List of UFC Light Heavyweight Champions

Only a select few have been crowned light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

Two UFC light heavyweight fighters in a cage during an official fight
Luke Dalton

Written by: Luke Dalton

(Content Writer)

Fact checked by: Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager)

Last updated: 2024-04-03

5 minutes read

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

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.

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

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

Who is the greatest light heavyweight in UFC history?

Despite controversy, Jon Jones is widely considered the best light heavyweight champion the UFC has ever seen.

Who is the UFC men's light heavyweight champion?

Alex Pereira is the UFC’s current light heavyweight champion.

How many kg is light heavyweight UFC?

Fighters in the light heavyweight division are between 84 and 93 kg.

For the latest news in the MMA world, make sure to stay in touch with Sportsboom.com.

 

Luke Dalton

Luke Dalton

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.

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