5 UFC records that won't be broken any time soon
The UFC is a promotion with a rich history. As the premier MMA organization in the world, it is home to some of the most well-known names in the sport. Mixed martial arts legends like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva are all iconic for their performances inside the octagon.
The sport's greatest stars, like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, are all synonymous with Dana White's banner. Thus, the most visible records in MMA are UFC records. Not many fighters will gain noteworthy recognition for breaking records outside the promotion.
Some records, however, are much tougher to break than others. The records discussed in this list will be difficult for even the most skilled and naturally talented fighters to break.
#5. Jorge Masvidal's record for the fastest knockout in UFC history
Knockouts are already hard to come by. MMA fighters are highly skilled mixed martial artists, and most of them pour a great deal of effort into tightening up their defensive striking to avoid becoming the recipients of brutal knockouts. Prior to 'Gamebred's rise to MMA superstardom, Duane Ludwig held the record.
🗓 July 6, 2019: One year ago today...
🗣 “ONE OF THE GREATEST KNOCKOUTS I’VE EVER SEEN!”
Jorge Masvidal (+170) stuns undefeated Ben Askren by knocking him out in a UFC record :05 seconds 😴
https://t.co/jIFuhuXIWR
Back in 2006, 'Bang' flattened Jonathan Goulet within six seconds. It took 13 years for someone to shatter his historic achievement. At UFC 239, Jorge Masvidal stunned the MMA world by flatlining Ben Askren with a five-second knockout.
The moment the bout commenced, 'Gamebred' sprinted towards his foe. As 'Funky' dove for a takedown, he instead launched himself into the path of a flying knee that KO'd him stiff. It's been four years since Masvidal claimed the record, and no one has come close to threatening it.
#4. Charles Oliveira's record for the most submission wins in UFC history
As the years go by, MMA fighters become better overall fighters. The advent of calf kicks has forced mixed martial artists everywhere to somehow retain their improved boxing without overexposing their lead legs to counter-calf kicks. The same is true for grappling.
Make History, Charles Oliveira!
@CharlesDoBronxs gets another submission win, which gives him the most submission wins in UFC history! https://t.co/S5DMZ9Q1MD
The days of Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenoms effortlessly overcoming their opponents on the mat are over. Fighters have become increasingly difficult to take down, which makes the continued dominance of Dagestani wrestlers perplexing. However, there is one Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom who continues to shock his foes.
Charles 'do Bronx' Oliveira is the greatest submission artist in UFC history, with 16 wins via tapout. Since he's only 33 years old thus far, he still has plenty of time to extend his record.
#3. Demetrious Johnson's record for the latest submission in UFC history
Submission wins are harder to come by than knockouts simply due to the various intermediate steps between taking an opponent down and securing a choke or a joint lock. Transitions are required, and if a fighter's foe stands up, the entire process must be repeated.
Demetrious Johnson submits Kyoji Horiguchi with ONE SECOND left in the match... the latest finish in UFC history. http://t.co/c7u8NnFRYu
Thus, time is of the essence when it comes to submissions. Additionally, it's also easier to submit foes when there's no sweat to make them slippery, and not enough time has passed for both fighters to be too tired to engage in prolonged grappling sequences.
This made Demetrious Johnson's submission win against Kyoji Horiguchi exceptional. The former UFC flyweight champion submitted his foe via armbar with one second left in the fight.
#2. Demetrious Johnson's record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history
Some would argue that Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson is the greatest mixed martial artist in history. There are several reasons for that. The former UFC flyweight champion is one of the most well-rounded fighters to have ever set foot in a cage. His mastery in grappling and striking is nearly unparalleled.
Oct7.2017
5 years ago today,
Demetrious Johnson set the record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history. https://t.co/3RrnHTA3tP
This combination of skills is what enabled 'Mighty Mouse' to successfully defend his 125 lbs title 11 times in succession. In doing so, he surpassed Anderson Silva's run of 10 consecutive title defenses. Since then, no one has come close to Johnson's record.
Currently, only Valentina Shevchenko and Alexander Volkanovski are long-reigning champions, with each of them having seven title defenses and four title defenses respectively. As dominant as they've looked, even seemingly unstoppable fighters like Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya were eventually dethroned.
#1. Jon Jones' record of being the youngest UFC champion in history
It's not every day that a natural talent like Jon Jones emerges in MMA. Years ago, Joe Rogan described Ronda Rousey as a "once in ever" type of fighter. Had he spoken about Jon Jones, he'd have been right. The former kingpin of the UFC's 205 lbs weight class owns countless records.
His most impressive one, however, is becoming the youngest champion in the promotion's history. As a mere 23-year-old, 'Bones' conquered the light heavyweight division with an all-time great performance against MMA legend Maurício Rua.
Mar19.2011
9 years ago today,
23 year old Jon Jones def. Shogun Rua to become the youngest Champion in UFC history. https://t.co/kWDB4QGmJ7
He badly hurt 'Shogun' with a flying knee from which his foe never recovered. What commenced was one of the most brutal beatings in UFC title history, forcing the Brazilian to tap to strikes in the third round. While most fighters are still trying to find their feet at 23 years old, Jones achieved immortality at that age.
It's a record that won't be broken any time soon, and if it is, it'll be by a mixed martial artist that the entire world will have to set its sights on.