5 most lethal knockout artists in the UFC right now
![Justin Gaethje [Image via @espnmma on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/17f12-16515660058671-1920.jpg?w=500)
There are many ways a fighter can endear themselves to UFC and combat sports fans in general. Some adopt over-the-top personas while others are beloved for their 'anyone, anywhere, anytime' mentality. The ability to separate someone from consciousness, however, remains the most organic way to grow one's fanbase.
In his prime, Anderson Silva was renowned for his ability to put away his opponents. Despite barely speaking English, 'The Spider' emerged as the face of the sport between 2006 and 2012, largely thanks to his astonishing 15-fight winning streak, comprising 14 finishes. Out of 14 finishes, 13 came via knockout.
Nine years ago today, @SpiderAnderson settled his beef with Vitor Belfort with a front kick to the face 🦶😵 https://t.co/QJXbGJ1YFr
The likes of Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are sensational strikers with devastating fight-ending power. However, both fighters have only had two fights in the octagon thus far. With a few more statement-making victories, 'Po Atan' and 'Denisa' will be considered among the hardest hitters on the roster.
On that note, here are the five most lethal knockout artists in the UFC right now.
#5. Sean O'Malley – UFC bantamweight
Looking at Sean O'Malley's career so far, the rising bantamweight is a bonafide superstar. 'Sugar' seemingly has a bigger fanbase than most champions in the promotion, largely thanks to his unique personality, supreme confidence, and of course, his spectacular knockouts.
O'Malley is a lethal knockout artist. We don't often see fighters get knocked out cold in lighter weight classes in MMA. Somehow, this streaking bantamweight already has a scorching highlight reel, comprising KO/TKO victories over Jose Quinonez, Eddie Wineland, Thomas Almeida, Kris Moutinho and most recently, Raulian Paiva.
SUGA SEAN O'MALLEY IN ROUND ONE. BELIEVE THE HYPE. 🤯
☘️ @SugaSeanMMA unranked no more! #UFC269 https://t.co/i6vLKaOcas
O'Malley doesn't seem to be in a hurry to climb the ranks and doesn't mind fighting unranked fighters either. Currently ranked No.13 in the division, the popular 135-pounder's next few bouts will give fans a clear idea of his potential.
He has barrelled through almost every opponent he's faced so far and it remains to be seen how he performs against high-level opposition. While he is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the division, we haven't seen him get tested by a solid wrestler yet. If his takedown defense and grappling is as good as he says it is, we could have a future champion on our hands.