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Lightweight (MMA)

MMA weight class

MMA weight class

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 77.1 kg
  • 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 and the Association of Boxing Commissions is 155 lb (70 kg).

Professional champions

Current champions

This table last updated in June 2025.

OrganizationReign BeganChampionRecordDefenses
UFCJune 28, 2025Georgia Ilia Topuria17-00
PFLOctober 3, 2025RUS Usman Nurmagomedov20-0 (1)0
ONE ChampionshipAugust 26, 2022United States Christian Lee17-40
Rizin FFDecember 31, 2025UZB Ilkhom Nozimov13-30
KSWJune 3, 2023FRA Salahdine Parnasse21-23
Oktagon MMADecember 29, 2024FRA Losene Keita16-10
ACASeptember 19, 2020RUS Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov19-21
Cage WarriorsJuly 22, 2022ENG George Hardwick12-12
Fight Nights GlobalVacant
Road FCJuly 23, 2022South Korea Si Won Park8-01
Titan FCVacant
Legacy Fighting AllianceMay 19, 2023United States JaCobi Jones6-10

Most wins in lightweight title bouts

:Note: the list includes wins in bouts for lightweight titles of major promotions (UFC, ONE, Strikeforce, WEC, Bellator) :Note: the list includes both undisputed and interim champions : Active title reign

NamePromotionTitle bout wins
1.USA Gilbert MelendezWEC, Strikeforce
2.USA Benson HendersonWEC, UFC
3.Russia Islam MakhachevUFC
USA Michael ChandlerBellator
4.USA B.J. PennUFC
Russia Khabib NurmagomedovUFC
Russia Usman NurmagomedovBellator
USA Eddie AlvarezBellator, UFC4 (3 Bellator, 1 UFC)
5.USA Jens PulverUFC
PHI Eduard FolayangONE
USA Gabe RuedigerWEC
Brazil Hermes FrancaWEC
USA Jamie VarnerWEC
USA Frankie EdgarUFC3 (+1)
USA Anthony PettisWEC, UFC3 (1 WEC, 2 UFC)
6.USA Sean SherkUFC
USA Rob McCulloughWEC
Brazil Rafael dos AnjosUFC
Brazil Charles OliveiraUFC

Most consecutive defenses of lightweight title

NamePromotionConsecutive title defenses
1.Russia Islam MakhachevUFC
2.USA Gilbert MelendezStrikeforce
3.USA B.J. PennUFC
4.USA Frankie EdgarUFC
5.USA Benson HendersonUFC
6.Russia Khabib NurmagomedovUFC

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

References

  1. "Nevada Revised Statutes: Chapter 467 - Unarmed Combat".
  2. "Unified Rules of MMA". [[Association of Boxing Commissions]].
Info: Wikipedia Source

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