Lightweight (MMA)
The lightweight division in mixed martial arts contains different weight classes:
- The UFC's lightweight division, which groups competitors within 146 to 155 lb (66 to 70 kg)
- The Shooto lightweight division, which limits competitors to 145 lb (65.8 kg)
- The ONE Championship's lightweight division, with an upper limit at 77 kg (169.8 lb)
- The Road FC's lightweight division, with an upper limit at 154 lb (70 kg)
Ambiguity and clarification
For the sake of uniformity, most American mixed martial arts media outlets consider Lightweight competitors to be between 146 and 155 lb (66 and 70 kg). This encompasses The Shooto Welterweight division (154 lb / 70 kg).
The UFC's lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58 after falling into disuse following UFC 49. Sean Sherk, a former welterweight contender, defeated Kenny Florian at UFC 64, becoming the first UFC lightweight champion since 2002.
The lightweight limit, as defined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission[1] and the Association of Boxing Commissions[2] is 155 lb (70 kg).
Professional champions
Current champions
This table is not always up to date. Last updated on May 5, 2018.
Organization | Reign Began | Champion | Record | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
UFC | October 6, 2018 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | 27-0 (8KO 9SUB) | 1 |
Bellator MMA | June 24, 2017 | Brent Primus | 8-0 (2KO 4SUB) | 0 |
ONE Championship | November 10, 2017 | Martin Nguyen | 11-3 (7KO 3SUB) | 0 |
ACB | September 8, 2018 | Ali Bagov | 27-10 (2KO 22SUB) | 0 |
British Association of Mixed Martial Arts | June 28, 2018 | Terry Brazier | 10-1 (4KO 2SUB) | 0 |
Cage Warriors | September 1st, 2018 | Soren Bak | 11–1 (2KO 6SUB) | 0 |
Fight Nights Global | February 22, 2018 | Akhmed Aliev | 17-4 (10KO) | 0 |
KSW | May 27, 2016 | Mateusz Gamrot | 14-0-1 (4KO 4SUB) | 3 |
Road FC | Aug 17, 2014 | A Sol Kwon | 21-10 (11KO 3SUB) | 2 |
Titan FC | June 29, 2018 | Sidney Outlaw | 10-3 (1KO 4SUB) | 0 |
Legacy Fighting Alliance | Vacant |
Most wins in lightweight title bouts
- Note: the list includes wins in bouts for lightweight titles of major promotions (UFC, Strikeforce, WEC, Bellator)
- Note: the list includes both undisputed and interim champions
- Active title reign
Name | Promotion | Title bout wins | |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Gilbert Melendez | WEC, Strikeforce | 10 (1 WEC, 9 Strikeforce) |
2. | Benson Henderson | WEC, UFC | 7 (3 WEC, 4 UFC) |
3. | Michael Chandler | Bellator | 5 |
4. | B.J. Penn | UFC | 4 |
Eddie Alvarez | Bellator, UFC | 4 (3 Bellator, 1 UFC) | |
5. | Jens Pulver | UFC | 3 |
Gabe Ruediger | WEC | ||
Hermes Franca | WEC | ||
Jamie Varner | WEC | ||
Frankie Edgar | UFC | 3 (+1a) | |
Anthony Pettis | WEC, UFC | 3 (1 WEC, 2 UFC) | |
6. | Sean Sherk | UFC | 2 |
Rob McCullough | WEC | ||
Rafael dos Anjos | UFC |
Most consecutive defenses of lightweight title
Name | Promotion | Consecutive title defenses | |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Gilbert Melendez | WEC | 4 |
2. | Benson Henderson | UFC | 3 |
See also
- List of current MMA Lightweight champions
- List of UFC Lightweight Champions
- List of Strikeforce Lightweight Champions
- List of Pancrase Lightweight Champions
- List of Road FC Lightweight Champions
Notes
- a.^ Edgar's title defense against Gray Maynard at UFC 125 was a split draw. Edgar retained the Lightweight title. The two later rematched at UFC 136, with Edgar defeating Maynard via KO and defending his title.
References
- ^ "Nevada Revised Statutes: Chapter 467 - Unarmed Combat". http://www.leg.state.nv.us. Retrieved 2007-02-20.
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- ^ "Unified Rules of MMA". Association of Boxing Commissions. Archived from the original on 2012-07-05. Retrieved 2012-07-15.
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