You would be hard-pressed to find a heavyweight in the world with a better Top-5 knockouts video than that of former UFC champion Stipe Miocic.
Miocic, who challenges Daniel Cormier for the belt this Saturday night live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California at UFC 241, will be seeking his second title run. Related: Daniel Cormier To Defend Title Against Stipe Miocic This Saturday Night
The Cleveland-based firefighter first won the belt with a stunning finish of Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in Brazil, earning a UFC-record three consecutive title defenses after that.
His run included wins over former UFC champion Junior dos Santos, former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem and Francis Ngannou. Related: Countdown To UFC 241 Featuring Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic
Before Miocic steps inside the Octagon for the first time since his 2018 loss to Cormier, check out a replay of his Top-5 finishes courtesy the UFC in the video below.
UFC 211: Junior Dos Santos
In his second title defense, Miocic stepped inside the Octagon in Dallas and had no trouble with Junior dos Santos. “Cigano,” a former UFC champion with wins over some of the biggest names in the sport, posed little threat to the reign of Miocic.
Just two minutes and change into the first round, Miocic floored him, finishing the fight with a flurry of punches. The victory earned the champion a “Performance of the Night” bonus and marked his 14th career win via knockout.
The win avenged a 2014 decision loss to dos Santos on FOX that was named “Fight of the Night” from Phoenix.
UFC 195: Andrei Arlovski
This was the bout that pushed Miocic to the top of the contender list, as he dropped the former champion, Andrei Arlovski, in just 54 seconds in Las Vegas. This victory also scored Miocic a “Performance of the Night” bonus.
The win, coupled with a victory in 2015 over Mark Hunt, positioned Miocic as the No. 1 contender.
UFC Fight Night: Fabio Maldonado
Part of a three-fight win streak from 2013-14, this victory over Fabio Maldonado in Brazil again earned Miocic “Performance of the Night” honors.
The fight ended in just 35 seconds, marking his quickest finish since his pro debut.
UFC 203: Alistair Overeem
This was the first title defense for Miocic, and many felt like he didn’t have much of a chance entering the fight.
With most viewing the win over Fabricio Werdum as a fluke, Miocic went out and silenced his critics by dropping Overeem in just over four minutes in his hometown of Cleveland. The win was part of four-fight run of bonuses, earning him “Fight of the Night” honors.
UFC 198: Fabricio Werdum
The fight that started the incredible run for Miocic, as he carried a two-fight win streak with him to Brazil.
Facing little pressure as a heavy underdog, Miocic showed no signs of concern. He went after Werdum from the get-go, finishing him just two minutes and 47 seconds into their fight in Brazil live on pay-per-view.