fightcurve

Title history

Every holder of each UFC belt, newest first, with how the reign began and how it ended; and the belts of Strikeforce and the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) bantamweight and featherweight lines the UFC took over. A filled belt is the undisputed title, an outlined one an interim title. In the bar, solid blocks are undisputed reigns and outlines under them interim ones.

UFC Heavyweight

33 reigns · champion today: Ciryl Gane

1997now

  1. Ciryl Gane
    14 Sep 2026 to now · 35 days
    Began: Promoted from interim when Tom Aspinall vacated
    Holds it now
  2. Ciryl Ganeinterim
    14 Jun 2026 to 14 Sep 2026 · 3 mo
    Began: Def. Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 for interim title
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  3. Tom Aspinall
    21 Jun 2025 to 14 Sep 2026 · 1 yr 3 mo
    Began: Promoted from interim when Jon Jones retired
    Ended: Vacated
  4. Tom Aspinallinterim
    11 Nov 2023 to 21 Jun 2025 · 1 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 for interim title
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  5. Jon Jones
    4 Mar 2023 to 21 Jun 2025 · 2 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for vacant title
    Ended: Vacated upon retirement
  6. Ciryl Ganeinterim
    7 Aug 2021 to 22 Jan 2022 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Derrick Lewis at UFC 265 for interim title
    Ended: Lost to Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 (unification)
  7. Francis Ngannou
    27 Mar 2021 to 14 Jan 2023 · 1 yr 10 mo
    Began: Def. Stipe Miocic at UFC 260
    Ended: Stripped (contract dispute, released by UFC)
  8. Stipe Miocic
    17 Aug 2019 to 27 Mar 2021 · 1 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Daniel Cormier at UFC 241
    Ended: Lost to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260
  9. Daniel Cormier
    7 Jul 2018 to 17 Aug 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Stipe Miocic at UFC 226
    Ended: Lost to Stipe Miocic at UFC 241
  10. Stipe Miocic
    14 May 2016 to 7 Jul 2018 · 2 yr 2 mo
    Began: Def. Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198
    Ended: Lost to Daniel Cormier at UFC 226
  11. Fabricio Werdum
    13 Jun 2015 to 14 May 2016 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 (unification)
    Ended: Lost to Stipe Miocic at UFC 198
  12. Fabricio Werduminterim
    15 Nov 2014 to 13 Jun 2015 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Mark Hunt at UFC 180 for interim title
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Cain Velasquez
  13. Cain Velasquez
    29 Dec 2012 to 13 Jun 2015 · 2 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Junior dos Santos at UFC 155
    Ended: Lost to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188
  14. Junior dos Santos
    12 Nov 2011 to 29 Dec 2012 · 1 yr 2 mo
    Began: Def. Cain Velasquez at UFC on Fox 1
    Ended: Lost to Cain Velasquez at UFC 155
  15. Cain Velasquez
    23 Oct 2010 to 12 Nov 2011 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Brock Lesnar at UFC 121
    Ended: Lost to Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 1
  16. Shane Carwininterim
    27 Mar 2010 to 3 Jul 2010 · 3 mo
    Began: Def. Frank Mir at UFC 111 for interim title
    Ended: Lost to Brock Lesnar at UFC 116 (unification)
  17. Frank Mirinterim
    27 Dec 2008 to 27 Mar 2010 · 1 yr 3 mo
    Began: Def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 92 for interim title
    Ended: Lost to Shane Carwin at UFC 111
  18. Brock Lesnar
    15 Nov 2008 to 23 Oct 2010 · 1 yr 11 mo
    Began: Def. Randy Couture at UFC 91
    Ended: Lost to Cain Velasquez at UFC 121
  19. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueirainterim
    2 Feb 2008 to 27 Dec 2008 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Tim Sylvia at UFC 81 for interim title
    Ended: Lost to Frank Mir at UFC 92
  20. Randy Couture
    3 Mar 2007 to 15 Nov 2008 · 1 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Tim Sylvia at UFC 68
    Ended: Lost to Brock Lesnar at UFC 91
  21. Tim Sylvia
    15 Apr 2006 to 3 Mar 2007 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Andrei Arlovski at UFC 59
    Ended: Lost to Randy Couture at UFC 68
  22. Andrei Arlovski
    12 Aug 2005 to 15 Apr 2006 · 8 mo
    Began: Promoted from interim when Frank Mir was stripped for inactivity
    Ended: Lost to Tim Sylvia at UFC 59
  23. Andrei Arlovskiinterim
    5 Feb 2005 to 12 Aug 2005 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Tim Sylvia at UFC 51 for interim title
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  24. Frank Mir
    19 Jun 2004 to 12 Aug 2005 · 1 yr 2 mo
    Began: Def. Tim Sylvia at UFC 48 for vacant title
    Ended: Stripped (inactive after motorcycle accident)
  25. Tim Sylvia
    28 Feb 2003 to 15 Oct 2003 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Ricco Rodriguez at UFC 41
    Ended: Stripped (positive steroid test)
  26. Ricco Rodriguez
    27 Sep 2002 to 28 Feb 2003 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Randy Couture at UFC 39 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Tim Sylvia at UFC 41
  27. Josh Barnett
    22 Mar 2002 to 26 Jul 2002 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Randy Couture at UFC 36
    Ended: Stripped (positive steroid test)
  28. Randy Couture
    17 Nov 2000 to 22 Mar 2002 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Kevin Randleman at UFC 28
    Ended: Lost to Josh Barnett at UFC 36
  29. Kevin Randleman
    19 Nov 1999 to 17 Nov 2000 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Pete Williams at UFC 23 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Randy Couture at UFC 28
  30. Bas Rutten
    7 May 1999 to 1 Sep 1999 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Kevin Randleman at UFC 20 for vacant title
    Ended: Vacated (retired without defending)
  31. Randy Couture
    21 Dec 1997 to 30 Apr 1998 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Maurice Smith at Ultimate Japan
    Ended: Vacated (contract dispute)
  32. Maurice Smith
    27 Jul 1997 to 21 Dec 1997 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Mark Coleman at UFC 14
    Ended: Lost to Randy Couture at Ultimate Japan
  33. Mark Coleman
    7 Feb 1997 to 27 Jul 1997 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Dan Severn at UFC 12 (unified Superfight with Tournament Championship)
    Ended: Lost to Maurice Smith at UFC 14

