MMA
UFC records that could be broken soon
There are a string of UFC records that could be broken in the not too distant future.
We’ve rounded them up below and profiled the fighters that could be set to make history.
Most title defences: Jon Jones
Much has been made about Jon Jones’ future in recent months following a public spat with UFC president, Dana White. ‘Bones’ had dominated the light heavyweight division for the best part of a decade, successfully defending the belt on 11 separate occasions, before finally opting to vacate his belt and move up to heavyweight
His points win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020 put him level with Demetrius Johnson for the most UFC title defences in history, but it won’t be simple for Jones if he is to surpass the record.
Standing in the way of Jones and another future title defence is none other than new UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who dethroned Stipe Miocic with a thrilling performance at UFC 260. The two look set to face off later in the year if recent speculation is to be believed.
Most knockouts: Derrick Lewis
Although there were several men chasing down the legendary Vitor Belfort’s record for most UFC knockouts (12), Derrick Lewis’ recent knockout of heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes brought him level at the top of the tree.
The American has won his last two bouts via second round knockout, and alongside fellow heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou he is considered one of the hardest hitters in the game today.
Brazilian Thiago Santos is not far behind with 11 total knockouts in the UFC and could equal Belfort and Lewis’ tally in his next appearance.
Most PPV Main Events: Jon Jones
Another record in the sights of Jon Jones is Randy Couture’s long-standing record (18) for the most PPV Main Event matches for a single fighter.
Whilst middleweight legend Anderson Silva came close, amassing 17 main events during the height of his run, with no main event matches since UFC 234 it seems unlikely the Brazilian will ever equal this record.
Jones on the other hand still has several years ahead of him at the top ahead of his move to heavyweight and will almost certainly be in the main event slot in his next fight. He currently has 15 main event matches under his belt and a good run in his new division could see him surpass the record in the not-so-distant future.
Most consecutive wins: Kamaru Usman/Amanda Nunes
Another record currently held by Anderson Silva is the most consecutive wins in UFC history. The ‘Spider’ won 16 consecutive bouts between June 2006 and July 2013, when he lost in famous fashion to Chris Weidman.
Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov put together a 13-fight win streak in the UFC and looked to be the biggest threat to Silva’s record. ‘The Eagle’ had beaten a who’s who of names in the lightweight division but opted to hang up his gloves following a win over Justin Gaethje back in October
Two-weight world champion Amanda Nunes is herself now on a 12-fight winning streak after beating Megan Anderson at UFC 259. As arguably the greatest female combat athlete of all time, Nunes may very well have Silva’s record in her sights if she is willing to commit to another four fights.
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has now won his last 13 bouts and will look to make it 14 at UFC 261 as he takes on Jorge Masvidal in a rematch of their bout from 2020. Usman is currently 1/4 to extend his winning run, with Masvidal 3/1 to put an end to it.
