Derrick Lewis: The UFC's Knockout King with 24 KO/TKO Finishes

Derrick Lewis, affectionately known as The Black Beast, holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history with 24 KO/TKO finishes. This achievement places him at the top of the list of UFC fighters with the most knockouts, surpassing even legendary fighters like Anderson Silva, who has 22 KOs. Lewis' career in the UFC has been marked by his prowess in securing knockouts, with a total of 43 fights under his belt.

Lewis' journey to becoming the UFC's knockout king is as remarkable as his record. He started training in boxing at the age of 17, but his early life was marked by challenges. Involved in an aggravated assault shortly after graduating from high school, Lewis was given probation and went on to play for Kilgore College on a full football scholarship. However, he violated his probation and spent three and a half years out of a five-year sentence. After his release, Lewis went to train under the tutelage of George Foreman, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion. Despite his initial focus on boxing, Lewis chose to forego it and concentrate on mixed martial arts, entering the LSAMMA in 2009 and then transitioning to Bellator in 2010.

Lewis' UFC career began in 2013, and he has since become one of the most feared fighters in the organization. His most recent fight was at UFC Freedom 250, an exclusive event held at the White House. Despite his age of 41, Lewis continues to be a formidable force in the UFC, with a record of 24-14-0 (W-L-D). His ability to secure knockouts remains unmatched, and his record is likely to stand for some time. Anderson Silva, the closest contender with 22 KOs, has not fought since 2026 and is largely seen as retired. Matt Brown, another talented fighter with 13 KO/TKO finishes, has not fought since 2023. While there is always a chance for a new contender to emerge, Lewis' record is safe for now.