UFC Light Heavyweight

24 reigns · champion today: Carlos Ulberg

1997now

  1. Carlos Ulberg
    11 Apr 2026 to now · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 for vacant title
    Holds it now
  2. Alex Pereira
    4 Oct 2025 to 28 Feb 2026 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320
    Ended: Vacated (moved up to heavyweight)
  3. Magomed Ankalaev
    8 Mar 2025 to 4 Oct 2025 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Alex Pereira at UFC 313
    Ended: Lost to Alex Pereira at UFC 320
  4. Alex Pereira
    11 Nov 2023 to 8 Mar 2025 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313
  5. Jamahal Hill
    21 Jan 2023 to 14 Jul 2023 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 for vacant title
    Ended: Vacated (Achilles rupture)
  6. Jiri Prochazka
    12 Jun 2022 to 23 Nov 2022 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Glover Teixeira at UFC 275
    Ended: Vacated (shoulder injury)
  7. Glover Teixeira
    30 Oct 2021 to 12 Jun 2022 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267
    Ended: Lost to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275
  8. Jan Blachowicz
    27 Sep 2020 to 30 Oct 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Dominick Reyes at UFC 253 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267
  9. Jon Jones
    29 Dec 2018 to 17 Aug 2020 · 1 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 for vacant title
    Ended: Vacated (moving to heavyweight)
  10. Jon Jonesinterim
    23 Apr 2016 to 13 Sep 2017 · 1 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 197 for interim title
    Ended: Stripped (failed drug test; UFC 214 win overturned)
  11. Daniel Cormier
    23 May 2015 to 28 Dec 2018 · 3 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 for vacant title
    Ended: Vacated to focus on heavyweight
  12. Jon Jones
    19 Mar 2011 to 29 Apr 2015 · 4 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Mauricio Rua at UFC 128
    Ended: Stripped (felony hit-and-run arrest)
  13. Mauricio Rua
    8 May 2010 to 19 Mar 2011 · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Lyoto Machida at UFC 113
    Ended: Lost to Jon Jones at UFC 128
  14. Lyoto Machida
    23 May 2009 to 8 May 2010 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Rashad Evans at UFC 98
    Ended: Lost to Mauricio Rua at UFC 113
  15. Rashad Evans
    27 Dec 2008 to 23 May 2009 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Forrest Griffin at UFC 92
    Ended: Lost to Lyoto Machida at UFC 98
  16. Forrest Griffin
    5 Jul 2008 to 27 Dec 2008 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Quinton Jackson at UFC 86
    Ended: Lost to Rashad Evans at UFC 92
  17. Quinton Jackson
    26 May 2007 to 5 Jul 2008 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Chuck Liddell at UFC 71
    Ended: Lost to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86
  18. Chuck Liddell
    16 Apr 2005 to 26 May 2007 · 2 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Randy Couture at UFC 52
    Ended: Lost to Quinton Jackson at UFC 71
  19. Randy Couture
    21 Aug 2004 to 16 Apr 2005 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Vitor Belfort at UFC 49
    Ended: Lost to Chuck Liddell at UFC 52
  20. Vitor Belfort
    31 Jan 2004 to 21 Aug 2004 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Randy Couture at UFC 46
    Ended: Lost to Randy Couture at UFC 49
  21. Randy Couture
    26 Sep 2003 to 31 Jan 2004 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Tito Ortiz at UFC 44 (unification)
    Ended: Lost to Vitor Belfort at UFC 46
  22. Randy Coutureinterim
    6 Jun 2003 to 26 Sep 2003 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Chuck Liddell at UFC 43 for interim title
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Tito Ortiz
  23. Tito Ortiz
    14 Apr 2000 to 26 Sep 2003 · 3 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Wanderlei Silva at UFC 25 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Randy Couture at UFC 44
  24. Frank Shamrock
    21 Dec 1997 to 24 Nov 1999 · 1 yr 11 mo
    Began: Def. Kevin Jackson at Ultimate Japan (then the Middleweight title)
    Ended: Vacated on retirement

