Top six youngest Champions in UFC history

These fighters defied every odds to capture the ultimate goal!

Multiple big names have fought in UFC, with some managing to capture the biggest prize in MMA, the UFC Undisputed World title, while others fail to reach the pinnacle.

However, there are some fighters who not only reached the top but did so at an age that defied expectations, securing their place in promotional history as the youngest champions to ever hold the coveted belt. The MMA leader has some of the most competitive divisions, and someone reaching the top is highly regarded among fans.

Here we will take a look at six such fighters who defied their age to achieve the ultimate goal and came out on top, holding the coveted World title.

6. Frank Shamrock

One of the pioneers of MMA, Frank Shamrock’s first appearance in the octagon came after 22 MMA fights on December 21, 1997, where he defeated Kevin Jackson via submission (armbar). Shamrock claimed the inaugural UFC Middleweight Championship, which was later renamed as the Light Heavyweight category, with the victory against Jackson in just 16 seconds.

D.O.B: December 8, 1972Age at the time of championship victory: 25 Years

Also Read: All UFC title fights that have ended in no-contest

5. Carlos Newton

Canadian MMA pioneer Carlos Newton kicked off his MMA career at only 19 years old. He has secured the fourth spot on this list with his title win over Pat Miletich, where he claimed the Welterweight Championship. The two fought at UFC 31, which emanated on May 4, 2001, from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Sadly, Newton lost the title six months later in his first title defense against Matt Hughes.

D.O.B: August 17, 1976

Age at the time of championship victory: 24 Years, 8 months

4. Josh Barnett

Similar to Newton, Washington native Josh Barnett also began his MMA journey at the age of 19. Making his UFC debut just a week after turning 23, Barnett won three of his first four fights inside the Octagon. Despite failing a drug test at UFC 34, he was granted a title shot against Randy Couture at UFC 36 on March 22, 2002, where he won via TKO (punches) at just 24 years old.

D.O.B: November 10, 1977

Age at the time of championship victory: 24 Years, 4 months

3. Jose Aldo

‘King of Rio’ Jose Aldo’s iconic 10-year undefeated reign and his multiple wins against some of the biggest names is just a tiny chapter of his MMA journey. Aldo began his fighting career in Brazil before the age of 18. After knocking out his first five opponents in WEC, Aldo earned a title shot against 145-pound champion Mike Brown, whom he also defeated to capture the WEC Featherweight Championship at just 23 years old.

If the fight had taken place inside the Octagon, Aldo would have been the youngest UFC champion in history. Instead, he had to wait 12 months and win two more bouts before being promoted to UFC champion. For a short time, Aldo held the distinction of being the youngest UFC titleholder, though that record wouldn’t last long.

D.O.B: September 9, 1986

Age at the time of championship victory: 24 Years, 2 months

2. Joshua Van

‘The Fearless’ Joshua Van is the latest addition to this list, as he secures the second spot with his TKO (arm injury) win over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.

Van is the only fighter in the UFC from his home country of Myanmar, and with the win over Pantoja, he also became the first fighter born after the 2000s to hold the UFC title. Van also bagged the title of being the first Asian-born male fighter to hold the coveted title in MMA.

D.O.B: October 10, 2001

Age at the time of championship victory: 24 Years, 1 month, and 26 days

1. Jon Jones

Considered the ‘Greatest of All Time,’ UFC’s former Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones also holds the distinction of being the youngest Champion in UFC history. Jones defeated Maurício Rua via TKO at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, to capture the Light Heavyweight title and continue his dominance, which lasted until he decided to move up to Heavyweight.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Jones has remained unbeatable inside the Octagon. He made a triumphant return after a three-year layoff, winning the Heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane, then successfully defending it against one of the greatest Heavyweights, Stipe Miocic, before vacating the title and announcing his retirement.

As of July 4, 2025, Jones is said to have rejoined the testing pool and is now listed as an active competitor on the official UFC website.

D.O.B: July 19, 1987

Age at the time of championship victory: 23 Years, 2 months

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