Current UFC lightweight champion

Adrian Bishop Updated: 18 Jun 26 11:05

For nearly a decade the UFC's lightweight division was the lightest weight class promoted by the organisation.

As a result, a wealth of fighting talent from around the world competed in the UFC at 155lbs, with a number of legendary names staking their claim to the title.

Jens Pulver became the first man the hold the belt - originally named the bantamweight title - when he bested Caol Uno over five rounds at UFC 30. The title subsequently went on hiatus for several years before Sean Sherk claimed the belt in 2006.

MMA

View Latest Odds

Current UFC lightweight champion

Justin Gaethje currently sits atop the throne of the lightweight division, having finally claimed undisputed gold when he defeated Ilia Topuria at the landmark UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn in June 2026.

One of the most entertaining fighters ever to compete inside the Octagon, Gaethje has more than earned the moniker 'The Highlight' since moving into mixed martial arts following a decorated collegiate wrestling career.

Unlike many of his fellow All American wrestlers that have transitioned into a career in the cage, Gaethje rarely relies on his grappling prowess, instead putting himself in harm's way in search of a devastating KO.

Despite twice holding interim gold in the UFC it appeared that the Arizona would never reach the very top of the mountain, having previously lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in undisputed title fights.

Against Topuria however, Gaethje produced arguably the most impressive performance of his career to date. After weathering an early storm from the Spaniard Gaethje took control of the fight and forced Topuria to retire on his stool before the fifth and final round.

The fight marked the first time the reigning lightweight champion had lost his title inside the Octagon since Conor McGregor defeated Alvarez nearly a decade earlier.