UFC Middleweight

19 reigns · champion today: Sean Strickland

2001now

  1. Sean Strickland
    9 May 2026 to now · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Khamzat Chimaev (split decision) at UFC 328
    Holds it now
  2. Khamzat Chimaev
    16 Aug 2025 to 9 May 2026 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319
    Ended: Lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 328
  3. Dricus du Plessis
    20 Jan 2024 to 16 Aug 2025 · 1 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Sean Strickland at UFC 297
    Ended: Lost to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
  4. Sean Strickland
    10 Sep 2023 to 20 Jan 2024 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Israel Adesanya at UFC 293
    Ended: Lost to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297
  5. Israel Adesanya
    8 Apr 2023 to 10 Sep 2023 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Alex Pereira at UFC 287
    Ended: Lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 293
  6. Alex Pereira
    12 Nov 2022 to 8 Apr 2023 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Israel Adesanya at UFC 281
    Ended: Lost to Israel Adesanya (rematch) at UFC 287
  7. Israel Adesanya
    6 Oct 2019 to 12 Nov 2022 · 3 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 (unification)
    Ended: Lost to Alex Pereira at UFC 281
  8. Israel Adesanyainterim
    13 Apr 2019 to 6 Oct 2019 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 for interim title (Whittaker injured)
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243
  9. Robert Whittaker
    7 Dec 2017 to 6 Oct 2019 · 1 yr 10 mo
    Began: Promoted from interim when Georges St-Pierre vacated the title (no fight)
    Ended: Lost to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 (unification)
  10. Georges St-Pierre
    4 Nov 2017 to 7 Dec 2017 · 33 days
    Began: Def. Michael Bisping at UFC 217
    Ended: Vacated (ulcerative colitis diagnosis, never defended)
  11. Robert Whittakerinterim
    8 Jul 2017 to 7 Dec 2017 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Yoel Romero at UFC 213 for interim title (Bisping inactive)
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  12. Michael Bisping
    4 Jun 2016 to 4 Nov 2017 · 1 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Luke Rockhold at UFC 199
    Ended: Lost to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217
  13. Luke Rockhold
    12 Dec 2015 to 4 Jun 2016 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Chris Weidman at UFC 194
    Ended: Lost to Michael Bisping at UFC 199
  14. Chris Weidman
    6 Jul 2013 to 12 Dec 2015 · 2 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Anderson Silva at UFC 162
    Ended: Lost to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194
  15. Anderson Silva
    14 Oct 2006 to 6 Jul 2013 · 6 yr 9 mo
    Began: Def. Rich Franklin at UFC 64
    Ended: Lost to Chris Weidman at UFC 162
  16. Rich Franklin
    4 Jun 2005 to 14 Oct 2006 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Evan Tanner at UFC 53
    Ended: Lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 64
  17. Evan Tanner
    5 Feb 2005 to 4 Jun 2005 · 4 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs David Terrell at UFC 51
    Ended: Lost to Rich Franklin at UFC 53
  18. Murilo Bustamante
    11 Jan 2002 to 5 Oct 2002 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Dave Menne at UFC 35
    Ended: Vacated/stripped after signing with Pride FC
  19. Dave Menne
    28 Sep 2001 to 11 Jan 2002 · 3 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs Gil Castillo at UFC 33
    Ended: Lost to Murilo Bustamante at UFC 35

