UFC Lightweight Champions with most consecutive title defenses in history

The lightweight division is one of the most stacked divisions in the promotion

One of the most stacked and deep divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is undoubtedly the 155lbs, Lightweight division. Multiple top stars from the MMA world have competed in the iconic division of the MMA leader.

Megastars like ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor and Charles’ Do Bronx’ Oliviera to legends like BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar have not only competed in the division but have also held the coveted crown. Undefeated phenoms like Khabib Nurmagomedov have also held and defended the lightweight crown.

MMA legend Jens Pulver was the first to hold the coveted Lightweight title when he defeated Caol Uno at UFC 30. Since then there have been a total of twelve stars that have held the 155 title.

Additionally, big names like Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje, Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier, and Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson have held the Interim title in the 155lbs division.

Following Khabib’s retirement from the sport, the division was briefly ruled by the Brazilian star Charles Oliviers. However, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s prodigy Islam Makhacehv currently holds the lightweight strap after he submitted Oliveira at UFC 280.

Makhachev was set to defend the title against No.1 Contender in the division, Arman Tsarukyan. This was a rematch from their first meeting at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Oleinik in April 2019, where Islam picked up the win via unanimous decision.

However, Arman pulled out of the fight due to a back issue one day before the fight. Renato Moicano who was set to battle Beneil Dariush took to the short notice in the main event of UFC 311 which took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on January 18.

Islam not only defended the title against Moicano in the main event but also made history by becoming the only lightweight champion in UFC history to defend the title four consecutive times. You can use UFC betting apps to predict UFC match results.

UFC Lightweight Champions with most consecutive title defenses

Rank	Name	Defenses	Title Reign
1	Islam Makhachev	4	Oct 22, 2022 (820 days*)
2	Khabib Nurmagomedov	3	Apr 7, 2018 (1,077 days)
2	B.J. Penn	3	Jan 19, 2008 (812 days)
2	Frankie Edgar	3	Apr 10, 2010 (687 days)
2	Benson Henderson	3	Feb 26, 2012 (552 days)
3	Jens Pulver	2	Feb 23, 2001 (393 days)

Among the twelve champions, Khabib, Penn, Edgar, and Henderson have defended the strap there times while Pulver has defended the title twice. Makchave’s title defense was tied with the four MMA legends at three before UFC 311.

Islam emerged victorious in the main event against Moicano this Saturday, breaking the tie and becoming the first and only champion in UFC Lightweight history to defend the title four times.

Who according to you could be the toughest test for Islam Makhachev, and can he surpass Anderson Silva’s win streak? Who according to you is the Lightweight G.O.A.T? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

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