By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

While the sport of mixed martial arts has come a long way, at the heart of the typical fan, there still lies a desire to see that big mind boggling, brain rattling knockout produced every time two combatants enter a cage. That’s just a part of the primitive nature buried in mankind, and it’s ingrained in our beings; it isn’t going anywhere. With that on the mind, it makes one wonder, who are truly the greatest knockout artists competing today?

I’ve got a bevy of thoughts on the topic, and I’m eager to share. But, before you proceed to launch any hate mail in my direction because I’ve omitted your favorite fighter, remember that this is subjective. Also remember, that I’ve limited this list to just 10 entrants, which means, I’ve got to be pretty damn picky here, and I’ll be forced to neglect a few fighters who certainly deserve a spot on this list. With that said, here’s my breakdown of the 10 best knockout artists in the game today!

Alistair Overeem: Overeem’s extensive kickboxing background has empowered him with a remarkably diverse offensive attack. The man possesses the power to render foes unconscious with his knees, elbows, feet and fists. What’s more impressive is how aesthetically pleasing his finishes tend to be. In 36 wins, “The Reem” has finished 15 foes via technical knockout or knockout.

Anderson Silva: The flashiest fighter on the planet also happens to be the best knockout artist the sport has ever seen. Anderson attempts maneuvers that seasoned veterans would scoff at, and executes with starling effectiveness. Every limb on this man is lethal, and he’s proven it by destroying 18 of his 31 victims.

Vitor Belfort: There is little question as to who has the fastest hands in the sport: it’s Vitor Belfort, without doubt. While Belfort isn’t all that likely to finish a fight with a high kick, his punches are delivered with staggering speed and accuracy, and his knees have become quite brutal. More than 65 percent of his 21 victories have come via technical knockout or knockout; 14 to be precise.

Hector Lombard: Lombard is the middleweight’s unsung hero. This guy is a gentleman outside of the cage, but an absolute berserker once the bell sounds. Boxing is his specialty, and believe me, he is quite special. 17 of his 31 career victories have come by way of knockout or technical knockout, and 15 of those stoppages came within the first five minutes of competition.

Jose Aldo: Jose Aldo is basically a miniature Anderson Silva. He’s aggressive, bold, powerful, fast and creative as hell. He finishes with anything from uppercuts to flying knees, and he does so in such explosive fashion it’s easy to miss; a blink and that visual is long distanced. Aldo has put away 13 of his 21 victims courtesy of a knockout or technical knockout.

Shane Carwin: In regards to pure punching power, Shane Carwin is the heavyweight king. This man can turn the lights out with a six inch punch: when there’s genuine power generated, it’s a nightmare for anyone. In 12 victories, Shane has (amazingly) never been drawn beyond the first round. Seven of his victims met their demise in the form of a colossal fist, or two.