UFC Welterweight

19 reigns · champion today: Islam Makhachev

1998now

  1. Islam Makhachev
    15 Nov 2025 to now · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322
    Holds it now
  2. Jack Della Maddalena
    10 May 2025 to 15 Nov 2025 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Belal Muhammad at UFC 315
    Ended: Lost to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322
  3. Belal Muhammad
    27 Jul 2024 to 10 May 2025 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Leon Edwards at UFC 304
    Ended: Lost to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315
  4. Leon Edwards
    20 Aug 2022 to 27 Jul 2024 · 1 yr 11 mo
    Began: Def. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
    Ended: Lost to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304
  5. Kamaru Usman
    2 Mar 2019 to 20 Aug 2022 · 3 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Tyron Woodley at UFC 235
    Ended: Lost to Leon Edwards at UFC 278
  6. Colby Covingtoninterim
    9 Jun 2018 to 8 Sep 2018 · 3 mo
    Began: Def. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 for interim title (Woodley inactive)
    Ended: Stripped for being unavailable to unify vs Woodley
  7. Tyron Woodley
    30 Jul 2016 to 2 Mar 2019 · 2 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Robbie Lawler at UFC 201
    Ended: Lost to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235
  8. Robbie Lawler
    6 Dec 2014 to 30 Jul 2016 · 1 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Johny Hendricks at UFC 181
    Ended: Lost to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201
  9. Johny Hendricks
    15 Mar 2014 to 6 Dec 2014 · 9 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs Robbie Lawler at UFC 171
    Ended: Lost to Robbie Lawler at UFC 181
  10. Carlos Conditinterim
    4 Feb 2012 to 17 Nov 2012 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Nick Diaz at UFC 143 for interim title (GSP injured)
    Ended: Lost to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 154 (unification)
  11. Georges St-Pierre
    19 Apr 2008 to 13 Dec 2013 · 5 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Matt Serra at UFC 83 (unification)
    Ended: Vacated (announced hiatus from competition)
  12. Georges St-Pierreinterim
    29 Dec 2007 to 19 Apr 2008 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Matt Hughes at UFC 79 for interim title (Serra injured/inactive)
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed (unified via win over Matt Serra at UFC 83)
  13. Matt Serra
    7 Apr 2007 to 19 Apr 2008 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69
    Ended: Lost to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 83 (unification)
  14. Georges St-Pierre
    18 Nov 2006 to 7 Apr 2007 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Matt Hughes at UFC 65
    Ended: Lost to Matt Serra at UFC 69
  15. Matt Hughes
    22 Oct 2004 to 18 Nov 2006 · 2 yr 1 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs Georges St-Pierre at UFC 50
    Ended: Lost to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 65
  16. B.J. Penn
    31 Jan 2004 to 17 May 2004 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Matt Hughes at UFC 46
    Ended: Stripped for signing with K-1 / leaving the UFC
  17. Matt Hughes
    2 Nov 2001 to 31 Jan 2004 · 2 yr 3 mo
    Began: Def. Carlos Newton at UFC 34
    Ended: Lost to B.J. Penn at UFC 46
  18. Carlos Newton
    4 May 2001 to 2 Nov 2001 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Pat Miletich at UFC 31
    Ended: Lost to Matt Hughes at UFC 34
  19. Pat Miletich
    16 Oct 1998 to 4 May 2001 · 2 yr 7 mo
    Began: Def. Mikey Burnett at UFC Ultimate Brazil for inaugural 170lb title
    Ended: Lost to Carlos Newton at UFC 31 (division renamed Welterweight at this event)

UFC Lightweight

17 reigns · champion today: Justin Gaethje

2001now

  1. Justin Gaethje
    14 Jun 2026 to now · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 (unification)
    Holds it now
  2. Justin Gaethjeinterim
    24 Jan 2026 to 14 Jun 2026 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 (interim)
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Ilia Topuria
  3. Ilia Topuria
    28 Jun 2025 to 14 Jun 2026 · 1 yr
    Began: Won vacant title def. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
    Ended: Lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250
  4. Islam Makhachev
    22 Oct 2022 to 13 May 2025 · 2 yr 7 mo
    Began: Won vacant title def. Charles Oliveira at UFC 280
    Ended: Vacated to pursue welterweight title
  5. Charles Oliveira
    15 May 2021 to 6 May 2022 · 1 yr
    Began: Won vacant title def. Michael Chandler at UFC 262
    Ended: Stripped for missing weight ahead of UFC 274
  6. Justin Gaethjeinterim
    9 May 2020 to 24 Oct 2020 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 (interim)
    Ended: Lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 (unification)
  7. Khabib Nurmagomedov
    7 Apr 2018 to 24 Oct 2020 · 2 yr 7 mo
    Began: Won vacant undisputed title def. Al Iaquinta at UFC 223
    Ended: Retired, vacated title
  8. Tony Fergusoninterim
    7 Oct 2017 to 1 Apr 2018 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Kevin Lee at UFC 216 (interim)
    Ended: Interim vacated after knee injury forced withdrawal from unification bout
  9. Conor McGregor
    12 Nov 2016 to 4 Apr 2018 · 1 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205
    Ended: Stripped for inactivity
  10. Eddie Alvarez
    7 Jul 2016 to 12 Nov 2016 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 20
    Ended: Lost to Conor McGregor at UFC 205
  11. Rafael dos Anjos
    14 Mar 2015 to 7 Jul 2016 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Anthony Pettis at UFC 185
    Ended: Lost to Eddie Alvarez at UFC on Fox 20
  12. Anthony Pettis
    31 Aug 2013 to 14 Mar 2015 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Benson Henderson at UFC 164
    Ended: Lost to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185
  13. Benson Henderson
    26 Feb 2012 to 31 Aug 2013 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Frankie Edgar at UFC 144
    Ended: Lost to Anthony Pettis at UFC 164
  14. Frankie Edgar
    10 Apr 2010 to 26 Feb 2012 · 1 yr 11 mo
    Began: Def. BJ Penn at UFC 112
    Ended: Lost to Benson Henderson at UFC 144
  15. BJ Penn
    19 Jan 2008 to 10 Apr 2010 · 2 yr 3 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs Joe Stevenson at UFC 80
    Ended: Lost to Frankie Edgar at UFC 112
  16. Sean Sherk
    14 Oct 2006 to 9 Dec 2007 · 1 yr 2 mo
    Began: Won vacant title vs Kenny Florian at UFC 64
    Ended: Stripped after positive steroid test
  17. Jens Pulver
    23 Feb 2001 to 23 Mar 2002 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Caol Uno at UFC 30
    Ended: Vacated (left UFC over contract dispute)

