Knockouts are the most exciting way to finish a fight. Just one clean punch or kick can finish a fight right away, changing a regular moment into something that’ll be replayed forever. Derrick Lewis holds the record for the most knockout wins in UFC history with 16 knockouts, showcasing his incredible power.
Mixed martial artist Derrick Lewis interviewed after Ultimate Fighting Championship 239.
Photo Credit: MMAnytt, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 UFC Fighters with the Most Knockout Wins
Here are the top 5 fighters with the most knockout wins in UFC history where explosive power and precision created lasting legacies.
| S. No. | Fighter | KO/TKO Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derrick Lewis | 16 |
| 2 | Matt Brown | 13 |
| 3 | Max Holloway | 12 |
| 4 | Anderson Silva | 11 |
| 5 | Anthony Johnson | 11 |
Derrick Lewis – 16 Knockout Wins
Weight Class: Heavyweight
Derrick Lewis holds the record for the most knockout win in UFC history with 16 knockouts. He fights in the heavyweight division and wields incredible power, finishing fights with a single punch. His comeback knockout against Alexander Volkov and his brutal uppercut on Curtis Blaydes are among his most notable finishes. What makes Lewis particularly dangerous is that he doesn’t have to win every round, he only needs one perfect hit.
Matt Brown – 13 Knockout Wins
Weight Class: Welterweight
Matt Brown may not be a heavyweight but he still made history with his knockouts. Brown made his legacy with constant pressure and fierce striking, earning 13 knockouts in the welterweight division. He wore his opponents out with elbows, knees and nonstop pressure instead of banking on a single knockout punch. His famous elbow finish against Diego Sanchez is considered one of the most brutal highlights in UFC history.
Max Holloway – 12 Knockout Wins
Weight Class: Featherweight/Lightweight
Max Holloway used to be the UFC featherweight champion and is famous for his crazy fighting speed and accurate striking skills. Holloway has earned 12 knockout victories making him one of the greatest knockout fighters in UFC history. Rather than depending on single powerful punches, Holloway wins fights by throwing endless combinations of strikes that have beaten famous fighters such as José Aldo, Brian Ortega and Justin Gaethje.
Anderson Silva – 11 Knockout Wins
Weight Class: Middleweight/Light Heavyweight
Anderson Silva established himself as one of the top knockout artists in UFC history with 11 knockouts. Silva delivered knockouts with timing, precision and creativity unlike other heavy hitters who relied only on brute strength. His front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort and his incredible performance against Forrest Griffin are iconic moments in MMA. He also took down Rich Franklin with knees and showcased his striking brilliance throughout his career.
Anthony Johnson – 11 Knockout Wins
Weight Class: Welterweight/Middleweight/Light Heavyweight/Heavyweight
Anthony Johnson was known as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in UFC history, boasting 11 knockouts in the Octagon. He fought in everything from welterweight to light heavyweight but at 205 (weight class), he turned into a beast. His legendary 13‑second knockout of Glover Teixeira and his swift finish against Ryan Bader showcased his explosive power. His one‑punch KO of Alexander Gustafsson sealed a highlight reel fans will never forget.
