Derrick Lewis has carved out a unique identity in the UFC, known for his explosive power and ability to end fights with a single strike. Over the course of his career, Lewis has recorded 16 knockouts inside the Octagon, the most in UFC heavyweight history. Each stoppage showcases the attributes that have made him one of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
Lewis made his UFC debut in 2014 and wasted little time making an impression. His first knockout came against Jack May at UFC on FOX 11, where he used his ground-and-pound skills to secure a first-round stoppage. He followed that performance with another KO victory over Guto Inocente later that year.
Over the next few years, Lewis built a reputation as a power puncher with a flair for dramatic finishes. Notable among these was a second-round KO of Gabriel Gonzaga in 2016, followed shortly by a first-round knockout over Damian Grabowski. He also finished Travis Browne in 2017 after weathering early adversity.
Lewis’ fifth-round knockout of Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 was one of his most memorable performances. With just seconds remaining—and likely behind on the scorecards—Lewis landed a powerful right hand that secured the win, exemplifying his resilience and fight-ending ability.
He continued his streak with victories over fighters such as Marcin Tybura, Aleksei Oleinik, and Curtis Blaydes. His knockout of Blaydes was particularly notable, as he delivered a well-timed uppercut to earn performance-of-the-night honors.
In more recent years, Lewis added knockout wins over Chris Daukaus and Marcos Rogério de Lima to his resume. Each bout further cemented his status as one of the most prolific knockout artists the UFC has seen.
With 16 knockouts heading into UFC 324, Derrick Lewis has not only made history in the heavyweight division but also established himself as a fan favorite known for his explosiveness and finishing ability. Regardless of the outcome of future bouts, his record already reflects a significant chapter in the UFC’s history of highlight-reel finishes.
