In the fierce world of boxing, Billy Bird, a British boxer, stands tall with a record-breaking 138 knockouts. Hot on his heels is the tenacious Archie Moore, the longest-reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion, with 132 knockouts. Closely following them, William Lawrence Stribling Jr. boasted 129 knockouts.
Billy Bird’s career lasted 28 years, during which time he fought 356 (260 wins, 73 loses, 20 draws, and 3 no contests) recorded professional matches, although it was rumored that he had even more unrecorded non-professional fights. This made him one of the most active boxers of his time.
Bird’s record is so impressive that it is believed that the record of 138 knockouts will never be repeated, let alone broken since the record for most knockouts by the current active boxer is 51.
In English, a lefthanded person is usually referred to as the “southpaw.” In boxing, the southpaw is a stance for a left-handed fighter. They position their right foot and hand forward, with leading right jabs, followed by a left cross, then a right hook.
Al McCoy is displaying a southpaw stance.
The southpaw stance is not just a position; it’s a strategic advantage. It confuses opponents who are more accustomed to facing right-handed fighters, giving the southpaw an edge in the ring.
Right-handed fighters can also fight in the southpaw stance, leading the opponent into a false belief. They can also fight in the same position, mirror-reversed. This is called the orthodox stance.
The disadvantage of the southpaw stance is that it can leave the liver open for the blows.
The electrifying knockouts and their finishes are undeniably the most thrilling moments in the UFC or any combat sport. They are a stark reminder of the high stakes and intense competition that these fighters face, where a single blow can change the course of a match.
Some fighters thrive on it and have become true knockout artists, and collecting them has become their career signature.
The fighter who has the most knockouts in UFC history is Derrick Lewis, having 14 knockouts to his name.
The most knockouts in the history of the UFC in any bout have:
4. Dustin Poirier, Anderson Silva, Anthony Johnson, and Thiago Santos
These gentlemen share fourth place by having 11 knockouts to their name. Anderson Silva, Anthony Johnson, and Thiago Santos had their knockouts in the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions, and Dustin Poirier in the lightweight, featherweight, and catchweight divisions.
Vitor Belfort is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Champion. With his raw, explosive knockout power, he held the title alone for quite some time until No.1 on this list came and replaced him. Vitor has 12 knockouts and is a retired boxer and martial artist who fought in the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight divisions to the top.
Matt Brown has been a professional fighter since 2008. He currently competes in the welterweight division and lives up to his nickname, “The Immortal.” With his most recent knockout in 2023, Brown currently counts 13 knockouts.
Always entertaining in the octagon, the fighter you don’t want in the opposing corner – Derrick Lewis. With 14 knockouts, he proudly holds the title of the fighter with “The Most Knockouts In The UFC” and has competed in the heavyweight division since 2010. As of March this year, Lewis is 12th in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
