Record Holder

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Dober grew up with a single mother and didn't meet his father until he was 18. He started training at 14 after watching his first UFC show, went 9-0 as an amateur, and turned pro in 2010. He initially pursued a business degree at community college before fighting took over. Mirko Cro Cop — ferocious striker, K-1 to PRIDE to UFC — was his template.

Dober's UFC debut in 2013 launched a career defined by knockout highlights. His signature finish — the counter left-hand cross from a southpaw stance — has undone lightweights for over a decade. He became known for 10-second first-round TKOs and consistently banked Performance of the Night bonuses.

By late 2023 he was tied with Dustin Poirier for the most lightweight KOs in UFC history. In October 2025, at UFC Vancouver, he broke the record outright.

Dober went on a three-fight skid in 2024–2025, but returned with a TKO at UFC Vancouver in October 2025, breaking Dustin Poirier's record for most KO wins in UFC lightweight history. He followed that with a second-round TKO of Michael Johnson at UFC 326 in March 2026. 'I believe I have at least six more knockouts left in me.'

During UFC Vancouver media week, he also revealed he had lost a child during training camp — a moment of remarkable public resilience.

Dober is a southpaw pressure fighter who uses the threat of his massive left hand to set up the finish. He mixes kickboxing fundamentals with a brown belt BJJ base. His KO system is built on not overthinking — just flowing and finding the timing when it presents itself.

A family man who spends non-training time with his wife and daughter, Dober gravitates toward video games, fantasy, and sci-fi when at home. He was a baker before fighting. He is building a personal brand at drewdober.com and speaks openly about mental health resilience.