Anderson Silva and the 5 Most Spectacular Finishers in the UFC

Anderson Silva is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts and is one of the most consistent fighters in the sport. A part of what contributes to his consistency is his finishing ability. 

Silva is a very creative striker, and simply outclasses his opponents on the feet while en route to a victory. Throughout his UFC career, the Brazilian has finished 12 of his last 13 opponents, while 18 of his 31 wins have been by KO/TKO. He is undoubtedly the most complete striker in MMA history.

In this slideshow, we'll take a look at other fighters who are some the best finishers in the sport. This analysis is not only based on finishing ability, but consistency as well. 

Here are the top five most spectacular finishers in the UFC.

5. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit certainly lives up to his nickname, "The Natural Born Killer."

A multiple recipient of "Knockout of the Night" honours, Condit is one of the most effective and efficient strikers in the UFC. Since making his UFC debut in 2009, Condit has impressed fans with his versatility and his knockout power, holding wins over Dan Hardy, Rory McDonald and Dong-Hyun-Kim.

And out of his 27 wins, 13 of them have come via KO/TKO. 

Condit has earned the opportunity to challenge for the UFC welterweight title and he will face Georges St-Pierre at UFC 137.

4. Mauricio Rua

It's hard to argue that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua isn't one of the most successful fighters in MMA history. 

Although he has endured a series of unfortunate mishaps that have held him back from his true potential, when the Brazilian is healthy he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. His recent win over Griffin at UFC 134 was a perfect example. 

Rua's power and dynamic striking ability have allowed him to pick up some credible wins over some of the most legitimate fighters including Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Lyoto Machida and Forrest Griffin. In addition, he has managed to finish the past four of his six opponents, and has earned 13 of his wins via KO/TKO. 

Rua will look to add another victory to his resume when he faces Dan Henderson at UFC 139 in November.

3. Junior dos Santos

Junior dos Santos' recent dominance over the UFC heavyweight division gives him every reason to feel confident in his finishing ability. 

Upon entering the Octagon in 2008, "Cigano" has since dispatched every opponent in his way. The Brazilian holds incredible knockout power in his hands, but he also possesses the best boxing skills in the division, and maybe in the entire sport. 

Dos Santos' striking technique and power is difficult to compete against, as he has laid out five of his last seven opponents, improving his overall record to 13-1-0. Dos Santos also displayed some versatility in his arsenal during his bout against Shane Carwin at UFC 131, as he easily took him down on two occasions and implemented some kickboxing as well. 

The Brazilian will finally get his opportunity to challenge for the UFC heavyweight title when he faces Cain Velasquez on UFC on FOX.

2. Jon Jones

If his recent track record in the light heavyweight division is any indication, Jon Jones is destined to become one of the most successful fighters of all time. 

Blessed with athleticism and size, Jones has suddenly reigned over the 205-pound division in no less than a year. The 24-year-old's talent is undeniable and his combination of dynamic, unorthodox striking and collegiate wrestling skills, has frustrated and overwhelmed his opponents.

Jones' success has earned him a considerable amount of praise in his career thus far and became the youngest champion in UFC history after his dominant victory over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128. It's hard to imagine what Jones is capable of when he enters his prime.

Jones is set to make his second title defense against Lyoto Machida at UFC 140 in December.

1. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva's ability to instantly end a bout is truly a spectacle to behold. 

"The Spider" has walked through every opponent he has faced with relative ease, utilizing creativity and technique.

The Brazilian has never provided a dull moment inside the Octagon, as he has finished the last 11 of his 13 opponents and is currently enjoying a 15-fight winning streak. With victories over notable opponents like Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort, it isn't hard to see why Silva has achieved the amount of success he's had throughout his career—what's even more impressive, is his display of this uncanny ability at 36 years old. 

Silva is likely to defend the UFC middleweight title against Chael Sonnen at some point in 2012.