The 10 Heaviest Hitters in the UFC Today

Over the past several years, mixed martial arts has come to be one of the world's fastest growing sports.

A major reason for its success revolves around the excitement and real-life entertainment the sport provides to its fans.

While the UFC is built upon a roster in the hundreds, there are a few fighters that stand out amongst the rest. It's the sport's heavy hitters who are recognized more than others as they bring an even greater excitement to the table.

The following slides display the top 10 heaviest hitters in the UFC today.

Let's take a look.

Jose Aldo

Not only is Jose Aldo one of the most explosive fighters in the UFC today, but he's also one of the heaviest hitters.

While Aldo may have a disadvantage only weighing 145 lbs., he hasn't let that stop him from knocking out 13 of his 21 career opponents.

Aldo's huge uppercuts and strikes have led him to knockout victories over Jonathan Brookins, Cub Swanson, Mike Brown and Manvel Gamburyan.

Melvin Guillard

Arguably the best knockout artist in the UFC today, Melvin Guillard is capable of knocking out any of his opponents with just one swing.

Despite falling out of title contention with a loss to Joe Lauzon at UFC 136, Guillard remains one of the heaviest hitters in mixed martial arts.

Of Guillard's 29 career victories, 19 of them have come by way of knockout.

Jake Ellenberger

Jake Ellenberger has been known for his heavy hitting since entering the sport of mixed martial arts in April of 2005.

However, it wasn't until recently when fans found out just how hard he hits when he knocked out Jake Shields in 53 seconds of his last bout.

Ellenberger has used his heavy hitting to knock out four of his last five opponents.

Brian Stann

If you're surprised Brian Stann is on this list, you shouldn't be.

In fact, UFC fans are beginning to make the case for Stann as the heaviest hitter in the entire middleweight division as he's knocked out eight opponents in just 15 fights.

Leading up to his bout with Chael Sonnen at UFC 136, Stann knocked out Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago through his vicious striking.

Anderson Silva

Anderson isn't simply just one of the heavier hitters in the UFC today, but of all time.

Silva, who hasn't lost a fight since 2006, has won 15 consecutive fights. Of his current win streak of 15, he's knocked out his opponent on 10 different occasions.

Silva is undoubtedly one of the heaviest hitters to have ever stepped foot inside the Octagon.

Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort also has a case for being the hardest hitter in the middleweight division today.

Since the time Belfort began his mixed martial arts career he has been known as a knockout powerhouse. In fact, Belfort knocked out the first five opponents of his career.

The thing that makes Belfort standout amongst the rest is his consistency, as he's won six of his last seven fights, including five knockouts during that span.

Dan Henderson

It only takes one punch for Henderson to ruin his opponent's night. Just ask Michael Bisping.

Since the beginning of his career, "Hendo" has always had a killer instinct with killer hands which has led him to 13 career victories via knockout.

Henderson has used his heavy hitting to knock out opponents such as Renato Sobral, Wanderlei Silva and Fedor Emelianenko.

Junior Dos Santos

One thing's for sure, no one likes to step foot inside the Octagon with Junior Dos Santos.

Dos Santos, who's lost just one fight in his mixed martial arts career, has knocked out eight opponents in just 14 contests.

JDS's heavy hands have also led him to two Knockout of the Night awards since entering the UFC.

Shane Carwin

There are many UFC fans across the globe who believe Shane Carwin may very well be the heaviest hitter in the entire heavyweight division.

Despite not having the greatest track record as of late, Carwin is undeniably one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC today.

Of his 12 career victories, Carwin has knocked out his seven of his opponents.

Cain Velasquez

Cain Velasquez is the heavyweight champion for a reason, as he's never lost a single bout in his mixed martial arts career.

The world's most dangerous man has knocked out every single opponent that's come his way, except for a decision victory over Cheick Kongo at UFC 99.

Velasquez has used his heavy hitting to knock out Brock Lesnar, Antonio Nogueira and Ben Rothwell.