The UFC is home to some of the toughest fighters, but not all have the typical lean physique. In the heavyweight division, several have stood out as the heaviest and fat UFC fighters, known for their incredible size, weight, and power. From towering giants to those with extreme weight challenges, the UFC has seen it all.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine the heaviest and fattest UFC fighters in history, focusing on the biggest weight cuts, the fattest UFC fighters ranked, and the most iconic heavyweight champions. Additionally, we will explore their weight-cut struggles, performances in the Octagon, and how they have significantly reshaped the landscape of UFC history.
The List Of The Heaviest and Fat UFC Fighters
| Fighter Name | Weight (lbs) | Background/Style | UFC Career Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Yarbrough | 616 | Sumo Wrestling | Competed in UFC 3, heaviest fighter in UFC history |
| Eric Esch (Butterbean) | 425 | Boxing/MMA | Known for his knockout power in both boxing and MMA |
| Teila Tuli | 415 | Sumo Wrestling | Competed in UFC 1, part of the first-ever UFC fight |
| Thomas Ramirez | 410 | MMA | Lost in 8 seconds in his only UFC fight |
| Jon Matua | 400 | MMA | Notable for being knocked out by Tank Abbott in UFC 6 |
| Derrick Lewis | 300 (outside fight camp) | MMA/Heavyweight Striker | Most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history |
| Mark Hunt | 340 | MMA/Kickboxing | Known for his heavy hands and knockout power |
| Tim Sylvia | 310 | MMA | Two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion |
| Brock Lesnar | 286 | Wrestling/MMA | Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, dominant force in the division |
| Stefan Struve | 280 | MMA (Tallest UFC Fighter) | At 7 feet tall, his reach and size gave him a unique advantage |
Throughout UFC history, there have been numerous heavyweight fighters who stood out not just for their skill but for their incredible size. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the heaviest UFC fighters ever:
Emmanuel Yarbrough – 616 lbs (279 kg)
Emmanuel Yarbrough remains the heaviest UFC fighter ever, weighing a staggering 616 lbs. His immense size made him a distinctive figure in MMA heavyweight history, especially with his background in sumo wrestling.
- Career Highlight: Yarbrough fought in UFC 3, where he faced Keith Hackney. Despite losing, his size left a lasting impression.
- Challenges: His immense weight hindered his mobility, making it difficult for him to keep up with more agile fighters. However, his appearance in the UFC proved that size alone could make a fighter an unforgettable figure in the sport.
Weight Cut Challenges: As a super heavyweight, Yarbrough didn’t need to worry about weight cuts, but his size made it hard to maintain the level of cardio fitness required for MMA.
Eric Esch (Butterbean) – 425 lbs (192 kg)
Eric Esch, commonly known as Butterbean, was a force to be reckoned with due to his extreme size and knockout power. Weighing in at 425 lbs, he built his reputation in the boxing ring before transitioning into MMA and UFC.
- Fighting Style: Known for his powerful hands, Butterbean’s matches rarely went the distance. His size and strength allowed him to deliver some of the biggest UFC knockouts in both MMA and boxing.
- Challenges: Despite his power, his lack of cardio endurance made it difficult for him to compete in longer fights, especially against more conditioned fighters.
Teila Tuli – 415 lbs (188 kg)
Teila Tuli, another early UFC fighter, is remembered for his size and presence in the inaugural UFC event. Weighing 415 lbs, Tuli came from a sumo wrestling background.
- UFC 1: Tuli fought in the first-ever UFC match, facing Gerard Gordeau. The match ended quickly when Tuli was knocked out with a brutal kick to the face.
- Legacy: Although his UFC career was short-lived, his fight at UFC 1 helped set the stage for the variety of fighting styles we see today.
Thomas Ramirez – 410 lbs (186 kg)
Thomas Ramirez is another fighter who made his mark as one of the heaviest UFC fighters ever, tipping the scales at 410 lbs.
- Fight Record: Ramirez only had one UFC fight, where he lost in 8 seconds. Despite the short fight, his size made him a memorable figure in the early days of the UFC.
- Impact: Ramirez showed that size alone isn’t enough to succeed in MMA. Technique and endurance play a critical role.
