With Bellator recently celebrating its 11-year anniversary, MMA Junkie takes a look at the 10 fighters with the most stoppage victories in the history of the organization.
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10. Goiti Yamauchi
Age: 27
Debut: Bellator 99 on Sept. 13, 2013
Number of wins: 11
Number of stoppages: Nine
Yamauchi has flourished into a top Bellator fighter in recent years, thriving across two weight classes. Lightweight has been his home of late, though, and en route to landing a top 10 spot on the stoppage list, Yamauchi has the most submission wins (eight) in company history.
9. Brennan Ward
Age: 31
Debut: Bellator 81 on Nov. 16, 2012
Number of wins: Nine
Number of stoppages: Nine
If nothing else, Ward proved to be one of the most exciting fighters in Bellator history during his stay. Whether he gave it or took it, all 15 of Ward’s fights for the promotion ended inside the distance. He was on the winning end of nine of those fights.
8. Patricky Freire
Age: 34
Debut: Bellator 36 on March 12, 2011
Number of wins: 14
Number of stoppages: Nine
The older of the Freire brothers is quite familiar with stoppage wins, and even more so with knockouts. “Pitbull” is tied for the most knockout wins in the history of the Bellator organization.
7. Liam McGeary
Age: 37
Debut: Bellator 95 on April 4, 2013
Number of wins: 10
Number of stoppages: Nine
Former Bellator light heavyweight champion McGeary has finished all but one of his career victories. His six first-round stoppage wins are the most in Bellator history.
6. David Rickels
Age: 31
Debut: Bellator 40 on April 9, 2011
Number of wins: 15
Number of stoppages: Nine
Rickels has the most fights in Bellator history (23), so it’s no surprise he ranks highly on the list for most stoppages, as well.
5. Douglas Lima
Age: 32
Debut: Bellator 49 on Sept. 10, 2011
Number of wins: 14
Number of stoppages: Nine
Not only is Lima a three-time Bellator welterweight champion, but he is the most prolific finisher in the history of the weight class. He leads the division in stoppages, as well as a share of the lead for knockouts.
4. Michael Page
Age: 32
Debut: Bellator 93 on March 21, 2013
Number of wins: 13
Number of stoppages: 10
Many won’t like the quality of competition that led to Page landing a spot on the list, but he’s here nonetheless. “MVP” has put together a spectacular highlight reel with Bellator courtesy of a unique and dynamic offensive arsenal.
3. A.J. McKee
Age: 24
Debut: Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015
Number of wins: 16
Number of stoppages: 11
McKee, who has competed in all of his career bouts under the Bellator banner, has launched up to the stoppage list in a hurry. After finishing many opponents to start his career, “The Mercenary” had some challenges putting opponents away. He’s found his groove again lately, though, putting away four of his past five foes inside the distance.
2. Patricio Freire
Age: 32
Debut: Bellator 15 on April 22, 2010
Number of wins: 18
Number of stoppages: 11
The younger of the Freire brothers is certainly the most successful one. “Pitbull” is among the most decorated fighters in Bellator history. He’s a multi-time champion and sits in the No. 2 spot for the most stoppages – but leads the league in wins.
1. Michael Chandler
Age: 33
Debut: Bellator 31 on Sept. 30, 2010
Number of wins: 17
Number of stoppages: 12
Chandler either owns or is near the top of the list for every major Bellator record. He’s among the winningest fighters the organization has ever seen, and racked up more stoppages than anyone else along the way.