UFC Featherweight

12 reigns · champion today: Alexander Volkanovski

2006now

  1. Alexander Volkanovski
    12 Apr 2025 to now · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Won vacant title def. Diego Lopes at UFC 314
    Holds it now
  2. Ilia Topuria
    17 Feb 2024 to 19 Feb 2025 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298
    Ended: Vacated to move up to lightweight
  3. Alexander Volkanovski
    14 Dec 2019 to 17 Feb 2024 · 4 yr 2 mo
    Began: Def. Max Holloway at UFC 245
    Ended: Lost to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298
  4. Max Holloway
    3 Jun 2017 to 14 Dec 2019 · 2 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Jose Aldo at UFC 212 (unification)
    Ended: Lost to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 245
  5. Max Hollowayinterim
    10 Dec 2016 to 3 Jun 2017 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Anthony Pettis at UFC 206 (interim)
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Jose Aldo
  6. Jose Aldo
    26 Nov 2016 to 3 Jun 2017 · 6 mo
    Began: Promoted from interim when McGregor vacated the title
    Ended: Lost to Max Holloway at UFC 212
  7. Jose Aldointerim
    9 Jul 2016 to 26 Nov 2016 · 5 mo
    Began: Def. Frankie Edgar at UFC 200 (interim)
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  8. Conor McGregor
    12 Dec 2015 to 26 Nov 2016 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Jose Aldo at UFC 194
    Ended: Vacated/stripped (kept lightweight title, relinquished featherweight)
  9. Jose Aldo
    1 Dec 2010 to 12 Dec 2015 · 5 yr
    Began: Inherited UFC Featherweight Championship upon WEC/UFC merger
    Ended: Lost to Conor McGregor at UFC 194
  10. Jose AldoWEC
    18 Nov 2009 to 1 Dec 2010 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Mike Brown at WEC 44
    Ended: WEC merged into UFC, title carried over
  11. Mike BrownWEC
    5 Nov 2008 to 18 Nov 2009 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Urijah Faber at WEC 36
    Ended: Lost to Jose Aldo at WEC 44
  12. Urijah FaberWEC
    17 Mar 2006 to 5 Nov 2008 · 2 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Cole Escovedo at WEC 19
    Ended: Lost to Mike Brown at WEC 36

UFC Bantamweight

18 reigns · champion today: Petr Yan

2006now

  1. Petr Yan
    6 Dec 2025 to now · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323
    Holds it now
  2. Merab Dvalishvili
    14 Sep 2024 to 6 Dec 2025 · 1 yr 3 mo
    Began: Def. Sean O'Malley at UFC 306
    Ended: Lost to Petr Yan at UFC 323
  3. Sean O'Malley
    19 Aug 2023 to 14 Sep 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292
    Ended: Lost to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306
  4. Aljamain Sterling
    6 Mar 2021 to 19 Aug 2023 · 2 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Petr Yan by DQ at UFC 259
    Ended: Lost to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292
  5. Petr Yan
    11 Jul 2020 to 6 Mar 2021 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Jose Aldo at UFC 251 for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Aljamain Sterling by DQ at UFC 259
  6. Henry Cejudo
    8 Jun 2019 to 9 May 2020 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 for vacant title
    Ended: Retired after defending vs Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, vacating title
  7. TJ Dillashaw
    4 Nov 2017 to 20 Mar 2019 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Cody Garbrandt at UFC 217
    Ended: Vacated after USADA adverse finding (EPO)
  8. Cody Garbrandt
    30 Dec 2016 to 4 Nov 2017 · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Dominick Cruz at UFC 207
    Ended: Lost to TJ Dillashaw at UFC 217
  9. Dominick Cruz
    17 Jan 2016 to 30 Dec 2016 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. TJ Dillashaw at UFC Fight Night Boston
    Ended: Lost to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207
  10. TJ Dillashaw
    24 May 2014 to 17 Jan 2016 · 1 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Renan Barao at UFC 173
    Ended: Lost to Dominick Cruz at UFC Fight Night Boston
  11. Renan Barao
    6 Jan 2014 to 24 May 2014 · 5 mo
    Began: Promoted from interim when Dominick Cruz was stripped for injury/inactivity
    Ended: Lost to TJ Dillashaw at UFC 173
  12. Renan Baraointerim
    21 Jul 2012 to 6 Jan 2014 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Urijah Faber at UFC 149 for interim title (Cruz injured)
    Ended: Promoted to undisputed
  13. Dominick Cruz
    16 Dec 2010 to 6 Jan 2014 · 3 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53, recognised as inaugural UFC Bantamweight title bout after the merger
    Ended: Stripped for injury and inactivity ahead of UFC 169
  14. Dominick CruzWEC
    6 Mar 2010 to 16 Dec 2010 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Brian Bowles at WEC 47
    Ended: WEC merged into UFC, title carried forward
  15. Brian BowlesWEC
    9 Aug 2009 to 6 Mar 2010 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Miguel Torres at WEC 42
    Ended: Lost to Dominick Cruz at WEC 47
  16. Miguel TorresWEC
    13 Feb 2008 to 9 Aug 2009 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Chase Beebe at WEC 32
    Ended: Lost to Brian Bowles at WEC 42
  17. Chase BeebeWEC
    24 Mar 2007 to 13 Feb 2008 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Eddie Wineland at WEC 26
    Ended: Lost to Miguel Torres at WEC 32
  18. Eddie WinelandWEC
    5 May 2006 to 24 Mar 2007 · 11 mo
    Began: Won inaugural WEC Bantamweight title, 4-man tournament, at WEC 20
    Ended: Lost to Chase Beebe at WEC 26

