Following a recent action-packed UFC event and with Independence Day celebrations underway, it`s a perfect moment to highlight MMA`s most explosive athletes. Two writers from MMA Fighting surveyed the divisions to identify fighters known for their power, who can ignite the cage with a single strike.
Francis Ngannou
While Tom Aspinall is a notable heavyweight contender, `The Predator,` Francis Ngannou, set the standard for explosive power. Now competing in PFL, his UFC career included a devastating knockout of Alistair Overeem. He even significantly challenged Tyson Fury in a boxing match despite lacking prior experience in the sport. Ngannou isn`t just explosive; his power is truly historic.
Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev deserves credit for surviving Alex Pereira`s formidable power at UFC 313, but even in that fight, `Poatan`s` reputation for knockout power loomed large. Before facing Ankalaev, the former kickboxer compiled a remarkable list of finishes in just four years in the promotion. His memorable knockout of Jiri Prochazka, the viral shrug over Jamahal Hill, and the surprising fifth-round TKO of Israel Adesanya that earned him a title quickly are all testament to his extraordinary punching ability. Any of these highlight Pereira`s unreal power.
Khamzat Chimaev
Respect to middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but when considering sheer explosive potential at 185 pounds, the focus shifts to his potential opponent. Khamzat Chimaev has been a dominant force since his octagon debut. Despite facing setbacks like illness, injury, and weight issues, when `Borz` is at his peak, few fighters are as intimidating. He`s known for overpowering opponents, treating them like training dummies before dismantling them. And sometimes, he simply decides to end fights with a single, powerful knockout punch.
Joaquin Buckley
Who can forget Joaquin Buckley`s incredible spinning back kick knockout after his kick was caught? While that viral moment occurred at middleweight, since moving to 170 pounds, `New Mansa` has continued his violent streak with finishes over Andre Fialho, Vicente Luque, and Stephen Thompson. His ability to create sudden, spectacular finishes remains a defining trait.
Ilia Topuria
Immediately after UFC 317, the main event knockout was released for free on the official YouTube channel. This highlights the impact of Ilia Topuria`s finishing ability and firmly establishes him as the fighter to watch at 155 pounds. His featherweight run was equally impressive. He is notably the only fighter to knock out Max Holloway and the only one to defeat Alexander Volkanovski at featherweight. Topuria could arguably be considered a top pound-for-pound knockout artist even before his conclusive victory over Charles Oliveira.
Jean Silva
If Topuria were still in the featherweight division, he`d certainly claim this spot. However, Jean Silva, known as `Lord,` is stepping up to fill that void. In five UFC appearances, Silva has secured five stoppage victories – four by knockout and one brutal choke – earning three performance bonuses. Among the rising stars from his camp, Silva has the potential to shine the brightest with his finishing capabilities.
Malcolm Wellmaker
Another emerging talent known for explosive power is Malcolm Wellmaker. A former pipe-fitter nicknamed `The Machine,` he differs significantly from bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. While Dvalishvili is a machine in the sense of relentless pressure that grinds opponents down, Wellmaker is a machine like a T-800, designed to obliterate opposition swiftly. Just ask Cameron Saaiman and Kris Moutinho about his impact.
Manel Kape
Watching Manel Kape`s dominant performance against Bruno `Bulldog` Silva makes it clear why fans are eagerly anticipating him finally receiving a flyweight title shot and another opportunity against Alexandre Pantoja. That extended beatdown in 2025 showcased `Starboy`s` immense potential when performing at his best. No other fighter at 125 pounds seems to possess Kape`s level of fluid, dynamic skill, making him a threat capable of overwhelming anyone on the right night.
Amanda Nunes
Does Amanda Nunes` inclusion on this list require an explanation? Beyond being widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, Nunes holds the record for most knockouts in UFC women`s history, among numerous other records from her storied career of decisively defeating her opposition. This is the fighter who stopped Cris Cyborg in under a minute. With her return planned, Kayla Harrison could potentially be added to her list of formidable opponents overcome.
Dakota Ditcheva
This list wouldn`t be complete without including Dakota Ditcheva, arguably the most exciting female fighter in MMA right now. Once viewed as an intriguing prospect needing careful development by PFL, that notion was dispelled last year when Ditcheva captivated audiences with a scintillating tournament performance. `Dangerous` lived up to her moniker, securing four consecutive stoppages to claim the PFL flyweight championship, including a decisive two-round destruction of Taila Santos. With nine straight finishes under the PFL banner, she is an undeniable choice for this list.
Zhang Weili
The strawweight division (115 pounds) isn`t typically known for an abundance of one-punch knockout artists, but even if it were, Zhang Weili would have a strong case as its most dangerous finisher. Her spinning backfist knockout of fellow legend Joanna Jedrzejczyk is potentially the greatest KO in women`s MMA history. Even when her fights go the distance, her fearsome bursts of strength and athleticism can change the course of a contest in an instant, highlighting her explosive potential.
