The history of the UFC is filled with feats that push human limits and redefine what is possible in mixed martial arts. From lightning-fast knockouts to unbreakable title defenses, each record tells a story of perseverance.
One of the most electrifying moments came at UFC 239 when Jorge Masvidal knocked out Ben Askren with a devastating flying knee. The women’s division has also witnessed remarkable achievements, such as that of Amanda Nunes.
The octagon has been the stage for seemingly impossible feats. Each record is a reminder that in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the extraordinary is the norm, and the impossible is just another challenge to overcome.
Most finishes (Charles Oliveira)
Charles Oliveira has cemented his legacy in the UFC with the most finishes in the promotion’s history. With a staggering 20 finishes, he has showcased his diverse skill set, blending his striking power and jiu-jitsu mastery.
His ability to end fights in spectacular fashion—whether through submission or knockout—has made him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable fighters in the lightweight division.
His record not only highlights his offensive prowess but also underscores his status as a fighter who is always seeking the finish, making him a true spectacle inside the octagon.
Highest win percentage (Khabib Nurmagomedov)
Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s record of 29 wins and 0 losses is one of the most remarkable in UFC history, giving him the highest win percentage among all fighters. His undefeated streak is a testament to his unparalleled dominance and control inside the octagon.
With a focus on relentless pressure and grappling mastery, he systematically dismantled opponents, showcasing a style that left little room for errors. His remarkable consistency, combined with his ability to neutralize even the toughest competitors, has solidified his place as one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen.
Most takedowns in a single bout (Khabib Nurmagomedov)
Khabib Nurmagomedov also holds the record for the most takedowns in a single bout, with an astounding 21 takedowns during his fight against Abel Trujillo. This record highlights his grappling dominance and his relentless pursuit of control over his opponents.
His superior wrestling and ground game left Trujillo with no space to breathe, as he effortlessly transitioned from one takedown to another. This incredible display of dominance is a true representation of his ability to control the fight at will and further cements his legacy in the UFC.
Most wins by split decision (Gleison Tibau)
Gleison Tibau has earned the distinction of having the most wins by split decision in UFC history, with an impressive number of victories that showcase his ability to edge out opponents in closely contested fights. His tactical approach to each bout allowed him to navigate the razor-thin margins that often define split decision victories.
His strategic fight IQ and ability to manage tight situations on the scorecards have made him one of the most consistently competitive and resilient fighters throughout his career, often leaving judges with difficult decisions to make after a hard-fought battle.
Most bouts in the Heavyweight division (Andrei Arlovski)
With 25 bouts in the UFC’s heavyweight division, Andrei Arlovski holds the record for the most fights in this weight class. His longevity in the division, which has seen numerous changes in talent and competition, speaks volumes about his resilience and adaptability.
He has been a staple in the heavyweight division for over a decade, facing some of the biggest names in MMA. Despite the changing landscape, his ability to stay competitive and relevant in one of the most brutal weight classes showcases his enduring skill and determination.
Most total fight time (Frankie Edgar)
Frankie Edgar’s remarkable endurance has earned him the record for the most total fight time in UFC history, amassing over seven hours of in-octagon action. Known for his high-paced, relentless fighting style, he has always pushed the limits of what’s possible in terms of endurance.
His ability to stay competitive in long, grueling fights, often outworking opponents, has been a hallmark of his career. Whether in the lightweight or featherweight divisions, his resilience and work ethic have ensured that he remains one of the most durable and respected fighters in UFC history.
Most consecutive wins (Anderson Silva)
Anderson Silva‘s reign of dominance is exemplified by his record for the most consecutive wins in UFC history, with an incredible 16-fight win streak. During this run, he displayed an almost otherworldly combination of striking, precision and fight IQ, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in his wake.
His ability to remain untouchable for so long, facing the best fighters in the world, is a testament to his unparalleled skill and mental fortitude. His reign as middleweight champion, marked by this streak, remains one of the most iconic periods in UFC history.
Latest finish in a title bout (Demetrious Johnson)
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson holds the record for the latest finish in a UFC title bout, showcasing his incredible ability to close out fights in the most dramatic fashion. His finish of Ray Borg at UFC 216 with a spectacular suplex-to-armbar in the fifth round is a perfect example of his creativity and technical brilliance.
His mastery in the octagon is highlighted by his ability to control every aspect of the fight, demonstrating that even in the final moments of a championship bout, he is capable of executing a flawless finish when it matters most.
