Best Finishers in UFC History: Top Fighters Ranked

Anderson Silva’s creativity and precision as a striker cements his legacy as arguably the greatest finisher in MMA history. He had unbelievable accuracy and timing of his punches and kicks, which effectively doubled up the power on each strike. His stunning front kick KO of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 is a perfect example of this.

“The Spider” is considered one of the best fighters of all time because of his legendary run in the UFC middleweight division, winning 16 consecutive fights, including reigning as the champion for over 2000 days. 

Vitor Belfort became known for his explosive finishes ever since his debut in 1997. “The Phenom” was one of the scariest fighters on the UFC roster during the late 2000s and early 2010s, where he would finish his opponents in brutal fashion across the middleweight and light-heavyweight division.

Belfort practically trademarked combinations which started with a punch and then finished off with a high kick, often turning his opponent's lights off with such combinations.

The Brazilian's only UFC title came in 2004 when he defeated Randy Couture to win the light-heavyweight belt. However, Couture got his revenge in the immediate rematch.

Perhaps Matt Hughes is more known for being an excellent wrestler rather than a finisher. But, this is how he racked up stoppage victories - through his wrestling. He still holds the record for the most finishes in title fights in the UFC welterweight division, with eigh finishes.

Hughes is a two-time UFC welterweight champion. His elite wrestling skills and thunderous ground-and-pound strikes paved the way to become one of the greatest welterweight fighters ever. He defended the welterweight title seven times.

Frank Mir was a monster in the 2000s going 12-3, winning the UFC heavyweight title in 2004 and the interim title in 2009. Mir was known for breaking arms and finishing fights, Mir’s submissions were devastatingly effective in the heavyweight division, and it comes as no surprise that his two UFC title fight wins ended with submissions.

Mir still holds the record for the fastest submission win in UFC heavyweight history (45 seconds). He also holds the record for the most submission wins in the UFC heavyweight division with eight.

The American had one of the shortest championship reigns in UFC history. 112 days after winning the heavyweight title in controversial fashion, the American was stripped of his belt after he sustained severe injuries in a bike accident. 

Carlos Condit was nicknamed “The Natural Born Killer” for good reason. Condit’s aggression and creativity made him a fan favourite. He had the incredible ability to finish opponents in any position, hence why he has 28 finishes to his name.

Although he never won a full title, he did win the UFC interim welterweight title. Plus, he has always been regarded as an icon of the UFC's 170-pounds weight class.

Joe Lauzon had a relentless style which put so much pressure on his opponents. This often grinded his opponents down, and from there, Lauzon would force stoppages. His finishes earned him a special place in UFC history; he has the third-most finishes in UFC lightweight division history with 13.

Lauzon had a unique combination of striking and submissions, meaning his opponents weren't safe anywhere in the cage. 

Jon Jones punches Alexander Gustafsson//Getty Images

After completely dominating the light-heavyweight division for many years, Jon Jones has begun to do the same at heavyweight. ”Bones” Jones completely destroyed every elite fighter in their prime in the light-heavyweight division to set a record of 8 light-heavyweight title defences. 

“Bones” is 2-0 at heavyweight, firstly submitting Ciryl Gane in his first fight in the weight class to win the vacant heavyweight title, and then most recently delivering an epic spinning back kick to the body to completely fold Stipe Miocic in half for his first title defence. Jones is now tied for the second most finishes in UFC title fights, with eight.

Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz//Getty Images

Nate Diaz’s durability and elite jiu-jitsu made him a legend of the UFC. The California native did not have spectacular striking, however, it was still effective because of the sheer amount of pressure he put on his opponents. 

Almost every Diaz fight from the past was an epic war of attrition which he mostly came on top in.

Diaz has 15 submission wins to his name, but perhaps his most famous submission win was the rear-naked choke against Conor McGregor.

Royce Gracie practically owned the UFC in its early years, winning three UFC tournaments and showcasing the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the 90s. After making his pro MMA debut in 1993, he tasted his first defeat in 2000, signifying his remarkable dominance.

For many, Gracie is one of the most iconic figures to ever grace the sport because he shined the light on the discipline of BJJ on a global scale. In 20 of his total pro MMA bouts, he has won 13 finishes to his name, with 11 of those coming via submission.