Throughout his UFC career, Daniel Cormier encountered some of the most powerful knockout artists in the sport, including Derrick Lewis. Despite the fierce competition, Cormier’s only stoppage loss came from Stipe Miocic in their second fight, after his contested rematch with Jon Jones at UFC 214 was ruled a no contest. Lewis, known for his record-setting knockout power, is preparing to compete again at UFC Nashville, aiming to extend his lead as the fighter with the most knockouts in UFC history. Nonetheless, Cormier’s perspectiva on the hardest hitters he met inside the Octagon surprisingly highlights one fighter other than Lewis.
Daniel Cormier Identifies Dan Henderson as the Most Devastating Puncher He Faced
During a recent episode of ESPN MMA’s “Good Guy / Bad Guy,” Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen discussed Charles Oliveira’s remarks about Ilia Topuria’s punching power. The conversation led Cormier to name the single hardest hitter he faced, despite notable contenders like Derrick Lewis and Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson also being known for their striking power.
Cormier highlighted Dan Henderson as the standout, emphasizing the incredible impact of Henderson’s punches even though they rarely landed cleanly during their encounters.
“I think you and I could agree with one though, one guy that hit harder than just about everyone. Dan Henderson. Dan Henderson never got to hit me. He never really got to hit me outside of him being on his back and hitting me or in the clinch hitting me a couple of times. I could not believe how much impact he was making from such a short distance. I was like, ‘What is this dude made out of?’”
—Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion
When comparing Henderson to other heavy hitters like Lewis and Johnson, Cormier noted that despite Henderson not having the size of the others, his knockout ability was immense. Throughout his career, Henderson earned the nickname ‘H-Bomb’ due to his 18 professional knockout wins, delivering decisive finishes against elite fighters including Michael Bisping, Wanderlei Silva, and Fedor Emelianenko.
Supporting Cormier’s assessment, Chael Sonnen recalled his own experience with Henderson’s power during training.
“He would argue that because he had the big glove on, it was okay. I’ve never been knocked out in a fight, I’ve never even been knocked down. Daniel, he hit me with that hand… I remember I couldn’t respond, like I was still trying to kind of figure out [what happened].”
—Chael Sonnen, MMA Analyst and Former Fighter
Daniel Cormier Compares Derrick Lewis and Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson’s Knockout Abilities
Cormier also discussed the impressive knockout strength of Derrick Lewis and Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, reflecting on his UFC 230 bout with Lewis. Although Lewis did not land any clean knockout punches during their fight, Cormier felt the full force of Lewis’s power in the clinch and grappling exchanges.
“‘Rumble’ Johnson hit very hard also. Derrick Lewis… He hit hard. I had his leg up, holding a single leg and he hammerfisted me and it kind of just rolled down my face. I had a black eye like I had been in a five-round war fighting Derrick Lewis. The way that this man hits. He kicked my arm, boom, knots everywhere. He’s just a powerhouse.”
—Daniel Cormier
Despite acknowledging Johnson’s speed advantage, Cormier gave Lewis the edge in sheer power, likening the impact of Lewis’s punches to that of Dan Henderson.
“In terms of Derrick with the thudding, Derrick had that thing that ‘Hendo’ had. It was like that thudding power where they didn’t even really need to punch through the glove. When they made contact with the glove it was like boom and everything just kind of hurt getting hit by Derrick Lewis.”
—Daniel Cormier
The Significance of Cormier’s Assessment on Derrick Lewis Knockout Power
Daniel Cormier’s insight into the knockout abilities of fighters like Dan Henderson and Derrick Lewis reveals the distinct styles and devastating impact of elite punchers in the UFC. While Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history and possesses tremendous power, Cormier’s respect for Henderson’s unique thudding impact demonstrates how different fighters can deliver equally crippling blows despite differences in size or style.
As Derrick Lewis prepares for his upcoming fight at UFC Nashville, his knockout power remains a defining aspect of his legacy and a key threat inside the Octagon. Cormier’s commentary also highlights the challenges fighters face when confronting knockout artists who can abruptly end fights with a single strike, emphasizing the fine line between victory and sudden defeat in mixed martial arts.