Lightweight (MMA)

The lightweight division in mixed martial arts refers to a number of different weight classes:

• The UFC lightweight division with an upper limit at 155 lb (70.3 kg)
• The Pancrase lightweight division, which formerly limited competitors to 152 lb (69 kg) now revised to 155 lb (70 kg)
• The Shooto lightweight division, which limits competitors to 143 lb (65 kg)
• The PFC's (defunct) and EliteXC's (defunct) lightweight divisions, which limited competitors to 160 lb (73 kg)
• The SRC's (defunct) lightweight division, which formerly limited competitors to 154 lb (70 kg) revised to 155 lb (70 kg)
• The Dream's (defunct) lightweight division, which limited competitors to 154 lb (70 kg)

Ambiguity and clarification

For the sake of uniformity, most American mixed martial arts media outlets consider Lightweight competitors to be between 146 and 155 lb (66 and 70 kg). This encompasses The Shooto Welterweight division (154 lb / 70 kg).

The UFC's lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58 after falling into disuse following UFC 49. Sean Sherk, a former welterweight contender, defeated Kenny Florian at UFC 64, becoming the first UFC lightweight champion since 2002.

The lightweight limit, as defined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission^[1] and the Association of Boxing Commissions^[2] is 155 lb (70 kg).

Professional Champions

Current champions

This table is not always up to date. Last updated on April 26, 2015.

Organization	Reign Began	Champion	Record	Defenses
UFC	March 14, 2015	Rafael dos Anjos	24-7 (4KO 8SUB)	0
Bellator MMA	November 15, 2014	Will Brooks	16-1 (5KO 4SUB)	1
WSOF	January 18, 2014	Justin Gaethje	14-0 (11KO 1SUB)	3
ONE FC	April 5, 2013	Shinya Aoki	37-6 (1KO 25SUB)	1

See also

• List of current MMA Lightweight champions
• List of UFC Lightweight Champions
• List of Strikeforce Lightweight Champions
• List of Pancrase Lightweight Champions

References