Most finishes in a title bout (Anderson Silva)
Anderson Silva also holds the record for the most finishes in UFC title bouts, with a total of 10. His ability to finish fights on the biggest stages has made him a legend in the sport. His title defenses were often a display of precision striking and fluid movement, as he took out some of the toughest opponents in UFC history.
His finishes in title bouts, from knockouts to submissions, are a testament to his lethal abilities and his reputation as one of the most dominant champions the UFC has ever seen.
Fastest knockout (Jorge Masvidal)
Jorge Masvidal made history with the fastest knockout in UFC history, achieving a lightning-fast KO in just five seconds against Ben Askren at UFC 239. This explosive moment is etched into UFC lore, as he delivered a flying knee that knocked Askren out cold before he even had a chance to blink.
The sheer speed and precision of this knockout left fans and fighters alike in awe, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous and unpredictable strikers in the sport. His record is a testament to his ability to capitalize on the smallest window of opportunity, making it a perfect example of his explosive fighting style.
Most knockout of the night bonuses (Anderson Silva)
Anderson Silva holds the record for the most Knockout of the Night bonuses in UFC history, with a total of 7. Known for his flashy and often breathtaking striking, his ability to end fights with a single, precise shot made him a highlight reel staple throughout his career.
His legendary performances against fighters like Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin, and Vitor Belfort demonstrated his striking supremacy, earning him these coveted bonuses time and again. His dynamic fighting style, combining fluid movement and technical precision, not only earned him victories but also left a lasting impact on how the sport views striking in MMA.
Most significant strikes landed (Max Holloway)
Max Holloway has proven himself to be one of the most prolific strikers in UFC history, setting the record for the most significant strikes landed in the promotion. His relentless pace and volume have made him a nightmare for opponents, as he continuously presses forward, landing an overwhelming number of punches and kicks.
His cardio, accuracy, and ability to outwork his adversaries over the course of a fight are key components of his striking dominance. Whether in his wars against Jose Aldo or his iconic performance against Calvin Kattar, his striking volume showcases his unyielding approach to every fight, further solidifying his place as one of the best in the business.
Most knockdowns (Donald Cerrone)
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone holds the record for the most knockdowns in UFC history, a testament to his aggressive and versatile fighting style. His ability to land precise strikes from multiple angles has resulted in him dropping opponents on numerous occasions throughout his career.
His striking, combined with his vast experience in both kickboxing and MMA, made him a well-rounded threat capable of landing knockdowns across various weight classes. Known for his exciting, all-action approach to fights, his record reflects his tenacity and his penchant for taking risks inside the octagon, constantly looking for a way to finish his opponents.
Total fight time in a title bout (Jon Jones)
Jon Jones holds the record for the most total fight time in UFC title bouts, having spent an extraordinary amount of time in championship rounds. This achievement highlights his dominance and consistency in maintaining his reign over the light heavyweight division.
His ability to remain calm and composed, even in the later rounds of title defenses, has been a hallmark of his career. His strategic approach to managing fight time, coupled with his elite skill set, has allowed him to not only win but dominate in long, grueling battles.
Most knockouts in title bouts (Anderson Silva)
Anderson Silva once again makes his mark with the record for the most knockouts in UFC title bouts, a testament to his striking proficiency on the biggest stage. With 6 knockouts in championship fights, he displayed a level of precision and finishing ability rarely seen in the sport.
His ability to close the distance, set up strikes with immaculate timing, and then execute devastating knockouts in high-stakes moments made him a true force to be reckoned with. His title defenses were often a blend of calm calculation and explosive violence, solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers.
Most significant strikes in a title bout (Max Holloway)
Max Holloway’s record for the most significant strikes landed in a title bout is a testament to his relentless fighting style. In his championship clashes, he pushed the pace with his nonstop pressure, landing over 400 significant strikes against opponents like Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar.
His ability to maintain an incredibly high work rate for all five rounds in title fights has been a key factor in his success. His striking volume, combined with his precise timing and high-output style, makes him one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, showcasing that cardio and a fierce work ethic can control the course of a fight in the most grueling of circumstances.
Most performance of the night bonuses (Charles Oliveira)
Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most Performance of the Night bonuses, a nod to his spectacular finishes inside the octagon. He has earned this recognition numerous times throughout his UFC career, largely due to his unmatched submission skills and ability to finish fights in a variety of ways.
Whether it’s his lightning-fast chokes or his devastating strikes, he has kept fans on the edge of their seats with each performance. His ability to evolve as a fighter and continue to submit or knock out top-tier opponents solidifies him as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport, and his record-breaking bonus count is a testament to his consistent excellence inside the cage.
