MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee highlight the most explosive fighters across various divisions, celebrating their knockout power and thrilling performances in the cage.
Fresh off one of the year’s most electrifying UFC events and with Americans gearing up for Independence Day fireworks, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate MMA’s most explosive fighters.
Join MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee as they dissect each division, spotlighting sluggers who are just one punch away from lighting up the cage like it’s the Fourth of July.
HEAVYWEIGHT
Sure, Tom Aspinall‘s recent dominance is impressive, but before him, there was “The Predator.” Now with PFL, Ngannou’s UFC tenure included almost decapitating Alistair Overeem and nearly toppling Tyson Fury despite zero boxing experience. He’s not just fireworks; he’s Oppenheimer. — Meshew
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Magomed Ankalaev dodged Pereira’s deadly touch at UFC 313, but Pereira’s aura remains. His knockouts, including a soul-crushing finish of Jiri Prochazka and a shocking TKO of Israel Adesanya, cement his status. Choose any of his knockouts—they’re all iconic. — Lee
MIDDLEWEIGHT
No offense to Dricus du Plessis, but Chimaev is the real dynamite at 185 pounds. Despite setbacks, when “Borz” is at his peak, he mauls opponents, turning them into mere training dummies. And sometimes, he opts for a one-punch KO just for fun. — Lee
WELTERWEIGHT
Remember when Buckley turned a caught kick into the coolest move ever? Since dropping to 170, “New Mansa” has been on a tear, taking out fighters like Andre Fialho and Vicente Luque. — Meshew
LIGHTWEIGHT
Right after UFC 317, this knockout was posted online for free. Topuria’s finish was so good, the UFC wanted everyone to see it. Did we mention he’s the only guy to knock out Max Holloway? — Lee
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jean Silva
If Topuria were still in this division, he’d have this spot. But with his absence, Jean Silva shines. Five UFC bouts, five stoppage wins, and three bonuses. — Meshew
BANTAMWEIGHT
Malcolm Wellmaker
Meet Malcolm Wellmaker, the former pipe-fitter turned MMA sensation. Unlike the slow-crushing Dvalishvili, Wellmaker’s style is about obliterating opponents instantly. — Meshew
FLYWEIGHT
Just watch Kape’s fight against Bruno Silva to see why he’s a fan favorite for a title shot. His prolonged beatdown was a masterclass in MMA dominance. — Lee
WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT
Need I say more? Nunes is the GOAT, holding the record for most knockouts in UFC women’s history. She’s the woman who floored Cris Cyborg in under a minute. — Meshew
WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT
Dakota Ditcheva
How could we overlook the most thrilling fighter in women’s MMA? Ditcheva’s tournament run was nothing short of fiery brilliance, with nine consecutive finishes. — Meshew
STRAWWEIGHT
Zhang Weili
The strawweight division may not be known for knockout artists, but Zhang Weili defies that. Her spinning backfist KO of Joanna Jedrzejczyk is legendary. — Lee