions to his name, utilizing techniques ranging from guillotines to rear-naked chokes, and even pulling off a rare calf slicer against Eric Wisely. Oliveira’s skills aren’t limited to grappling as he has also showcased his striking ability, achieving 4 KO/TKO victories. His major achievement include a stunning comeback knockout against Michael Chandler to claim the lightweight title and a first-round TKO against Justin Gaethje.
Jim Miller – 19 Finishes
Finishes: 6 knockouts, 13 submissions
Jim Miller exemplifies longevity in the UFC. He holds the record for the most fights in UFC history and has achieved 19 finishes inside the Octagon. This places him second all-time, just behind Charles Oliveira. Renowned for his exceptional grappling skills, Miller has secured 13 submission victories, with his guillotine choke being his trademark technique. He has managed to tap out notable fighters like Takanori Gomi and Donald Cerrone using it. He has also developed significant knockout power, boasting 6 KO/TKO victories, including a rapid 23-second knockout of Erick Gonzalez. Additionally, he is the only fighter to have competed at UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300, showcasing his remarkable endurance across different eras.
Donald Cerrone – 16 Finishes
Finishes: 6 knockouts, 10 submissions
Donald Cerrone is known as one of the most thrilling finishers in the UFC, retiring in 2022 with a total of 16 finishes in his career (6 by knockout and 10 by submission). Famous for his head-kick knockouts against opponents like Matt Brown, Rick Story, and Alexander Hernandez. Cerrone also displayed impressive grappling techniques with triangle chokes, armbars, and rear-naked chokes. What truly made him a legend was not just his talent, but his willingness to fight anyone, at any time, often on short notice, and still manage to produce highlight-reel finishes.
Derrick Lewis – 16 Finishes
Finishes: 16 knockouts, 0 submissions
Derrick Lewis is known as the knockout king of the UFC. He holds the record for the most career knockouts with 16, which is the highest in UFC history. Nearly all of his victories have come through KO/TKO, highlighting his incredible raw power. Lewis is well-known for his ability to change the outcome of fights with just one punch, like his amazing last-minute comeback against Alexander Volkov and his fierce uppercut on Curtis Blaydes. He describes his fighting style as “swangin and bangin” and it really fits because he relies on pure knockout strength rather than complicated techniques.
Matt Brown – 15 Finishes
Finishes: 12 knockouts, 3 submissions
Matt Brown, nicknamed “the immortal” is recognized as one of the UFC’s most thrilling and aggressive finishers. He achieved 15 finishes in the Octagon as he is known for his relentless pressure and resilience. Brown has recorded 12 knockouts, placing him among the top knockout artists in UFC history, along with 3 submission victories. His use of elbows and clinch techniques has become legendary, particularly highlighted by his savage knockout of Diego Sanchez and his walk-off KO of Court McGee. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility with finishes such as his elbow KO of Dhiego Lima and a guillotine choke against Tim Means.
