Following one of the year`s most exciting UFC events and with people celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, it`s the perfect moment to highlight the most explosive athletes in mixed martial arts today.
Let`s examine different weight divisions to identify the sluggers who have recently distinguished themselves and possess the ability to light up the cage with a single strike.
Francis Ngannou
While Tom Aspinall has certainly impressed in the heavyweight ranks lately, “The Predator” set the standard before him. Francis Ngannou`s UFC tenure featured unforgettable moments like his near-decapitation of Alistair Overeem. He even came close to stopping Tyson Fury in a boxing match despite his limited background in the sport. This man isn`t just explosive; he`s a force of nature.
Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev deserves credit for surviving Pereira`s devastating power at UFC 313, but even in a loss, “Poatan`s” aura remained potent. Before Ankalaev contained him, the former kickboxing star compiled a highlight reel of knockouts in just four years with the promotion. His soul-snatching finish of Jiri Prochazka, the iconic shrug over a fallen Jamahal Hill, and a stunning fifth-round TKO of Israel Adesanya that earned him a UFC title in record time are prime examples. There`s no shortage of evidence showcasing Pereira`s unbelievable punching power.
Khamzat Chimaev
With all due respect to middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, when thinking purely about explosive power at 185 pounds, the focus shifts to his challenger. Chimaev has been relentless since entering the octagon. Although his ascent has faced setbacks from illness, injury, weight issues, and some close decisions, “Borz” at his peak is one of the most feared fighters for a reason. He dominates opponents, making them look like practice dummies before dismantling them. And occasionally, instead of grappling, he simply knocks them out with one punch.
Joaquin Buckley
Remember when Buckley transformed catching a kick into one of the most spectacular knockouts ever seen? His highlight speaks for itself. That was at middleweight, but since moving down to 170 pounds, “New Mansa” has continued his destructive path, securing finishes against Andre Fialho, Vicente Luque, and Stephen Thompson.
Ilia Topuria
Shortly after a recent UFC event, a video of Topuria`s knockout was freely shared online. That illustrates how impactful his knockout was and how eager the UFC was to show everyone that he is the fighter to watch at 155 pounds. His performances at 145 pounds were equally impressive. It`s worth noting he`s the only fighter to knock out Max Holloway and the only one to defeat Alexander Volkanovski in a featherweight bout. Topuria was arguably one of the best pound-for-pound knockout artists even before his decisive win over Charles Oliveira.
Jean Silva
Had Topuria remained at featherweight, this position would undoubtedly belong to him. However, in his move up, “Lord” Silva is doing an excellent job filling the void. In his five UFC appearances, Jean Silva boasts five stoppage victories – four by knockout and one by submission – and three performance bonuses. Among the many rising stars, Silva has the potential to shine the brightest.
Malcolm Wellmaker
Speaking of emerging talents, meet Malcolm Wellmaker. A former pipe-fitter, he goes by “The Machine.” However, unlike bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who grinds opponents down, Wellmaker is a machine designed for swift obliteration, like a T-800. Just ask Cameron Saaiman and Kris Moutinho about his finishing power.
Manel Kape
Witnessing Manel Kape`s masterful performance against Bruno “Bulldog” Silva is enough to understand why fans are eager for him to finally receive his flyweight title opportunity and a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja. That fight showcased a prolonged, dominant display and offered a tantalizing glimpse of “Starboy`s” potential when performing at his peak. Few at 125 pounds can match Kape`s fluid and explosive style, making him a threat capable of overwhelming anyone on a given night.
Amanda Nunes
Does this pick really require an explanation? Beyond being considered the greatest of all time, Nunes holds the record for most knockouts in UFC women`s history, among numerous other records earned through her dominant career of overwhelming opponents. She famously dispatched Cris Cyborg in less than a minute. With her return announced, she has a chance to add Kayla Harrison to her list of formidable opponents defeated.
Dakota Ditcheva
It would be incomplete to compile this list without including arguably the most exciting female fighter in MMA today. Once considered a prospect PFL needed to carefully manage, Ditcheva exploded onto the scene last year with a brilliant tournament run. “Dangerous” lived up to her moniker, finishing four opponents consecutively to claim the PFL flyweight championship, including a decisive two-round victory over Taila Santos. With nine consecutive finishes under the PFL banner, she is a clear choice for this list.
Zhang Weili
The strawweight division (115 pounds) isn`t typically known for numerous one-punch knockout artists. However, even in this context, Zhang makes a strong case as its most dangerous finisher. Her spinning backfist knockout of fellow legend Joanna Jedrzejczyk might stand as the greatest knockout in women`s MMA history. Even when fights go the distance, her explosive bursts of strength and athleticism can instantly alter the course of a contest.
