Every Ufc Lightweight Title Change So Far! (2023)

The UFC's lightweight division has always been known for its fierce competition and fan favorite fighters. From the early days of Jens Pulver to the recent dominance of Islam Makhachev, this division has seen some of the most exciting fights in the UFC. Let's take a look at every time the lightweight championship belt changed hands.

Jens Pulver: The First Lightweight Champion

Around the time of UFC 30, the UFC referred to its lightweight division as bantamweight. However, regardless of the name, Jens Pulver was determined to become the best in the division. His only obstacle was Caol Uno. In their title fight, Pulver showcased his skills with effective grappling and solid submission attempts. By the end of the hard-fought battle, Pulver secured a decision victory, becoming the first official lightweight champion in the UFC.

Unfortunately, Pulver's reign didn't last long. He left the promotion and was eventually stripped of his title, leaving the championship wide open.

Sean Sherk: The Second Lightweight Champion

With Pulver out of the picture, Sean Sherk and Kenny Florian battled it out at UFC 64 for the chance to become the best in the division. It was a back-and-forth fight, with both fighters landing significant strikes and attempting submissions. In the end, Sherk came out on top, securing a decision victory and becoming the second lightweight champion.

However, Sherk's reign was short-lived. In a post-fight drug test, he tested positive for steroids and was stripped of the title.

BJ Penn: The Third Lightweight Champion

With the championship now vacant, BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson faced off at UFC 80 to claim the title. Penn showcased his superior skills, landing devastating strikes and securing a choke in the second round, submitting Stevenson and becoming the third lightweight champion in the UFC.

Frankie Edgar: The Fourth Lightweight Champion After three successful title defenses, BJ Penn faced Frankie Edgar at UFC 112. Despite being the underdog, Edgar put on a spectacular performance, outstriking Penn and securing takedowns throughout the fight. By the end of the five-round battle, Edgar was declared the winner by decision, becoming the fourth lightweight champion.

Benson Henderson: The Fifth Lightweight Champion

Benson Henderson challenged Frankie Edgar for the lightweight title at UFC 144. Known for their durability, these two fighters went the distance in a hard-fought matchup. Henderson showcased his striking and ground game, winning the fight by decision and becoming the fifth lightweight champion.

Henderson successfully defended his belt twice, but his reign came to an end when Anthony Pettis delivered his famous "Showtime Kick" in their rematch at UFC 164.

Anthony Pettis: The Sixth Lightweight Champion

Anthony Pettis, known for his flashy kicks and creative striking, claimed the lightweight belt at UFC 164. He defeated Benson Henderson with a tightly secured armbar, forcing Henderson to tap and making Pettis the sixth lightweight champion.

Pettis had a successful title defense against Gilbert Melendez before being dethroned by Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185.

Rafael dos Anjos: The Seventh Lightweight Champion

In their title fight at UFC Fight Night, Rafael dos Anjos dominated Anthony Pettis with his relentless pressure and striking. Dos Anjos scored a decisive win by unanimous decision and became the seventh lightweight champion.

Dos Anjos defended his belt once before facing the notorious Conor McGregor, who was aiming to become a two-division champion.

Conor McGregor: The Eighth Lightweight Champion

At UFC 205, Conor McGregor did the unthinkable by challenging Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight championship while holding the featherweight belt. McGregor showcased his exceptional striking and knocked out Alvarez in the second round, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously.

However, McGregor was later stripped of the lightweight belt due to inactivity.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Ninth Lightweight Champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped up to claim the vacant lightweight title at UFC 223. After a rollercoaster of events leading up to the fight, Nurmagomedov faced Al Iaquinta in a five-round battle. Nurmagomedov's grappling and dominant performance earned him the victory by decision, making him the ninth lightweight champion.

Nurmagomedov successfully defended his belt three times before retiring from the sport following his father's passing.

Charles Oliveira: The Tenth Lightweight Champion

Following Nurmagomedov's retirement, the lightweight belt was up for grabs once again. Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler fought for the vacant title at UFC 262, and Oliveira came out on top. In the second round, Oliveira showcased his resilience and striking, securing a knockout victory and becoming the tenth lightweight champion.

Oliveira successfully defended his belt once before Islam Makhachev stepped in to challenge him for the championship at UFC 280.

Islam Makhachev: The Eleventh Lightweight Champion

At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated matchup. Makhachev's wrestling skills proved to be too much for Oliveira, as he dominated the fight with takedowns and control. By the end of the five rounds, Makhachev emerged as the victor, becoming the eleventh lightweight champion in the UFC.

With an impressive start to his reign as champion, the question remains: Who will be able to dethrone Islam Makhachev? The lightweight division continues to showcase talented fighters, and only time will tell who will rise to the top.

Stay tuned for more exciting moments and championship battles in the ever-evolving world of UFC lightweight division.