In the world of UFC, there exists a collection of extraordinary athletes and awe-inspiring moments. These fighters have set records that showcase their greatness and skill, solidifying their legacies in the sport.
From the heaviest fighter to the longest winning streak, these records captivate fans and stand as testaments to the talent and determination of these incredible individuals. Join us as we explore the 15 best UFC records of all time, highlighting those that are considered great or near-unbreakable.
Key Takeaways
- Emmanuel Yarbrough holds the record for the heaviest UFC fighter, weighing in at 616 lbs.
- B.J. Penn holds the record for the longest UFC losing streak with 7 consecutive losses.
- Anderson Silva holds the record for the longest UFC win streak with 16 consecutive wins.
- Anderson Silva also holds the record for the longest single UFC title reign with 2,457 days.
Heaviest UFC Fighter
Who holds the record for being the heaviest UFC fighter?
Emmanuel Yarbrough takes the crown as the heaviest UFC fighter in history. Weighing in at a staggering 616 lbs before his fight against Keith Hackney at UFC 3, Yarbrough's record remains unbreakable. It's important to note that this is an unofficial record, as it predates the official record-keeping that started at UFC 28.
During Yarbrough's time, there were no weight limits in place, allowing him to achieve this remarkable feat. Nowadays, heavyweights have a maximum weight limit of 265 lbs, making Yarbrough's record even more impressive.
As we explore the greatest knockout artists in the UFC, Yarbrough's distinction as the heaviest fighter serves as a testament to the diversity and uniqueness of the sport.
Longest UFC Losing Streak
B.J. Penn holds the record for the longest UFC losing streak with 7 consecutive losses. From 2011 to 2019, Penn experienced a downfall that was astonishing for a fighter of his caliber. Known as a UFC legend and former two-division champion, Penn's losing streak was a stark contrast to his previous success.
It's unlikely that we'll witness another once-great fighter endure such a string of losses in the future. While the UFC is known for its greatest comebacks and most memorable upsets, Penn's losing streak stands out as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport.
It serves as a reminder that even the best fighters can face challenging times and struggle to find their way back to victory.
Longest UFC Win Streak
Anderson Silva holds the record for the longest UFC win streak with 16 consecutive wins, surpassing B.J. Penn's unfortunate losing streak. Silva's win streak is a testament to his dominance and skill inside the Octagon.
Known as one of the greatest knockout artists in UFC history, Silva showcased his striking prowess in many of his victories. However, it's important to note that Silva's win streak wasn't solely built on knockouts. He also displayed his versatility and grappling ability, securing some of the fastest submissions in UFC history.
Silva's record has remained untouched since 2012, and it's widely regarded as one of the most unbreakable records in the UFC. With the level of competition constantly rising, it's uncertain if we'll ever witness another fighter achieve such a remarkable win streak.
Longest Single UFC Title Reign
Silva's record-setting win streak seamlessly transitions into his remarkable achievement of the longest single UFC title reign. Here are the key details that make Silva's reign an unbreakable record:
- 2,457 days: Anderson Silva held the UFC middleweight title for an astonishing 2,457 days, a testament to his dominance and longevity in the sport.
- Demetrious Johnson and GSP: Demetrious Johnson and Georges St-Pierre trail behind Silva in second and third place, respectively, but their reigns fall significantly short of his impressive record.
- Amanda Nunes: Currently, Amanda Nunes is the only active fighter who comes close to Silva's record. However, Nunes' reign has been shorter and with fewer title defenses, making it unlikely for her to surpass Silva's reign.
Silva's reign as the UFC middleweight champion remains one of the most untouchable records in the organization's history. With his exceptional skills and strategic mindset, Silva solidified his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Most UFC Wins in a Single Year
One of the impressive records in the UFC is the title for the most UFC wins in a single year. Achieving a high number of victories in a year requires exceptional skill, consistency, and endurance. Only a select few fighters have managed to accomplish this feat.
Donald Cerrone, Neil Magny, and Kevin Holland are among the elite group of fighters who've won all five of their UFC fights in a single year. Their remarkable performances showcase their dominance and ability to overcome challenges. These fighters haven't only achieved the most UFC wins in a single year, but they've also showcased their resilience and determination, making their victories some of the greatest comeback victories and most significant upsets in UFC history.
Their achievements serve as an inspiration and a testament to the incredible talent within the sport.
Most Losses in UFC History
Jeremy Stephens holds the record for the most losses in UFC history with 18. Despite his high number of losses, Stephens has managed to maintain his place in the UFC for a significant amount of time.
Here are three reasons why Stephens' record of most losses is significant:
- Consistency: Stephens has been a consistent fighter in the UFC, having competed in 34 fights throughout his career. This level of activity and longevity in the sport is commendable, even if it has resulted in a high number of losses.
