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 Russia Khabib Nurmagomedov 27-0 (8KO 9SUB) 1
Bellator MMA June 24, 2017 United States Brent Primus 8-0 (2KO 4SUB) 0
ONE Championship November 10, 2017 Australia Martin Nguyen 11-3 (7KO 3SUB) 0
ACB September 8, 2018 Russia Ali Bagov 27-10 (2KO 22SUB) 0
British Association of Mixed Martial Arts June 28, 2018 England Terry Brazier 10-1 (4KO 2SUB) 0
Cage Warriors September 1st, 2018 Denmark Soren Bak 11–1 (2KO 6SUB) 0
Fight Nights Global February 22, 2018 Russia Akhmed Aliev 17-4 (10KO) 0
KSW May 27, 2016 Poland Mateusz Gamrot 14-0-1 (4KO 4SUB) 3
Road FC Aug 17, 2014 South Korea A Sol Kwon 21-10 (11KO 3SUB) 2
Titan FC June 29, 2018 United States 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
NamePromotionTitle bout wins
1.United States Gilbert MelendezWEC, Strikeforce10 (1 WEC, 9 Strikeforce)
2.United States Benson HendersonWEC, UFC7 (3 WEC, 4 UFC)
3.United States Michael ChandlerBellator5
4.United States B.J. PennUFC4
United States Eddie AlvarezBellator, UFC4 (3 Bellator, 1 UFC)
5.United States Jens PulverUFC3
United States Gabe RuedigerWEC
Brazil Hermes FrancaWEC
United States Jamie VarnerWEC
United States Frankie EdgarUFC3 (+1a)
United States Anthony PettisWEC, UFC3 (1 WEC, 2 UFC)
6.United States Sean SherkUFC2
United States Rob McCulloughWEC
Brazil Rafael dos AnjosUFC

Most consecutive defenses of lightweight title

NamePromotionConsecutive title defenses
1.United States Gilbert MelendezWEC4
2.United States Benson HendersonUFC3

See also

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

  1. ↑ "Nevada Revised Statutes: Chapter 467 - Unarmed Combat". http://www.leg.state.nv.us. Retrieved 2007-02-20. External link in |website= (help)
  2. ↑ "Unified Rules of MMA". Association of Boxing Commissions. Archived from the original on 2012-07-05. Retrieved 2012-07-15.
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