Knockouts aren’t just flashy finishes. They define careers, help shape mixed martial arts, and energize the fans. Achieving the most knockouts in UFC history isn’t just a numbers game. It is somewhat of a market of timing, endurance, power, and, of course, the ability to close a fight in style.

In this post, we will talk about how knockout records change over time, who holds the top spots, and why the knockout artists matter so much in the Octagon and outside of it.

Impact on UFC Business and Casino Sponsorships

Most UFC knockouts feature fighters who are huge draws in MMA. The fans tune in not just to see all that strategic wrestling, but they also watch for the boom sound and the sudden finish. Not to mention, to witness the one moment where everything changes.

These moments drive pay-per-view buys, social media buzz, and highlight-reel clips that go viral. That kind of spectacle brings major marketing value for the UFC.

Now, fighters known for their finishing power become marquee names in the industry. That’s what promoters lean into. They build their cards around them. Sponsors also benefit. When they have a fighter with the most KO in UFC, the events are a “must watch”, so they are far more attractive for brand partnerships.

One area where all this crosses over is in casino games. Casinos frequently partner with high-profile UFC events, or even directly with a UFC fighter with most knockouts. For example, among MMA fans, 22 bet casino is particularly popular. Its live dealer games somewhat replicate the adrenaline of watching a fight, especially a big one where a knockout could happen at any given moment. This mixture between casino energy and knockout excitement is great for marketing.

What Makes a True Knockout Record?

When we talk about who has the most knockouts in UFC history, it is important to clarify what counts here:

• KO vs. TKO: A knockout (KO) typically means a fighter is rendered unconscious or unable to continue without the ref stepping in. A technical knockout (TKO) usually happens when the ref stops the fight, when a fighter is defending poorly, or when there is a doctor stoppage. Both of these count toward many “UFC most knockouts” records, depending on the source.
• Official UFC recognition: The UFC, as well as the record-keeping bodies, count finishes in sanctioned UFC fights. Knockouts from other promotions don’t always apply.
• Stat tracking: Reliable sources like record websites, the UFC’s own statistics, or the Guinness World Records, are all needed to confirm who has the most UFC knockouts in history.

Who Has the Most KO in UFC History?

Let’s now discuss some of the top candidates for “who has the most knockouts in the UFC”.

Derrick Lewis: The Heavyweight Knockout King

If there is one name that dominates our conversation about who has the most knockouts in UFC, it is Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis. According to Guinness World Records, he holds the most KO in UFC history – 16 as of May 2025. He has done all this in the heavyweight division.

Vitor Belfort: The Phenom’s Knockout Success

Long before Lewis, Victor Belfort, known as the “Phenom”, built his reputation on devastating finishes. He is one of the most prolific fighters in UFC history. He had the most knockouts across multiple weight classes, including middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight.

Anderson Silva: The Middleweight Knockout Maestro

Now, while Lewis and Belfort dominate in terms of volume, Anderson Silva has a different kind of knockout legacy. He has the most KO in UFC among middleweights, and his style has shown us that you don’t have to be brutish to do this. Finesse and cage IQ matter just as much.

The Challenges of Maintaining Knockout Power

Let’s now discuss some of the challenges that these fighters face in maintaining the title:

• Physical wear and tear: As fighters age, power can fade. Injuries, slower reflexes, and, not to mention, the damage suffered throughout the years can make finishing harder.
• Strategic evolution: Opponents also learn. When a fighter becomes known as a KO artist, others will train harder to survive.
• Mental pressure. Maintaining the title is stressful. If you don’t finish, you can lose your aura as a fighter with most knockouts.

The Evolution of UFC’s Knockout Culture

Over the years, the UFC has leaned more than ever into knockout artists. They have performance bonuses like “Knockout of the Night” and “Performance of the Night’ to encourage more KOs in UFC fights.

In marketing terms, fighters who knock people out are promoted as stars, and social media thrives on highlight-reel KOs.

So, Who Has the Most KOs in UFC History?

By official counts, it is Derrick Lewis. The man has raw power that has pushed him to the top. Still, many lists also highlight other fighters, including Belfort and Silva, who brought a certain level of precision and unique touch to the sport.

These achievements don’t just shape legacies. They elevate the UFC brand and inspire future generations of fighters who dream of joining the ranks.