UFC Flyweight

9 reigns · champion today: Joshua Van

2012now

  1. Joshua Van
    6 Dec 2025 to now · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323
    Holds it now
  2. Alexandre Pantoja
    8 Jul 2023 to 6 Dec 2025 · 2 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Brandon Moreno at UFC 290
    Ended: Lost to Joshua Van at UFC 323
  3. Brandon Moreno
    21 Jan 2023 to 8 Jul 2023 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 283, unifying the titles
    Ended: Lost to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290
  4. Brandon Morenointerim
    30 Jul 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Kai Kara-France at UFC 277 for interim title
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Deiveson Figueiredo
  5. Deiveson Figueiredo
    22 Jan 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Brandon Moreno at UFC 270
    Ended: Lost to Brandon Moreno at UFC 283 (unification)
  6. Brandon Moreno
    12 Jun 2021 to 22 Jan 2022 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263
    Ended: Lost to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 270
  7. Deiveson Figueiredo
    18 Jul 2020 to 12 Jun 2021 · 11 mo
    Began: Def. Joseph Benavidez for vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Brandon Moreno at UFC 263
  8. Henry Cejudo
    4 Aug 2018 to 20 Dec 2019 · 1 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Demetrious Johnson at UFC 227
    Ended: Vacated to focus on bantamweight title
  9. Demetrious Johnson
    22 Sep 2012 to 4 Aug 2018 · 5 yr 10 mo
    Began: Def. Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152, inaugural champion
    Ended: Lost to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227

UFC Women's Featherweight

3 reigns · the line has ended

20172023

  1. Amanda Nunes
    29 Dec 2018 to 10 Jun 2023 · 4 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Cris Cyborg at UFC 232
    Ended: Vacated on retirement; division subsequently dissolved
  2. Cris Cyborg
    29 Jul 2017 to 29 Dec 2018 · 1 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Tonya Evinger for the vacant title at UFC 214
    Ended: Lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 232
  3. Germaine de Randamie
    11 Feb 2017 to 19 Jun 2017 · 4 mo
    Began: Won inaugural title def. Holly Holm at UFC 208
    Ended: Stripped for inactivity

UFC Women's Bantamweight

9 reigns · champion today: Kayla Harrison

2012now

  1. Kayla Harrison
    7 Jun 2025 to now · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Julianna Pena at UFC 316
    Holds it now
  2. Julianna Pena
    5 Oct 2024 to 7 Jun 2025 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Raquel Pennington at UFC 307
    Ended: Lost to Kayla Harrison at UFC 316
  3. Raquel Pennington
    20 Jan 2024 to 5 Oct 2024 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant title at UFC 297
    Ended: Lost to Julianna Pena at UFC 307
  4. Amanda Nunes
    30 Jul 2022 to 10 Jun 2023 · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Julianna Pena at UFC 277
    Ended: Vacated on retirement
  5. Julianna Pena
    11 Dec 2021 to 30 Jul 2022 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Amanda Nunes at UFC 269
    Ended: Lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 277
  6. Amanda Nunes
    9 Jul 2016 to 11 Dec 2021 · 5 yr 5 mo
    Began: Def. Miesha Tate at UFC 200
    Ended: Lost to Julianna Pena at UFC 269
  7. Miesha Tate
    5 Mar 2016 to 9 Jul 2016 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Holly Holm at UFC 196
    Ended: Lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200
  8. Holly Holm
    15 Nov 2015 to 5 Mar 2016 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Ronda Rousey at UFC 193
    Ended: Lost to Miesha Tate at UFC 196
  9. Ronda Rousey
    6 Dec 2012 to 15 Nov 2015 · 2 yr 11 mo
    Began: Inherited the Strikeforce title when the UFC absorbed the promotion
    Ended: Lost to Holly Holm at UFC 193

