The UFC Flyweight division, hooked up in 2012, has been home to a number of the most dynamic and professional combatants in combined martial arts history.
Known for their speed, agility, and technical prowess, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here, we choose the Top 10 Flyweight Fighters in UFC History, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the department.
Top 10 Flyweight Fighters in UFC History
The UFC Flyweight division has seen some of the sport’s most skilled and exciting fighters. Here, we explain the Top 10 Flyweight Fighters in UFC History.
1. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson
Career Highlights
Demetrious Johnson is often seen as the finest flyweight of all time. He turned into the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion and held the title from 2012 to 2018. Johnson’s reign included 11 consecutive identify defenses, a document in the department.
His combating fashion, characterized by means of fantastic pace, technical precision, and flexibility, set an excessive popularity for the department. Johnson’s capability to evolve and strategize against a broad kind of warring parties showcased his high fight IQ and athleticism.
Notably, his “Mighty Wiz-bar” submission in opposition to Ray Borg has proven his creativity and grappling prowess, earning him accolades and solidifying his legacy.
Signature Wins
- Joseph Benavidez: Johnson gained the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship towards Benavidez in 2012.
- Henry Cejudo: Defeated Cejudo in their first assembly via TKO, showcasing his dominance in the department.
Legacy
Johnson’s effect on the game extends beyond his identified defenses. His capacity to seamlessly blend striking, grappling, and submission abilities made him a fan favorite and a respected parent amongst his peers. His flow to ONE Championship in 2019 left a lasting legacy in the UFC.
2. Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo
Career Highlights
Henry Cejudo is a former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling who transitioned correctly to MMA. He gained the UFC Flyweight Championship in 2018 by defeating Demetrious Johnson, a victory that ended Johnson’s six-12 months reign. Cejudo additionally won the UFC Bantamweight Championship, making him a division champion.
His victory over T.J. Dillashaw, protecting his flyweight name in only 32 seconds, turned into a widespread highlight of his career. Known for his tactical acumen and wrestling prowess, Cejudo’s evolution as a striker made him a more well-rounded fighter. His personality, frequently bold and confident, helped him garner attention and build a giant following.
Signature Wins
- Demetrious Johnson: Secured a split decision victory to assert the Flyweight Championship.
- T.J. Dillashaw: Defended his flyweight title by defeating Dillashaw through TKO in 32 seconds.
Legacy
Cejudo’s Olympic pedigree and speedy rise in the UFC introduced considerable attention to the flyweight division. His air of mystery and self-advertising, combined with his accomplishments, made him a prominent discernment in MMA.
3. Joseph Benavidez
Career Highlights
Joseph Benavidez has been a perennial contender in the flyweight division. Despite in no way shooting the identity, he has fought for the championship multiple times and remains one of the most respected opponents in the division’s records.
Benavidez’s profession is marked by his technical hanging, slick submissions, and relentless tempo. He has fought and defeated numerous pinnacle contenders, preserving a presence on the pinnacle of the division for decades. Benavidez’s capacity to rebound from setbacks and constantly compete at an excessive level is a testament to his willpower and expertise.
Signature Wins
- Jussier Formiga Secured a TKO victory in their rematch, solidifying his position as a top contender.
- Henry Cejudo: Defeated Cejudo through break-up choice earlier than Cejudo’s championship run.
Legacy
Benavidez’s consistency and durability inside the division are perfect. He is thought for his properly-rounded skill set and sportsmanship, making him a beloved determine among enthusiasts and combatants alike.
4. Brandon Moreno
Career Highlights
Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC championship when he captured the flyweight title in 2021. His adventure from being launched by way of the UFC to becoming champion is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Moreno’s combating fashion is marked by his relentless pace, sharp placing, and powerful grappling. His trilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo, which includes their epic battles for the name, has cemented his area in flyweight history. Moreno’s capability to conquer adversity and constantly enhance has made him a fan favorite.
Signature Wins
- Deiveson Figueiredo: Won the flyweight identify with the aid of submitting Figueiredo in their rematch.
- Kai Kara-France Earned a decisive victory in their rematch to solidify his title rivalry.
Legacy
Moreno’s infectious personality and relentless fighting style have endeared him to enthusiasts internationally. His championship win and subsequent title defenses have further improved the profile of the flyweight division.
5. Deiveson “Deus da Guerra” Figueiredo
Career Highlights
Deiveson Figueiredo is understood for his strength and completing ability. He captured the flyweight name in 2020 and defended it effectively earlier than carrying out a memorable rivalry with Brandon Moreno. Figueiredo’s competitive technique and knockout energy set him aside in a department regularly mentioned for velocity and method.
