brock lesnar, jon jones, francis ngaanou

The greatest UFC heavyweights of all time — ranked

October 28, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From terrifying knockout artists to tactical grapplers, the UFC heavyweight division has long been home to some of the most unforgettable fighters in MMA history. This list counts down the 15 greatest UFC heavyweights ever — based on dominance, legacy, and the sheer impact they had inside the Octagon.

15. Ciryl Gane: A modern technician with elite movement

Ciryl Gane may not (yet) own a UFC title, but his slick footwork and striking finesse are rare at heavyweight. He reached the top level quickly, battling for the undisputed title twice and winning the interim belt. Despite setbacks, Gane remains one of the most technical and athletic big men the division has seen.

14. Alistair Overeem: A global striking legend

Alistair Overeem’s resume spans decades and organizations, and he entered the UFC already a star. Known for his devastating knees and kickboxing pedigree, he fought the very best and remained competitive well into his 40s. Though he never claimed UFC gold, his overall impact on the division was undeniable.

13. Derrick Lewis: The knockout king

Derrick Lewis owns the record for most knockouts in UFC history, a testament to his freakish power and resilience. Win or lose, “The Black Beast” always delivers excitement — and often finishes. While he’s fallen short in title fights, few can match his ability to end a bout with a single punch.

12. Daniel Cormier: The double champ who conquered heavyweight

Though Cormier’s prime came at light heavyweight, his achievements at heavyweight are still elite. He defeated Stipe Miocic to claim the belt and defended it against Derrick Lewis. His rivalry with Miocic was one of the most intense in UFC history and helped define an era of championship-caliber heavyweights.

11. Andrei Arlovski: The ageless veteran

Arlovski won the UFC heavyweight title early in his career but has remained active and competitive well into his 40s. Known for his speed and classic striking style, he’s fought nearly every top contender of his time. With over 50 professional fights, his durability and longevity are second to none.

10. Randy Couture: The pioneer who defied size and age

Randy Couture was never the biggest man in the heavyweight division, but he was always one of the smartest. Using speed and wrestling, he outworked opponents much larger than him. A two-division champion and true pioneer, Couture’s story is one of grit, late-career success, and timeless toughness.

9. Frank Mir: Submission finishes and championship grit

Frank Mir’s ground game was lethal, earning him big wins over names like Tim Sylvia and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. He overcame a serious motorcycle accident to continue competing at the highest level. With a UFC title and multiple signature wins, Mir’s jiu-jitsu mastery left a lasting mark on the division.

8. Tom Aspinall: The new champ with scary speed

Tom Aspinall has taken the UFC by storm with his explosive finishes and crisp technique. Nearly all of his wins have come within two rounds, making him one of the most efficient finishers in the sport. After being promoted to full champion in 2025, he remains undefeated in meaningful fights and poised for a dominant reign.

7. Jon Jones: A perfect record at heavyweight

Jon Jones only fought twice at heavyweight, but he did it in spectacular fashion. First, he submitted Ciryl Gane in his debut — without taking a single punch. Then he dismantled Stipe Miocic before retiring. Even with limited appearances, his skill and dominance can’t be overlooked.

6. Fabricio Werdum: The jiu-jitsu king who evolved

Werdum stunned the world when he submitted Cain Velasquez to win the UFC title, proving he was more than just a grappler. His striking improved steadily, turning him into a truly well-rounded fighter. That evolution, combined with elite grappling, makes him one of the most respected heavyweights ever.

5. Brock Lesnar: A force of nature

Despite only eight UFC fights, Brock Lesnar’s impact was massive. He won the heavyweight title just four bouts into his MMA career and became one of the sport’s biggest draws. His raw athleticism and ability to bounce back from adversity made him an unforgettable chapter in UFC history.

4. Junior dos Santos: Pure boxing brilliance

With some of the best hands in heavyweight history, Junior dos Santos was a knockout artist with technical finesse. His first-round KO of Cain Velasquez earned him the belt, and he later bested Stipe Miocic in a thrilling five-round battle. In his prime, JDS was as dangerous as they come.

3. Cain Velasquez: Cardio, power, and pace

Cain Velasquez blended relentless wrestling with high-volume striking to wear down his opponents like no one else. He beat Brock Lesnar for the belt and later avenged a loss to Junior dos Santos with back-to-back dominant wins. Though injuries cut his career short, his prime years were nearly flawless.

2. Stipe Miocic: The most successful heavyweight champ

Stipe Miocic holds the record for most title defenses in UFC heavyweight history. He defeated legends like Francis Ngannou, Alistair Overeem, and Daniel Cormier, all while keeping a humble, workmanlike attitude. Miocic may be soft-spoken, but his resume roars loudly among the all-time greats.

1. Francis Ngannou: Power, presence, and perseverance

Francis Ngannou didn’t just knock people out — he obliterated them. With 10 knockouts in 12 UFC wins and a revenge win over Stipe Miocic to claim the belt, Ngannou’s power was unmatched. He later defended the title while injured, but left the UFC amid contract issues — undefeated, unbroken, and still feared.