UFC Women's Flyweight

5 reigns · champion today: Natalia Silva

2017now

  1. Natalia Silva
    3 Oct 2026 to now · 16 days
    Began: Def. Wang Cong for the vacant title at UFC 332
    Holds it now
  2. Valentina Shevchenko
    14 Sep 2024 to 5 Sep 2026 · 2 yr
    Began: Def. Alexa Grasso at UFC 306
    Ended: Vacated (shoulder and back injury), announced at UFC Paris
  3. Alexa Grasso
    4 Mar 2023 to 14 Sep 2024 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285
    Ended: Lost to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306
  4. Valentina Shevchenko
    8 Dec 2018 to 4 Mar 2023 · 4 yr 3 mo
    Began: Def. Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the vacant title at UFC 231
    Ended: Lost to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285
  5. Nicco Montano
    1 Dec 2017 to 7 Sep 2018 · 9 mo
    Began: Won inaugural title def. Roxanne Modafferi at TUF 26 Finale
    Ended: Stripped after failed weight cut forced withdrawal from UFC 228

UFC Women's Strawweight

9 reigns · champion today: Mackenzie Dern

2014now

  1. Mackenzie Dern
    25 Oct 2025 to now · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Virna Jandiroba for the vacant title at UFC 321
    Holds it now
  2. Zhang Weili
    12 Nov 2022 to 29 Aug 2025 · 2 yr 10 mo
    Began: Def. Carla Esparza at UFC 281
    Ended: Vacated to move up to flyweight
  3. Carla Esparza
    7 May 2022 to 12 Nov 2022 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Rose Namajunas at UFC 274
    Ended: Lost to Zhang Weili at UFC 281
  4. Rose Namajunas
    24 Apr 2021 to 7 May 2022 · 1 yr
    Began: Def. Zhang Weili at UFC 261
    Ended: Lost to Carla Esparza at UFC 274
  5. Zhang Weili
    31 Aug 2019 to 24 Apr 2021 · 1 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Jessica Andrade at UFC Fight Night Shenzhen
    Ended: Lost to Rose Namajunas at UFC 261
  6. Jessica Andrade
    11 May 2019 to 31 Aug 2019 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Rose Namajunas at UFC 237
    Ended: Lost to Zhang Weili at UFC Fight Night Shenzhen
  7. Rose Namajunas
    4 Nov 2017 to 11 May 2019 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 217
    Ended: Lost to Jessica Andrade at UFC 237
  8. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
    14 Mar 2015 to 4 Nov 2017 · 2 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Carla Esparza at UFC 185
    Ended: Lost to Rose Namajunas at UFC 217
  9. Carla Esparza
    12 Dec 2014 to 14 Mar 2015 · 3 mo
    Began: Won inaugural title def. Rose Namajunas at TUF 20 Finale
    Ended: Lost to Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185

UFC Superfight

2 reigns · the line has ended

19951997

  1. Dan Severn
    17 May 1996 to 7 Feb 1997 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Ken Shamrock at UFC 9
    Ended: Lost to Mark Coleman at UFC 12; title unified into the UFC Heavyweight Championship
  2. Ken Shamrock
    14 Jul 1995 to 17 May 1996 · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Dan Severn at UFC 6
    Ended: Lost to Dan Severn at UFC 9

Strikeforce Heavyweight

1 reigns · the line has ended

20072011

  1. Alistair Overeem
    16 Nov 2007 to 29 Jul 2011 · 3 yr 8 mo
    Began: Def. Paul Buentello at Strikeforce: Four Men Enter One Man Survives
    Ended: Vacated on signing with the UFC; title never contested again

Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix

1 reigns · the line has ended

20122013

  1. Daniel Cormier
    19 May 2012 to 12 Jan 2013 · 8 mo
    Began: Won the Heavyweight Grand Prix final def. Josh Barnett
    Ended: Grand Prix distinction retired when Strikeforce closed

