In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, a fighter’s ability to electrify the octagon with their ruthless style and knockout power often sets them apart from the rest.
This compilation celebrates some of the most feared and formidable fighters in the UFC, each renowned for their distinct fighting prowess and unforgettable performances.
20. Matt Brown
Matt “The Immortal” Brown is renowned for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power. With 15 finishes in the UFC, including a record 13 knockouts in the welterweight division, Brown has earned a reputation as one of the most ruthless fighters in the octagon. His elbow KO of Diego Sanchez in 2017 remains a career highlight.
19. Khalil Rountree
Khalil Rountree has emerged as one of the UFC’s most devastating strikers. Known for his brutal knockouts, Rountree’s recent five-fight win streak includes spectacular finishes of Anthony Smith and Chris Daukaus. His improved Muay Thai skills and devastating leg kicks make him a feared opponent in the light heavyweight division.
18. Justin Gaethje
Known as “The Highlight,” Justin Gaethje is a human wrecking ball in the Octagon. With 20 knockouts in 25 wins, he’s earned a reputation for his relentless pressure and devastating leg kicks. Gaethje’s all-action style has earned him nine UFC post-fight bonuses, including the BMF title in 2023.
17. Mark Hunt
Known as the “Super Samoan,” Mark Hunt’s devastating knockout power made him a fan favorite. With a record of 13-14-1 (1 NC), Hunt’s walk-off KOs became legendary. Despite a late start in MMA, he faced top heavyweights and won the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix as a kickboxer.
16. Robbie Lawler
Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler lived up to his nickname with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his knockout power and iron chin, Lawler held the UFC Welterweight Championship and engaged in several legendary battles. His 2015 fight against Rory MacDonald is considered one of the greatest in UFC history, earning a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
15. Anthony Johnson
Known as “Rumble,” Anthony Johnson was one of the most feared knockout artists in UFC history. With 17 of his 23 wins coming by KO/TKO, Johnson’s explosive power made him a threat in multiple weight classes. His devastating finishes of Glover Teixeira and Alexander Gustafsson showcased his terrifying striking ability.
14. Alexa Grasso
Alexa Grasso, the first Mexican UFC women’s champion, shocked the MMA world by dethroning long-reigning flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko in 2023. Known for her crisp boxing and improved grappling, Grasso defended her title in a controversial draw before losing it back to Shevchenko in 2024, showcasing her resilience and skill at the highest level.
13. Cris Cyborg
Cris Cyborg is a dominant force in women’s MMA, holding championships across five major promotions. With a career record of 28-2-0, she’s known for her aggressive striking and knockout power. Cyborg’s latest victory came in October 2024, winning the PFL Women’s Featherweight Superfight Championship against Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision.
12. Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is a dominant force in women’s MMA. With a record of 23-4-1, she’s known for her technical striking and well-rounded game. Shevchenko held the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship for over four years, defending it seven times before losing to Alexa Grasso in 2023. Shevchenko reclaimed the title from Grasso in September of 2024.
11. Zhang Weili
Zhang Weili, the first Chinese UFC champion, is known for her explosive striking and relentless pressure. With a 25-3 record, she’s defended her strawweight title twice, most recently at UFC 300 against Xiaonan Yan. Her 42-second KO of Jessica Andrade remains the fastest finish in strawweight title history.
10. Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad’s relentless wrestling and improved striking have propelled him to UFC welterweight champion status. With a 24-3 record and an active 10-fight win streak, Muhammad’s pressure-heavy style and elite cardio make him a formidable force. He captured the title from Leon Edwards in July 2024, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
9. Dricus Du Plessis
South African powerhouse Dricus Du Plessis has quickly risen to UFC middleweight champion status. With a record of 24 wins and 3 losses, he’s known for his devastating power and relentless pressure. Du Plessis has finished 19 of his 21 victories, showcasing his ruthless efficiency in both striking and grappling.
8. Francis Ngannou
Known as “The Predator,” Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian-French heavyweight with devastating knockout power. He holds the world record for the hardest punch ever measured. Ngannou’s UFC career includes 12 wins by knockout and a heavyweight championship reign. In 2023, he transitioned to boxing, facing Tyson Fury in a closely contested match.
7. Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall, the UFC interim heavyweight champion, boasts an impressive 15-3 record with 12 KO/TKO victories. Known for his lightning-fast finishes, Aspinall has ended six of his eight UFC wins within the first round’s halfway point. His recent victories over Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich solidify his status as one of MMA’s most ruthless fighters.
6. Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja, the current UFC Flyweight Champion, is known for his relentless fighting style and impressive submission skills. With 11 submission victories and 8 knockouts in his 29 wins, Pantoja has proven to be a versatile and dangerous opponent. His recent title defense against Brandon Royval showcased his dominance in the division.
5. Merab Dvalishvili
Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili has cemented his place as one of MMA’s most relentless fighters. The Georgian bantamweight champion is known for his inhuman cardio and unbreakable will. With a 11-fight UFC win streak, including victories over legends like Yan, Aldo, and Cejudo, Dvalishvili’s ruthless pace and wrestling prowess make him a nightmare for opponents.
4. Ilia Topuria
Undefeated Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria has quickly risen to UFC stardom. With a perfect 16-0 record, he claimed the UFC Featherweight Championship in February 2024 by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria’s ruthless striking and submission skills make him one of the most feared fighters in the division.
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3. Jon Jones
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. With a record of 28-1-0 (1 NC), he has dominated both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Jones holds numerous UFC records, including most title defenses and longest win streak. His exceptional wrestling, striking, and fight IQ make him a formidable opponent in the octagon.
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2. Alex Pereira
Alex “Poatan” Pereira is a Brazilian MMA fighter known for his devastating knockout power. He’s the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and former Middleweight Champion, with 10 of his 12 wins coming by KO/TKO. Pereira holds the record for the shortest time to three title defenses at 175 days.
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1. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, boasts an impressive 27-1 record. With 6 submission victories, he’s a grappling nightmare for opponents. Makhachev’s dominance includes breaking the UFC record for most lightweight title defenses, surpassing his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. His ruthless ground game and improving striking make him a formidable force.
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