The UFC is no stranger to knockouts. However, these top five fighters deserve the title “heaviest hitter”. This list is composed of fighters who in their respected weight class, deliver devastating knockouts. Fighters who may have power, like Roy Nelson, but haven’t displayed it in a long time, are excluded from this list.
5. Cody Garbrandt
Coming off a first round knockout of fellow KO artist, Thomas Almeida, “No Love” has absolutely shown none for his opponents. With 8 of his 9 wins coming by way of TKO/KO, six of them being in the first round, Garbrandt is a no-brainer to start our top 5.
4. Conor McGregor
Love him or hate him, McGregor is a vicious knockout artist. Even though he was defeated in his last bout, when “Notorious” fights in his respected weight class of 145, he is an absolute monster. McGregor slept the former pound for pound #1 and prior to McGregor, the only UFC featherweight champion, in just 13 seconds. Prior to that, he has TKO’d the likes of Chad Mendes and Dustin Poirier with his trademark “Celtic Cross”.
3. Dan Henderson
There are plenty of heavy hitters in the UFC, but none quite compare to the sheer power of Hendo. Henderson has been on a bumpy road for quite a while now, but he comes in on #3 on the list not only because of his last performance, but his history of just obliterating his opponents with one strike. Henderson’s power has even climbed up the weight classes, all the way to heavyweight, knocking out one the greatest heavyweights of all time in Fedor Emelianenko.
2. Mark Hunt
The “Super Samoan”, the king of the walk off KO, Mark Hunt, comes in at number two on our list. Hunt, who is on a two fight win streak, both of which were first round knockouts, is one of the scariest hitters in the world. Without a doubt, possibly the heaviest hitter ever to grace the sport. He has KO’d the who’s who of the heavyweight division, and impressively, most of which with his traditional walk off KO. Hunt’s recent defeats have all only been champions in the heavyweight division.
1. Anthony Johnson
Coming in at number one, is Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. His nickname suits him well as that’s what he brings every time he steps foot inside the octagon. His most recent performance not only showed of his pure strength, but also showed a KO from ground and pound, which is something we don’t see too often. His only recent loss is to current LHW champ Daniel Cormier, in which he rocked Cormier early with a thundering overhand, sending him flying across the canvas.
Do you agree with my list? Leave your Top 5 in the comment’s below!