Derrick Lewis, weighing in at UFC 229

When considering the history of devastating knockout artists who have competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, certain names that come to mind include Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Anthony Johnson, Shane Carwin, and reigning heavyweight king Francis Ngannou. While these aforementioned names are certainly some of the most formidable knockout forces we've ever seen, none other than Houston's own Derrick Lewis (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) has recently reached the pinnacle of this discussion.

Lewis notched his 13th knockout inside the octagon earlier this month when he finished rising contender Chris Daukaus in the first round, consequently setting the record for most knockouts in UFC history.

For someone who has the words "Knock Out King" tattooed across his chest, 'The Black Beast' has now truly lived up to that title by setting himself apart from all other heavy hitters seen in the past. To celebrate Derrick Lewis and his record-setting achievement, let's take a look back at some of the finest octagon performances that helped make him the most prolific knockout threat in UFC history.

Knockout of Gabriel Gonzaga (4:48 of Round 1)

After having put together a record of 5-2 inside the octagon and often finding himself on the prelims, Lewis was given a co-main event slot against UFC veteran and former heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga at a Fight Night event in 2016. After some early adversity courtesy of Gonzaga's grappling, Lewis got the fight back to the feet and blasted Gonzaga against the fence, earning himself a 'Performance of the Night' bonus in the process. In many ways, this was the breakout performance that birthed the Derrick Lewis we know today.

By knocking out Gonzaga, Lewis solidified himself as a main card attraction and never found himself of the prelims again. His last 16 octagon appearances have been featured on the main card.

Knockout of Shamil Abdurakhimov (3:42 of Round 4)

After back-to-back co-main event slots, Lewis was given his first chance to headline a show when he met Russian contender Shamil Abdurakhimov in the main event of a Fight Night card in 2016, attempting to go 4-0 that year. Abdurakhimov scored 4 takedowns and nearly 7 minutes of control time throughout the first three rounds, prompting fans and analysts alike to question whether or not the Russian's grappling would be too much for Lewis to overcome. Despite being down 30-27 on all the cards heading into the fourth, Lewis rallied late and secured a takedown of his own, before ultimately establishing mount and battering Abdurakhimov to earn a TKO victory.

This fight marked the first time we were introduced to the relentless heart and 'never give up' attitude of Lewis, something that has since become a trademark of his career. To this day, it remains the latest knockout of Lewis' MMA career and is the only time he has gone to the championship rounds.

Knockout of Alexander Volkov (4:49 of Round 3)

Lewis firmly established himself as an MMA superstar when he faced Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 in 2018. In a fight that was strategically placed on the main card of the highest-selling UFC pay-per-view of all time, Lewis was dominated by Volkov for nearly three entire rounds before pouring on the pressure in the last 20 seconds to score one of the most electrifying knockouts we've ever seen. Volkov was clearly seconds away from a unanimous decision win after outstriking 'The Black Beast' 133-40 and visibly hurting him on multiple occasions, but Lewis once again showed the world that he maintains devastating fight-ending power until the very last second.

The comeback win against Volkov is surely the most memorable knockout of Lewis' career, and the post-fight interview that followed only helped in launching his brand to new heights. This performance encompasses everything we have come to love about Derrick Lewis, and taught us once and for all to never count him out of a fight.

Knockout of Curtis Blaydes (1:26 of Round 2)

Lewis squared off with formidable wrestling threat Curtis Blaydes in the main event of a Fight Night card in early 2021. Riding an impressive 4-fight win streak at the time, Blaydes appeared to be a nightmare matchup for Lewis on paper due to his renowned wrestling credentials and infamous ground and pound. In a fight that was regarded as something of a title eliminator, Blaydes opted to strike with Lewis for the entire first round to the surprise of many. Blaydes then attempted to weaponize his wrestling in round two, but was met with a perfectly timed uppercut from Lewis that separated him from his consciousness.

The ferocious knockout of a surging Curtis Blaydes reasserted Lewis as a legitimate threat to the heavyweight throne, setting him up for a shot at interim gold later in the year. Considering Lewis' status as an elite heavyweight was consistently downplayed by Blaydes leading up to the fight, this was arguably the most rewarding knockout of his career.

Knockout of Chris Daukaus (3:36 of Round 1)

Lewis headlined the UFC's final Fight Night card of 2021 when he met streaking heavyweight prospect Chris Daukaus, who is an admirable knockout artist in his own right. Winner of 4-straight inside the octagon, Daukaus entered this fight looking to deliver Lewis his first knockout loss since 2017. However, once the big men started trading, it was ultimately Lewis who successfully pressured Daukaus into the fence and found the knockout.

His 13th win via KO/TKO inside the octagon, Lewis broke the record for most knockouts in UFC history with this win. Although Lewis will continue delivering knockouts for the foreseeable future, this will always be remembered as his record-setting performance.

The Legacy of Derrick Lewis

In 23 octagon appearances, Lewis has headlined 9 events, earned 7 performance bonuses, and has challenged for both undisputed and interim gold.

Derrick Lewis has already cemented himself as one of the most dangerous power punchers in the history of the sport, and his legacy as the UFC's "Knockout King" will likely be remembered for years to come.

Just how far he will be able to extend his historic record for most knockouts in UFC history? Your guess is as good as mine.