- Tough Competition: Stephens has faced some of the greatest fighters in the UFC, including current and former champions. His willingness to take on challenging opponents demonstrates his fearlessness and dedication to the sport.
- Balanced Skills: Stephens is known for his striking ability and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest knockout artists in UFC history. His aggressive style and powerful punches have resulted in several highlight-reel knockouts, making him a fan favorite.
While Stephens' record may not be ideal, it's a testament to his resilience and commitment to the sport. It serves as a reminder that losses are a part of every fighter's journey, and they don't define their overall career.
Most Submission Wins in UFC History
Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history with 16. Known for his exceptional grappling skills, Oliveira has showcased his mastery of submissions throughout his career. His ability to control his opponents on the ground and secure tap-outs has solidified his place as one of the greatest submission artists in UFC history.
Oliveira's submissions have come in various forms, including chokes, joint locks, and leg locks. His technique and precision have allowed him to finish fights quickly and efficiently, making him a formidable opponent in the octagon. While others like Jim Miller and Demian Maia have also had impressive submission victories, Oliveira's record of 16 wins sets him apart as the leader in this category.
His reign as the submission king is likely to continue for many years to come.
Most Finishes in UFC History
With 19 finishes to his name, Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history. His ability to end fights in spectacular fashion has solidified his place among the greatest knockout artists in the UFC.
Oliveira's relentless aggression and diverse skill set have allowed him to finish opponents in a variety of ways, showcasing his versatility as a fighter. In addition to his knockout power, Oliveira is also known for his lightning-fast submissions, making him a threat from any position.
With his current 11-fight win streak, it's clear that Oliveira is in his prime and poised to extend his record for the most finishes in UFC history. As his career continues to unfold, Oliveira's record is becoming increasingly unbreakable, solidifying his legacy as one of the most exciting finishers in the sport.
Most UFC Title Wins
Jon Jones has achieved the most UFC title wins with 14, solidifying his place as one of the most successful champions in the history of the sport. His dominance in the light heavyweight division is unparalleled, and he has consistently proven himself against top-level competition. While there have been other great champions in the UFC, such as Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, and Anderson Silva, none have been able to surpass Jones' record. Currently, Amanda Nunes has the opportunity to take the record in the short-term, with 10 UFC title wins. However, Jones can extend his record further if he becomes active again. It is a testament to his skill, determination, and longevity in the sport.
| Rank | Fighter | UFC Title Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Jones | 14 |
| 2 | GSP | 13 |
| 3 | Demetrious Johnson | 12 |
| 4 | Anderson Silva | 11 |
| 5 | Amanda Nunes | 10 |
Most Consecutive UFC Title Defenses
Demetrious Johnson holds the record for the most consecutive UFC title defenses with 11. This impressive feat showcases Johnson's dominance and ability to consistently defend his title against top contenders. Here are three reasons why Johnson's record is a testament to his greatness:
- Unmatched Consistency: Johnson's ability to defend his title 11 times in a row demonstrates his remarkable consistency and skill inside the Octagon. He faced tough opponents and emerged victorious each time, solidifying his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
- Long-Standing Record: While Jon Jones and Anderson Silva come close with 10 and 9 consecutive title defenses respectively, Johnson's record remains untouched. It highlights the difficulty of maintaining such a winning streak and the level of competition in the UFC.
- Dominance in a Competitive Division: Johnson achieved his record in the flyweight division, one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC. His ability to consistently outclass his opponents and defend his title against skilled fighters is a testament to his exceptional talent and mastery of the sport.
Most Top Position Time in UFC History
Georges St-Pierre holds the record for the most top position time in UFC history, showcasing his superior control and dominance on the ground. With a total of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 5 seconds spent in top position, St-Pierre solidified his reputation as one of the greatest ground strikers in UFC history.
His ability to maintain top control and deliver devastating strikes from advantageous positions made him a force to be reckoned with. Demian Maia comes in second place with 2 hours and 1 minute of top position time, but St-Pierre's record seems unbreakable for now.
While there are other dominant top position fighters in the UFC, such as Frankie Edgar, the top 10 in this category are mostly retired fighters or close to retirement. It may take at least a decade for someone to come along and surpass St-Pierre's impressive record.
Most Takedowns in a UFC Fight & Round
The fighter with the most takedowns in a single UFC fight and round is Khabib Nurmagomedov. His grappling skills have earned him a legendary status in the sport. Here are some key facts about his record-breaking performance:
- 21 takedowns in a single UFC fight: Nurmagomedov showcased one of the greatest grappling performances in UFC history when he executed an astounding 21 takedowns in a single fight. This record demonstrates his dominance on the ground and his ability to control his opponents.
- 9 takedowns in a round: Not only did Nurmagomedov set the record for most takedowns in a fight, but he also achieved the record for most takedowns in a round with 9. This remarkable feat showcases his relentless pressure and technical proficiency in taking his opponents down.