Most significant strikes in a single bout (Max Holloway)
Max Holloway also holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in a single bout, a remarkable achievement that showcases his sheer output and precision. His fight against Calvin Kattar in January 2021 is the centerpiece of this record, where Holloway landed an astonishing 445 significant strikes, surpassing the previous record by a wide margin.
This fight is widely considered one of the best displays of striking in UFC history. Holloway’s ability to maintain such an intense pace without sacrificing accuracy demonstrated his exceptional conditioning and technical proficiency, solidifying his place as one of the most prolific strikers.
Fastest submission (Oleg Taktarov)
Oleg Taktarov set the record for the fastest submission in UFC history, securing a tap-out victory over Anthony Macias in just 1 minute and 58 seconds at UFC 6. His quick submission remains one of the most impressive finishes in UFC history, and it highlights his mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Known for his calm demeanor and technical grappling, his ability to quickly capitalize on openings and submit his opponents made him a standout fighter in the early days of the UFC. His swift victory demonstrated not only his grappling prowess but also his ability to seize an opportunity and finish a fight with speed and efficiency.
Highest pay-per-view buys (Khabib vs McGregor)
The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018 remains the most lucrative event in UFC history, with the highest pay-per-view buys ever recorded for a single fight. The bout generated an estimated 2.4 million buys, a figure that shattered previous records.
This fight was not just about two of the best fighters in the world meeting in the octagon, but it was also fueled by an intense and heated rivalry that captivated the world.
Khabib’s dominant victory over McGregor, combined with the buildup and drama surrounding the fight, cemented its place as the highest-grossing event in UFC history. This milestone set a new standard for pay-per-view revenue and showcased the global appeal of mixed martial arts.
Most title reigns (Randy Couture)
Randy Couture holds the record for the most title reigns in UFC history, with a remarkable total of six. Known for his wrestling pedigree and strategic approach, his reigns spanned across multiple weight divisions, making him one of the most versatile champions the UFC has ever seen. His reigns included both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, a feat not many have been able to replicate.
His ability to reinvent himself throughout his career, overcoming tough opponents with his cardio, clinch game, and wrestling, cemented his legacy as one of the most influential fighters in UFC history. His six title reigns speak volumes about his resilience, skill, and adaptability inside the octagon.
Longest title reign (Anderson Silva)
Anderson Silva’s 2,457-day title reign in the UFC Middleweight division is not just a record—it’s a testament to his unparalleled dominance in the sport. He held onto the title for nearly seven years, a span that included 10 successful title defenses, the most in the division’s history. His reign was defined by his incredible striking, elusive movement, and ability to control his opponents in all aspects of the fight.
His unique style and precision made him nearly untouchable for the majority of his career, and his record title reign remains a symbol of excellence in UFC history. His reign is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon, making him one of the greatest to ever step inside the octagon.
Oldest champion (Randy Couture)
Randy Couture’s achievements extend beyond his multiple title reigns—he also set the record as the oldest fighter to win a UFC championship. At 45 years old, he captured the UFC Heavyweight title by defeating Tim Sylvia at UFC 68. His victory was a stunning reminder of his skill and resilience, especially considering the physical demands of the sport and his age at the time.
His ability to compete at such a high level, even against younger, stronger opponents, made him a pioneer in showing that age is not necessarily a barrier to success. His victory over Sylvia remains one of the most remarkable moments in UFC history.
Longest combined title reign (Amanda Nunes)
Amanda Nunes holds the record for the longest combined title reign in UFC history, holding both the Bantamweight and Featherweight championships simultaneously for an extended period.
Her reign began in 2016 when she defeated Miesha Tate for the Bantamweight title, and she solidified her place as one of the sport’s greats with her Featherweight title win over Cris Cyborg in 2018. Her ability to dominate in two divisions with such consistency and success makes her one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.
Her combination of striking power, grappling, and well-rounded skill set has made her a force that no one in the women’s divisions has been able to challenge for years, resulting in her unprecedented reign across two weight classes.
Fastest knockout in a title bout (Conor McGregor)
Conor McGregor set the record for the fastest knockout in a title bout when he knocked out José Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194. This lightning-fast finish stunned the MMA world and remains one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. His ability to capitalize on a single mistake, landing a left hook that left Aldo unconscious, showcased his precision and timing.
The knockout not only earned McGregor the UFC Featherweight title but also solidified his place as one of the most dangerous strikers in mixed martial arts. This swift victory became an enduring highlight of his career and a defining moment in UFC history.