Jon Matua – 400 lbs (181 kg)
Jon Matua weighed 400 pounds, making him one of the heaviest fighters to compete in the UFC. He faced off against Tank Abbott in UFC 6.
- Famous Knockout: Matua’s fight against Tank Abbott ended in one of the most iconic UFC knockouts in heavyweight history.
- Career: Although his UFC career didn’t last long, his size and the knockout loss remain part of UFC’s highlight reel.
Derrick Lewis – 300 lbs (136 kg outside of fight camp)
Derrick Lewis is known for his knockout power and often weighs around 300 lbs outside of fight camps. Consequently, his weight fluctuates with his training, which makes him one of the most intriguing modern-day heavyweights.
- Career Highlights: Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history. His raw power makes him a threat in any fight.
- Weight Management: Lewis has been vocal about his weight-cutting struggles, often coming into fights after shedding significant weight.
Weight-cutting challenges in the UFC are significant, especially for heavyweight fighters like Lewis, who frequently face extreme weight cuts to meet the 265 lbs limit. This adds another layer of difficulty when competing at the highest level.
Mark Hunt – 340 lbs (154 kg at his heaviest)
Mark Hunt is another heavyweight known for his significant weight fluctuations. At his heaviest, Hunt weighed around 340 lbs. As one of the heaviest and fat UFC fighters, his knockout power and resilience made him a fan favorite.
- Fighting Career: Hunt had a long career in both MMA and kickboxing, competing against some of the best heavyweights in the world.
- Weight Cuts: Hunt frequently talked about the challenges of weight-cutting to stay within the UFC heavyweight limits.
| Fighter Name | Weight (lbs) | Weight Cut Challenges |
| Derrick Lewis | 300 | Extreme cuts to 265 lbs |
| Mark Hunt | 340 | Struggled with staying under the limit |
Tim Sylvia – 310 lbs (140 kg)
As a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Tim Sylvia reached a peak weight of approximately 310 lbs at his heaviest. Sylvia’s size and reach gave him an advantage over many opponents, but his weight also brought challenges.
- UFC Titles: Sylvia won the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice, solidifying his place in UFC heavyweight history.
- Weight Issues: Sylvia struggled with cutting weight, often having to lose significant pounds to make the heavyweight limit.
Brock Lesnar – 286 lbs (130 kg)
Brock Lesnar remains one of the most famous and successful heavyweights in UFC history. Weighing 286 lbs, Lesnar leveraged his WWE popularity and wrestling background to make a powerful entrance into the UFC.
- Career Highlights: Lesnar quickly became the UFC Heavyweight Champion and dominated his opponents with his size and strength.
- Weight History: Throughout his UFC career, Lesnar had to manage his weight carefully, often coming close to the 265 lbs limit.
UFC Heavyweight Champions List: Lesnar is frequently ranked among the top UFC heavyweight champions due to his impressive run and his remarkable ability to manage his weight effectively.
Stefan Struve – 280 lbs (127 kg)
At 7 feet tall, Stefan Struve is the tallest fighter in UFC history, and he weighed 280 lbs at his heaviest.
- Career: Struve’s height and weight gave him a unique fighting style, but his weight also posed challenges in terms of endurance.
- Legacy: Despite his weight, Struve’s tall frame allowed him to compete effectively in the heavyweight division, making him a standout figure.
Conclusion
Throughout UFC history, the heaviest UFC fighters have proven that size alone can make you a spectacle. From Emmanuel Yarbrough’s record-breaking weight to Derrick Lewis’s career, these fighters have shown that size brings both advantages and challenges.
The heaviest MMA fighters have made their mark by showcasing unique traits such as massive weight cuts, knockout power, and sheer size. As a result, they have left a lasting impact on MMA heavyweight history.
As new heavyweights continue to enter the UFC, the influence of the heaviest and fat UFC fighters becomes more evident. Their diversity in size, weight, and style continually brings excitement to the division. Although they may not resemble the leanest athletes, these fighters have made a lasting impact on UFC heavyweight history.
James Wesley is a passionate martial arts enthusiast and the voice behind Martial Aura. With a deep love for UFC and combat sports, he shares expert insights and in-depth analysis on everything from fight strategies to athlete profiles. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him training or watching the latest fights, always learning from the best in the ring.
