In the UFC, nothing excites fans more than a finish whether it’s a knockout, a TKO or a slick submission. Throughout the years, the UFC has witnessed submission experts, knockout champions and tough veterans who have earned their names by finishing fights quickly. Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history with 20 finishes including 4 knockouts and 16 submissions.
Photo Credit: Renan Silva, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 UFC Fighters with the Most Finishes
Here are the top five fighters with the most finishes in UFC history, where early endings helped build unforgettable legacies.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Finishes | Knockouts (KO/TKO) | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 21 | 4 | 17 |
| 2 | Jim Miller | 20 | 6 | 14 |
| 3 | Donald Cerrone | 16 | 10 | 6 |
| 4 | Derrick Lewis | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 5 | Matt Brown | 15 | 13 | 2 |
Charles Oliveira – 21 Finishes
Finishes: 4 Knockouts (KO/TKO), 17 submissions
Charles Oliveira holds the UFC record with 21 finishes including 17 submissions and 4 KO/TKOs. He is widely regarded as the “submission king” yet he has also proven himself to be a highly effective striker. He proved this with an incredible comeback knockout against Michael Chandler to capture the lightweight title and later secured a dominant first-round TKO victory over Justin Gaethje.
Jim Miller – 20 Finishes
Finishes: 6 Knockouts (KO/TKO), 14 submissions
Jim Miller is a perfect example of UFC longevity having competed for years and earning 20 finishes inside the Octagon. He dominates with his lethal guillotine choke, securing 14 submission wins and showcases knockout power with 6 KO/TKOs. He’s literally the only fighter who’s ever fought at UFC 100, UFC 200 and UFC 300, a truly insane achievement when you think about it.
Donald Cerrone – 16 Finishes
Finishes: 10 Knockouts (KO/TKO), 6 submissions
Donald Cerrone retired in 2022 after racking up 16 UFC finishes which included 10 knockouts and 6 submissions. He is known for his devastating head kicks and smooth grappling skills and “Cowboy” earned legendary status in the UFC. He built his reputation by stepping into the octagon against any opponent, often on short notice and consistently delivering highlight‑reel finishes.
Derrick Lewis – 16 Finishes
Finishes: 16 Knockouts (KO/TKO), 0 submissions
Derrick Lewis earned the nickname UFC’s “knockout king” because he has 16 career finishes that were all knockouts. He showcases incredible raw power and finishes fights with just one punch. He creates unforgettable moments like his last‑second comeback against Alexander Volkov and his devastating uppercut on Curtis Blaydes.
Matt Brown – 15 Finishes
Finishes: 13 Knockouts (KO/TKO), 2 submissions
Matt Brown stands out as one of the UFC’s most intense fighters with 15 total finishes, including 13 knockouts and 2 submissions. He uses devastating elbows and controls fights in the clinch, knocking out well‑known opponents like Diego Sanchez, Court McGee and Dhiego Lima. He also proves his submission skills by catching Tim Means in a guillotine choke.
