Lightweight (MMA)


The lightweight division in mixed martial arts contains different weight classes:
For the sake of uniformity, most American mixed martial arts media outlets consider Lightweight competitors to be between 146 and 155 lb. This encompasses The Shooto Welterweight division.
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 and the Association of Boxing Commissions is 155 lb.

Professional champions

Current champions

This table last updated in October 2019.
OrganizationReign BeganChampionRecordDefenses
UFCApril 7, 2018 Khabib Nurmagomedov28-0 2
Bellator MMAMay 11, 2019 Patrício Freire30-4 0
ONE ChampionshipMay 17, 2019 Christian Lee12-3 0
ACBSeptember 8, 2018 Ali Bagov27-10 0
British Association of Mixed Martial Arts Vacant
Cage Warriors Vacant
Fight Nights Global Vacant
KSWMay 27, 2016 Mateusz Gamrot15-0 4
Road FCAug 17, 2014 A Sol Kwon21-10 2
Titan FCDecember 21, 2018 Martin Brown13-5 0
Legacy Fighting Alliance Vacant

Most wins in lightweight title bouts

NamePromotionTitle bout wins
1. Gilbert MelendezWEC, Strikeforce10
2. Benson HendersonWEC, UFC7
3. Michael ChandlerBellator5
4. B.J. PennUFC4
4. Eddie AlvarezBellator, UFC4
5. Jens PulverUFC3
5. Gabe RuedigerWEC3
5. Hermes FrancaWEC3
5. Khabib NurmagomedovUFC3
5. Jamie VarnerWEC3
5. Frankie EdgarUFC3
5. Anthony PettisWEC, UFC3
6. Sean SherkUFC2
6. Rob McCulloughWEC2
6. Rafael dos AnjosUFC2

Most consecutive defenses of lightweight title

NamePromotionConsecutive title defenses
1. Gilbert MelendezStrikeforce4
2. Benson HendersonUFC3