- Unlikely to be surpassed: While the record for most takedowns in a UFC fight of 21 is possible to beat in a longer 5-round fight, the record of 9 takedowns in a single round is highly unlikely to be surpassed. Nurmagomedov's dominance as one of the most dominant ground fighters in UFC history remains unparalleled.
Most Takedowns in UFC History
Khabib Nurmagomedov's impressive grappling skills also earned him a spot in the record books for the most takedowns in UFC history. With a total of 90 takedowns, Nurmagomedov surpassed some of the greatest wrestlers in UFC history.
His dominance on the ground allowed him to execute numerous takedowns throughout his career, showcasing his exceptional grappling technique and control. Nurmagomedov's record highlights his ability to dictate the pace of a fight and impose his will on his opponents. It's a testament to his skill and determination inside the Octagon.
While other fighters like Gleison Tibau, Frankie Edgar, Clay Guida, and Colby Covington are within striking distance of the record, it remains to be seen if anyone can surpass Nurmagomedov's remarkable achievement. His legacy as one of the most dominant grapplers in UFC history is firmly cemented.
Greatest Knockout Artists in UFC
Nurmagomedov's dominance in grappling transitions seamlessly into a discussion of the greatest knockout artists in UFC history. These fighters possess the ability to end a fight with one devastating strike, leaving their opponents unconscious and the crowd in awe.
Here are three fighters who've solidified their place as the greatest knockout artists in UFC:
- Anderson Silva: Silva's precision and timing made him a nightmare for his opponents. With an arsenal of strikes, he delivered highlight-reel knockouts throughout his career, earning him the record for the longest UFC win streak with 16 consecutive wins.
- Conor McGregor: McGregor's left hand has become legendary in the MMA world. Known for his devastating knockout power, he's finished many fights in spectacular fashion. His quick and precise strikes have made him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC.
- Francis Ngannou: Ngannou's raw power is unmatched in the heavyweight division. His knockout victories have been some of the most brutal and spectacular in UFC history. With his incredible punching power, he's sent numerous opponents crashing to the canvas.
These fighters have proven time and again that they possess the ability to end fights in an instant, solidifying their status as the greatest knockout artists in UFC history. Their feats of strength and skill continue to inspire aspiring fighters and captivate fans worldwide.
Fastest Submissions in UFC History
One of the most rare occurrences in the UFC is the fastest submission, which occurs infrequently but leaves a lasting impact on both fighters and fans alike.
It takes a combination of skill, technique, and opportunity for a fighter to secure a submission victory in record time.
The fastest submission in UFC history currently belongs to Ryan Jimmo, who defeated Anthony Perosh in just seven seconds at UFC 149.
Jimmo wasted no time as he landed a devastating right hand that dropped Perosh, and then finished the fight with ground and pound.
This record showcases the ability to capitalize on an opening and execute a submission with lightning speed.
While fastest knockouts in UFC history and the most significant strikes in UFC history are commonly discussed, the fastest submissions are equally as impressive and demonstrate the versatility of the fighters in the octagon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Holds the Record for the Most Takedowns in a Single UFC Fight and in a Single Round?
Khabib Nurmagomedov holds the record for the most takedowns in a single UFC fight with 21. He also set the record for most takedowns in a round with 9. These records demonstrate his exceptional grappling skills and strategic advantage in UFC fights.
Which UFC Fighter Has the Most Top Position Time in UFC History?
Georges St-Pierre, a dominant ground fighter in UFC history, holds the record for the most top position time with 2:25:05. Analyzing the evolution of grappling techniques in the UFC showcases his mastery and skill in controlling his opponents.
Who Are the Greatest Knockout Artists in UFC History?
Who are the greatest knockout artists in UFC history? Anderson Silva and Francis Ngannou stand out as two of the most devastating strikers. Silva's precision and Ngannou's raw power have made them legendary in the Octagon.
What Are the Fastest Submissions in UFC History?
The most surprising submissions in UFC history include Ryo Chonan's flying scissor heel hook and Frank Mir's kneebar against Brock Lesnar. Royce Gracie holds the record for the longest submission in UFC history with a 14-minute armbar against Dan Severn.
Is There a Record for the Most Wins by a UFC Fighter in a Single Year?
Yes, there is a record for the most wins by a UFC fighter in a single year. Some fighters, like Donald Cerrone, Neil Magny, and Kevin Holland, have won all 5 of their fights in a year, which is an impressive achievement.
Conclusion
In the world of UFC, records aren't just numbers but symbols of greatness and determination. They represent the moments when fighters pushed themselves to their limits and achieved something extraordinary.
From the heaviest fighter to the longest winning streak, these records tell stories of resilience, skill, and unwavering passion. They inspire us to believe in the power of human potential and remind us that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
So let these records serve as a reminder that in the pursuit of greatness, there are no limits.
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