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 last updated in December 2021.

Organization Reign Began Champion Record Defenses
UFC May 15, 2021 Charles Oliveira 32-8-1 1
Bellator MMA November 5, 2021 Patricky Pitbull 24-10 0
ONE Championship September 24, 2021 Ok Rae Yoon 16-3 0
ACA September 19, 2020 Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov 18-2 0
Cage Warriors June 25, 2021 Joe McColgan 8-3-1 0
Fight Nights Global Vacant
KSW December 19, 2020 Marian Ziółkowski 23-8-1 1
Road FC May 18, 2019 Mansour Barnaoui 19-4 0
Titan FC Vacant
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. Gilbert MelendezWEC, Strikeforce10 (1 WEC, 9 Strikeforce)
2. Benson HendersonWEC, UFC7 (3 WEC, 4 UFC)
3. Michael ChandlerBellator5
4. B.J. PennUFC4
Khabib NurmagomedovUFC
Eddie AlvarezBellator, UFC4 (3 Bellator, 1 UFC)
5. Jens PulverUFC3
Gabe RuedigerWEC
Hermes FrancaWEC
Jamie VarnerWEC
Frankie EdgarUFC3 (+1a)
Anthony PettisWEC, UFC3 (1 WEC, 2 UFC)
6. Sean SherkUFC2
Rob McCulloughWEC
Rafael dos AnjosUFC

Most consecutive defenses of lightweight title

NamePromotionConsecutive title defenses
1. Gilbert MelendezStrikeforce4
2. B.J. PennUFC3
3. Khabib NurmagomedovUFC3

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". leg.state.nv.us. Retrieved 2007-02-20.
  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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