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 October 2019.

Organization Reign Began Champion Record Defenses
UFC April 7, 2018 Khabib Nurmagomedov 28-0 (8KO 10SUB) 2
Bellator MMA May 11, 2019 Patrício Freire 30-4 (10KO 11SUB) 0
ONE Championship May 17, 2019 Christian Lee 12-3 (8KO 4SUB) 0
ACB September 8, 2018 Ali Bagov 27-10 (2KO 22SUB) 0
British Association of Mixed Martial Arts Vacant
Cage Warriors Vacant
Fight Nights Global Vacant
KSW May 27, 2016 Mateusz Gamrot 15-0 (4KO 4SUB) 4
Road FC Aug 17, 2014 A Sol Kwon 21-10 (11KO 3SUB) 2
Titan FC December 21, 2018 Martin Brown 13-5 (5KO 2SUB) 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. Gilbert MelendezWEC, Strikeforce10 (1 WEC, 9 Strikeforce)
2. Benson HendersonWEC, UFC7 (3 WEC, 4 UFC)
3. Michael ChandlerBellator5
4. B.J. PennUFC4
Eddie AlvarezBellator, UFC4 (3 Bellator, 1 UFC)
5. Jens PulverUFC3
Gabe RuedigerWEC
Hermes FrancaWEC
Khabib NurmagomedovUFC
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. Benson HendersonUFC3
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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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