6 UFC Records Broken in 2024

The UFC continued to set the standard for mixed martial arts in 2024, a year that brought both thrilling fights and groundbreaking records. As athletes pushed the limits of human endurance, technical mastery, and raw power, the UFC witnessed several moments that will be etched in history for years to come.

From swift title defenses to record-breaking knockouts, 2024 delivered a series of extraordinary performances that not only solidified the champions’ legacies but also raised the bar for what’s possible inside the octagon.

What makes these records so significant is not just the numbers themselves, but the context in which they were achieved. Every record broken this year reflects the relentless pursuit of greatness by some of the UFC’s most seasoned athletes.

Each fighter faced formidable opponents, yet their ability to overcome adversity and deliver on the grandest stage of mixed martial arts was nothing short of extraordinary. These milestones are a testament to the evolution of the sport, where precision, timing, and heart reign supreme.

The UFC’s rich history of producing world-class athletes has always been a story of breaking boundaries, but 2024 truly showcased the heights to which the sport can reach. The competitors who etched their names in the record books this year not only captivated audiences with their fighting skills but also redefined what is possible in their respective divisions.

Whether through technical prowess, sheer endurance, or lightning-fast knockouts, these records serve as benchmarks that future generations will strive to surpass.

As the UFC moves forward into new eras and new challenges, the records set in 2024 will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for aspiring champions. Here’s a deep dive into the six unforgettable records broken in 2024, each representing a new frontier in the world of mixed martial arts.

1. Alex Pereira’s Swift Title Defenses

At UFC 305, Alex Pereira set an unprecedented record for the shortest time between three title defenses, completing the feat in a mere 175 days. This accomplishment not only showcased Pereira’s dominance but also solidified his status as one of the most consistent champions in UFC history.

The Brazilian knockout artist displayed relentless determination, defending his title with ease against high-level opponents in a matter of months.

To put this into perspective, it took fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor far longer to defend their titles multiple times, highlighting Pereira’s ability to stay at the top of his game in a short span.

But what makes this record even more impressive is the nature of Pereira’s fights. Defending his title successfully against such competition in under six months proved Pereira’s readiness to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts. It wasn’t just about timing; it was about maintaining top-tier performance in one of the most competitive divisions in UFC history.

2. Max Holloway’s Stunning KO at UFC 300

Max Holloway etched his name into UFC history with a sensational knockout at 4:59 of Round 5 at UFC 300, marking the latest stoppage in a UFC championship fight. This feat pushed the boundaries of endurance and timing, proving that Holloway’s perseverance is as much a part of his skill set as his striking ability.

The bout had all the makings of a classic back-and-forth battle, with both fighters refusing to yield. Holloway’s knockout came just one second before the fight’s conclusion, making it an unforgettable moment for MMA fans.

This late knockout is significant not only because of its timing but also due to the sheer exhaustion both fighters were enduring in the championship rounds. The fact that Holloway was able to land such a decisive blow just before the bell rang displayed a level of resilience and strategy that few fighters possess.

3. Valentina Shevchenko’s Historic Flyweight Reign

Valentina Shevchenko further cemented her legacy in 2024 when she became the first two-time women’s flyweight champion in UFC history, after reclaiming the title at UFC 306.

Shevchenko’s reign had already been marked by an unmatched combination of technical striking, superior fight IQ, and a flawless approach to strategy. Her victory at UFC 306 not only earned her the belt but also marked a defining moment in women’s MMA.

What makes Shevchenko’s achievement even more significant is the rarity of fighters reclaiming titles in a division as competitive as flyweight.

Her ability to bounce back from a loss and rise to the top of the division again showcased her resilience and adaptability—traits that are vital for any fighter aiming to maintain greatness in the UFC.

Shevchenko’s continued dominance in a division that includes world-class athletes further secures her place among the greatest fighters of all time.

4. Geral Meerschaert’s Historic Middleweight Finish Record

Geral Meerschaert made a statement in 2024 by earning his **12th middleweight finish**, surpassing the legendary Anderson Silva for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history. Meerschaert’s submission prowess has long been his trademark, but his continued ability to finish opponents in such dramatic fashion has been remarkable.

Surpassing Silva, a fighter widely regarded as one of the greatest in UFC history, is a monumental achievement. Meerschaert’s record highlights not just his skill but his consistency in a division filled with dangerous opponents. Each finish adds to his legacy as one of the most dangerous submission specialists the UFC middleweight division has ever seen.

5. Muslim Salikhov’s Spinning Back Kick Knockouts

Muslim Salikhov made history in 2024 as the first UFC fighter to land two spinning back kick knockouts, knocking out both Andre Fialjo and Song Kenan.

This remarkable feat demonstrated Salikhov’s striking ingenuity and his ability to innovate in the octagon. The spinning back kick, a highly technical and dangerous maneuver, has long been associated with impressive finishes in martial arts, but Salikhov’s repeated success with it in the UFC sets a new standard for future fighters.

The precision and power Salikhov displayed in these knockouts highlight not only his striking skills but his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. His accomplishments in the octagon have turned him into one of the most exciting fighters to watch, and the fact that he was able to land such knockout blows in back-to-back fights against highly skilled opponents adds further weight to his legacy.

6. Sean O’Malley’s Record-Breaking Bantamweight Title Fight

Sean O’Malley set a UFC Bantamweight Championship record with 220 significant strikes landed during his fight at UFC 299, becoming the fighter with the most significant strikes in a single bantamweight title bout. This stunning statistic underscores O’Malley’s ability to control the pace of a fight with his precision and striking range.

O’Malley’s performance was a masterclass in volume and technique, showcasing his ability to overwhelm his opponent with a constant barrage of strikes while maintaining accuracy.

The 220 significant strikes landed is not just a number; it reflects his evolution as a fighter capable of controlling every aspect of a high-stakes title fight. His remarkable feat has elevated him as one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division, proving that his blend of creativity and technique is setting new standards in the UFC.

In 2024, the UFC witnessed incredible achievements that not only rewrote the record books but also showcased the depth and growth of the sport.

From Alex Pereira’s rapid title defenses to Sean O’Malley’s striking domination, these records are a testament to the evolving skill sets of today’s fighters and their ability to push the limits of what’s possible in the octagon.

As the UFC continues to evolve, one can only imagine what other groundbreaking records await in the future.