Coming off a truly thrilling UFC event and with Independence Day fireworks just around the corner, what better time to celebrate the most explosive fighters currently competing in mixed martial arts? MMA Fighting`s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee survey the divisions to highlight the sluggers who stand out for their fight-altering power, always seemingly just one strike away from delivering a highlight-reel finish.
Francis Ngannou
While there`s definitely room to discuss Tom Aspinall`s recent dominance in the heavyweight division, before his rise, there was “The Predator.” Now fighting under the PFL banner, Francis Ngannou`s UFC tenure included devastating knockouts, notably his almost decapitating finish of Alistair Overeem. His power was so significant he even challenged Tyson Fury in a boxing match and nearly became the first person to stop him, despite having no prior boxing experience. This man isn`t just fireworks; he`s an event-level explosion. — Meshew
Alex Pereira
Major credit goes to Magomed Ankalaev for surviving Alex “Poatan” Pereira`s renowned power in their UFC 313 bout. But even in defeat, Pereira`s aura of danger remains immense. Before being stopped by Ankalaev, the former kickboxing sensation amassed a collection of highlight-reel knockouts in a mere four years with the promotion. His soul-draining finish of Jiri Prochazka, the casual shrug over a fallen Jamahal Hill, and a stunning fifth-round TKO of Israel Adesanya that made him a UFC champion in record time are all testaments. You can pick any of these; there`s no wrong answer when showcasing Pereira`s truly unreal punching power. — Lee
Khamzat Chimaev
No disrespect to middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but when thinking purely about explosive dynamite at 185 pounds, the focus shifts to his likely future opponent. Chimaev has been a force since entering the Octagon, and though his path to the top has faced delays from illness, injuries, weight issues, and some close decisions, when “Borz” is at his peak, few fighters inspire more fear. Chimaev often dominates opponents, overwhelming them like training dummies before finishing the fight. And when he`s not grappling foes into oblivion, sometimes he decides to end things with a single powerful punch just because he can. — Lee
Joaquin Buckley
Who could forget when Joaquin Buckley turned getting his kick caught into arguably the most incredible knockout ever seen? That moment alone speaks volumes. While that particular highlight happened at middleweight, since moving down to 170 pounds, “New Mansa” has continued delivering brutal finishes, taking out fighters like Andre Fialho, Vicente Luque, and Stephen Thompson. — Meshew
Ilia Topuria
Moments after UFC 317 concluded, the official YouTube channel posted the main event knockout for free. That`s how impactful Ilia Topuria`s finish was, and how much the UFC wanted everyone to know that *this* is the man not to be trifled with at 155 pounds. His work at 145 pounds was just as impressive; he holds the distinction of being the only fighter to knock out Max Holloway and the only one to defeat Alexander Volkanovski in a featherweight contest. Topuria was arguably the best pound-for-pound knockout artist even before his dominant victory over Charles Oliveira. — Lee
Jean Silva
If Ilia Topuria were still competing at featherweight, this spot would undoubtedly belong to him. However, in his absence, “Lord” Jean Silva is doing an excellent job picking up the mantle. In his five UFC appearances, Silva boasts five stoppage victories – four by knockout and one brutal submission – earning three performance bonuses. Among the many talents emerging, Silva`s finishing ability makes him one of the brightest prospects. — Meshew
Malcolm Wellmaker
Speaking of emerging talents, Malcolm “The Machine” Wellmaker is certainly one to watch. A former pipe-fitter, his nickname might evoke thoughts of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, but the comparison ends there. If Dvalishvili is a machine that grinds opponents down, Wellmaker is more like a Terminator – built to obliterate opposition in an instant. Just ask Cameron Saaiman and Kris Moutinho, who experienced his power firsthand. — Meshew
Manel Kape
To understand why fans eagerly await Manel “Starboy” Kape finally getting his flyweight title shot and a second chance against Alexandre Pantoja, simply watch his masterful performance against Bruno Silva. That fight was a showcase of his potential when everything clicks. At 125 pounds, few fighters can match Kape`s dynamic striking and ability to deliver spectacular finishes. — Lee
Amanda Nunes
Does Amanda Nunes truly require an explanation? Beyond being widely regarded as the greatest of all time in women`s MMA, “The Lioness” holds the record for most knockouts in UFC women`s history, along with numerous other records from her storied career of dominantly finishing opponents. After all, she`s the fighter who stopped Cris Cyborg in under a minute. With her return planned, Kayla Harrison could be the next addition to her list of impressive finishes. — Meshew
Dakota Ditcheva
How could this list be complete without including arguably the most exciting female fighter competing today? Once considered a prospect PFL might need to protect, Dakota “Dangerous” Ditcheva shattered that notion last year with a breathtaking tournament run. She lived up to her nickname, stopping four opponents consecutively, including a dominant finish over former UFC title challenger Taila Santos in just two rounds, to claim the PFL flyweight championship. With nine straight finishes under the PFL banner, her inclusion here is undeniable. — Meshew
Zhang Weili
The strawweight division isn`t typically known for one-punch knockout artists, but even in that context, Zhang Weili makes a strong case as its most dangerous finisher. Her spinning backfist knockout of fellow legend Joanna Jedrzejczyk is often cited as one of the greatest KOs in women`s MMA history. Even when she doesn`t secure a finish, her bursts of strength and athleticism are fearsome and can instantly change the direction of a fight. — Lee