Strikeforce Light Heavyweight

6 reigns · the line has ended

20062011

  1. Dan Henderson
    5 Mar 2011 to 19 Sep 2011 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Rafael Cavalcante
    Ended: Vacated on signing with the UFC; title left vacant through closure
  2. Rafael Cavalcante
    21 Aug 2010 to 5 Mar 2011 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Muhammed Lawal at Strikeforce: Houston
    Ended: Lost to Dan Henderson
  3. Muhammed Lawal
    17 Apr 2010 to 21 Aug 2010 · 4 mo
    Began: Def. Gegard Mousasi at Strikeforce: Nashville
    Ended: Lost to Rafael Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Houston
  4. Gegard Mousasi
    15 Aug 2009 to 17 Apr 2010 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Renato Sobral at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
    Ended: Lost to Muhammed Lawal at Strikeforce: Nashville
  5. Renato Sobral
    21 Nov 2008 to 15 Aug 2009 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Bobby Southworth at Strikeforce: Destruction
    Ended: Lost to Gegard Mousasi
  6. Bobby Southworth
    8 Dec 2006 to 21 Nov 2008 · 1 yr 11 mo
    Began: Def. Vernon White at Strikeforce: Triple Threat
    Ended: Lost to Renato Sobral at Strikeforce: Destruction

Strikeforce Lightweight

5 reigns · the line has ended

20062013

  1. Gilbert Melendez
    19 Dec 2009 to 12 Jan 2013 · 3 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Evolution (unification)
    Ended: Title retired when Strikeforce closed; carried over to the UFC
  2. Gilbert Melendezinterim
    11 Apr 2009 to 19 Dec 2009 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Rodrigo Damm at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz for the interim title
    Ended: Unified with undisputed title by defeating Josh Thomson
  3. Josh Thomson
    27 Jun 2008 to 19 Dec 2009 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson
    Ended: Lost to Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Evolution (unification)
  4. Gilbert Melendez
    9 Jun 2006 to 27 Jun 2008 · 2 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Clay Guida at Strikeforce: Revenge
    Ended: Lost to Josh Thomson
  5. Clay Guida
    10 Mar 2006 to 9 Jun 2006 · 3 mo
    Began: Def. Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie
    Ended: Lost to Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Revenge

Strikeforce Middleweight

5 reigns · the line has ended

20072013

  1. Luke Rockhold
    10 Sep 2011 to 12 Jan 2013 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Ronaldo Souza at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov
    Ended: Title retired when Strikeforce closed; carried over to the UFC
  2. Ronaldo Souza
    21 Aug 2010 to 10 Sep 2011 · 1 yr 1 mo
    Began: Def. Tim Kennedy at Strikeforce: Houston for the vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Luke Rockhold
  3. Jake Shields
    7 Nov 2009 to 1 Jul 2010 · 8 mo
    Began: Def. Jason Miller at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers for the vacant title
    Ended: Vacated on signing with the UFC
  4. Cung Le
    29 Mar 2008 to 17 Sep 2009 · 1 yr 6 mo
    Began: Def. Frank Shamrock at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le
    Ended: Vacated without defending (film commitments)
  5. Frank Shamrock
    22 Jun 2007 to 29 Mar 2008 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Phil Baroni at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni
    Ended: Lost to Cung Le at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le

Strikeforce Welterweight

3 reigns · the line has ended

20102013

  1. Tarec Saffiedine
    12 Jan 2013 to 12 Jan 2013 · 0 days
    Began: Def. Nate Marquardt at Strikeforce's final event
    Ended: Title retired same day when Strikeforce closed
  2. Nate Marquardt
    14 Jul 2012 to 12 Jan 2013 · 6 mo
    Began: Def. Tyron Woodley at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy for the vacant title
    Ended: Lost to Tarec Saffiedine
  3. Nick Diaz
    30 Jan 2010 to 9 Jun 2011 · 1 yr 4 mo
    Began: Def. Marius Zaromskis at Strikeforce: Miami
    Ended: Vacated on signing with the UFC

Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight

4 reigns · the line has ended

20102012

  1. Ronda Rousey
    3 Mar 2012 to 6 Dec 2012 · 9 mo
    Began: Def. Miesha Tate at Strikeforce: Tate vs Rousey
    Ended: Title carried over into the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship
  2. Miesha Tate
    30 Jul 2011 to 3 Mar 2012 · 7 mo
    Began: Def. Marloes Coenen at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
    Ended: Lost to Ronda Rousey
  3. Marloes Coenen
    9 Oct 2010 to 30 Jul 2011 · 10 mo
    Began: Def. Sarah Kaufman at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II
    Ended: Lost to Miesha Tate
  4. Sarah Kaufman
    26 Feb 2010 to 9 Oct 2010 · 7 mo
    Began: Won inaugural title def. Takayo Hashi at Strikeforce Challengers
    Ended: Lost to Marloes Coenen

Strikeforce Women's Featherweight

1 reigns · the line has ended

20092012

  1. Cris Cyborg
    15 Aug 2009 to 6 Jan 2012 · 2 yr 5 mo
    Began: Won inaugural title def. Gina Carano at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
    Ended: Stripped after failed drug test; title never recontested

Compiled by hand from the promotions' records and checked against the fight record; a reign that began without a fight (promoted from interim, awarded, carried over in a merger) says so. This page follows each promotion's own belt. It does not trace a lineal champion across promotions.