MMA
List of UFC Light Heavyweight Champions
Only a select few have been crowned light heavyweight champion in the UFC.
Image Credits: UFC.com
The UFC Light Heavyweight Division, a battleground for fighters weighing between 186.1 lbs to 205 lbs (84 to 93 kg), is a true gladiatorial arena of raw power, agility, and technique.
This electric division has seen legends born, champions crowned, and history forged. It’s been a cornerstone of the Ultimate Fighting Championship since 1997, showcasing some of the most talented and iconic fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
From legendary battles to unforgettable moments of triumph, the Light Heavyweight title symbolizes unfettered excellence in the octagon. Let's dive into the current state of the Light Heavyweight Division, its reigning champion, and a brief history that has shaped it into what it is today.
The Current Champion: Alex Pereira
As of November 11, 2023, the UFC Light Heavyweight champion is Alex Pereira. He clinched the title from former champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295, marking his victory with a mighty 2nd round TKO.
Pereira's win not only added a new chapter to the division's history. It showcased his formidable presence in the octagon, establishing himself as a powerful striker able to dominate high-pressure situations, and a real force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
Image Credits: Sportico.com
All UFC Light Heavyweight Champions
The UFC’s Light Heavyweight Division has a rich history, with the title changing hands among some of the most iconic fighters in the sport. From the days when Frank Shamrock, Tito Ortiz, and Chuck Liddell reigned supreme, to the era of Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, the division has always been a highlight of UFC events, and a testament to the evolving dynamics of MMA.
Each champion listed has carved their path through determination, skill, and the heart of a warrior. From nail-biting submissions and decisions to emphatic crowd-roaring knockouts, the Light Heavyweight division is always packed with awe-worthy adrenaline.
Here’s a list of the epic showdowns and legendary warriors who’ve claimed the title of Champion over the years.
All UFC Light Heavyweight Champions
| No. | Champion | Nationality | Won Title | Event | Defeated | Method | Title Reign (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frank Shamrock | USA | Dec 21, 1997 | UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan | Kevin Jackson | Submission | 703 |
| 2 | Tito Ortiz | USA | Apr 14, 2000 | UFC 25 | Wanderlei Silva | Decision (Unanimous) | 1,260 |
| 3 | Randy Couture | USA | Sep 26, 2003 | UFC 44 | Tito Ortiz | Decision (Unanimous) | 127 |
| 4 | Vitor Belfort | Brazil | Jan 31, 2004 | UFC 46 | Randy Couture | TKO | 203 |
| 5 | Randy Couture (2) | USA | Aug 21, 2004 | UFC 49 | Vitor Belfort | TKO | 238 |
| 6 | Chuck Liddell | USA | Apr 16, 2005 | UFC 52 | Randy Couture | KO | 770 |
| 7 | Quinton Jackson | USA | May 26, 2007 | UFC 71 | Chuck Liddell | TKO | 406 |
| 8 | Forrest Griffin | USA | Jul 5, 2008 | UFC 86 | Quinton Jackson | Decision (Unanimous) | 175 |
| 9 | Rashad Evans | USA | Dec 27, 2008 | UFC 92 | Forrest Griffin | TKO | 147 |
| 10 | Lyoto Machida | Brazil | May 23, 2009 | UFC 98 | Rashad Evans | KO | 350 |
| 11 | Maurício Rua | Brazil | May 8, 2010 | UFC 113 | Lyoto Machida | KO | 315 |
| 12 | Jon Jones | USA | Mar 19, 2011 | UFC 128 | Maurício Rua | TKO | 1,501 |
| 13 | Daniel Cormier | USA | May 23, 2015 | UFC 187 | Anthony Johnson | Submission | 1,315 |
| 14 | Jon Jones (2) | USA | Dec 29, 2018 | UFC 232 | Alexander Gustafsson | TKO | 597 |
| 15 | Jan Błachowicz | Poland | Sep 27, 2020 | UFC 253 | Dominick Reyes | TKO | 210* |
| 16 | Glover Teixeira | Brazil | Oct 30, 2021 | UFC 267 | Jan Błachowicz | Submission | 205* |
| 17 | Jiří Procházka | Czech Republic | Jun 11, 2022 | UFC 275 | Glover Teixeira | Submission | 154* |
| 18 | Alex Pereira | Brazil | Nov 11, 2023 | UFC 295 | Jiří Procházka | TKO | Current Champion |
Legends of the Octagon
Jon Jones, often regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, held the Light Heavyweight title for 1,501 days, defending it eight times before being stripped due to legal issues.
Daniel Cormier then took up the mantle, becoming a two-division champion and defending titles in both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions.
While the Light Heavyweight division has seen plenty of true champions, few have made quite the stir that these two rivals have.
Image Credits: Sportskeeda
The Future of the Light Heavyweight Division
With Alex Pereira at the helm, the Light Heavyweight Division is entering a new era. Fighters like Jamahal Hill, Magomed Ankalaev, and Jan Błachowicz are in the mix, each bringing their unique skills and ambitions to the octagon. The division is ripe with talent, and the future promises nothing short of more thrilling fights and memorable moments.
As the UFC Light Heavyweight Division continues to evolve, fans can look forward to matchups that are sure to test the mettle of champions and challengers alike.
With the division's history of epic battles and unforgettable champions, the Light Heavyweight title remains one of the most coveted in the UFC.
The UFC Light Heavyweight Division stands now as ever: a true testament to the spirit of mixed martial arts. It has always been nothing short of a showcase of the best talent the sport has to offer. As Alex Pereira continues his reign as champion, the division is set for more historic moments and battles that will be etched in the annals of UFC history.
FAQs
Alex Pereira is the UFC’s current light heavyweight champion.
Fighters in the light heavyweight division are between 84 and 93 kg.
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Luke has been a professional writer since 2016, beginning as a technical author for a POS company. He journeyed from there deeper into the world of content creation for software companies, while writing his debut fiction novel, which he self-published in early 2019.