His fights are often motion-packed, with an excessive likelihood of finishes. Figueiredo’s resilience and capability to come back lower back stronger after setbacks have stored him at the top of the department. His trilogy with Moreno is one of the most fascinating series in flyweight history, showcasing his coronary heart and determination.
Signature Wins
- Joseph Benavidez won the vacant flyweight name by defeating Benavidez via TKO.
- Alex Perez: Defended his identity with a primary-round submission victory.
Legacy
Figueiredo’s competitive combating fashion and completing prowess introduced excitement to the department. His trilogy with Moreno is one of the most compelling rivalries in flyweight history.
6. John “The Magician” Dodson
Career Highlights
John Dodson is understood for his explosive velocity and knockout power. He became a finalist in the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship event and challenged Demetrious Johnson twice for the name. Dodson’s quickness and athleticism made him a challenging opponent for everybody within the division.
His capability to complete fights, often with spectacular knockouts, has made him a fan favored. Dodson’s performances against top-tier combatants have solidified his region as one of the most thrilling combatants in the flyweight division.
Signature Wins
- T.J. Dillashaw: Defeated Dillashaw to win The Ultimate Fighter 14.
- Jussier Formiga: Secured a TKO victory to solidify his contender repute.
Legacy
Dodson’s athleticism and pleasing combating fashion made him a standout in the department. His battles with Johnson remain some of the most exciting in flyweight records.
7. Jussier “Formiga” da Silva
Career Highlights
Jussier Formiga has been a staple of the flyweight division, regarded for his grappling knowledge and consistency. He has faced most of the top opponents inside the department and has been a perennial contender.
His technical prowess on the floor made him one of the most feared grapplers inside the department. Formiga’s resilience and capacity to compete at a high degree for decades highlight his dedication to the sport.
Signature Wins
- Sergio Pettis: Earned a unanimous selection victory over the growing contender.
- Deiveson Figueiredo: Defeated Figueiredo unanimously, showcasing his grappling prowess.
Legacy
Formiga’s contributions to the division are giant because of his grappling skills and potential to compete at a high level for many years. His victories over pinnacle contenders spotlight his skill and resilience.
8. Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Royval
Career Highlights
Brandon Royval has speedily made a name for himself with his exciting combating style and outstanding performances. Known for his finishing potential, Royval has become a fan favorite. His fights are often high-paced and packed with motion, making him one of the most wonderful combatants to observe.
Royval’s potential to stable finishes, both by knockout and submission, demonstrates his versatility and danger as a competitor. His willingness to take on pinnacle competition and his dynamic performances have quickly improved him within the flyweight ratings.
Signature Wins
- Kai Kara-France: Secured a submission victory in an exciting fight.
- Tim Elliott: Won through submission, showcasing his grappling abilities.
Legacy
Royval’s dynamic preventing style and ability to stable finishes have added exhilaration to the flyweight division. His ability to achieve destiny success makes him a fighter to observe.
9. Alex Perez
Career Highlights
Alex Perez has been a robust contender within the flyweight department, known for his well-rounded skill set and completing capacity. Perez’s technical putting and grappling have earned him victories over numerous ranked opponents.
His capacity to conform and perform well-rounded fights makes him a risky opponent within the department. Although unsuccessful, Perez’s name project in opposition to Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his talents on the biggest stage and his capacity to be a destiny champion.
Signature Wins
- Jussier Formiga: Earned a TKO victory with leg kicks.
- Jordan Espinosa: Won via submission, demonstrating his grappling prowess.
Legacy
Perez’s contributions to the division include his interest in combating fashion and consistent performances toward pinnacle competition. His title challenge in opposition to Figueiredo showcased his abilities on the most critical stage.
10. Sergio Pettis
Career Highlights
Sergio Pettis, the younger brother of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, has carved out his personal hit career inside the flyweight department. Known for his technical hanging and properly rounded sport, Pettis has been a top contender. Pettis’s ability to execute particular hanging and maintain composure in fights has earned him wins over top-ranked combatants.
His technical skill set and strategic method of fighting the battle make him a challenging venture for everyone inside the department. After his UFC tenure, Pettis moved to Bellator, where he became the bantamweight champion, similarly highlighting his expertise and versatility.
Signature Wins
- Joseph Benavidez: Secured a unanimous choice victory over the perennial contender.
- Jussier Formiga: Earned a cut-up choice win, showcasing his technical prowess.
Legacy
Pettis’s technical skill set and capacity to compete at a high level have made him a respected parent inside the flyweight department. His rise to Bellator, where he became bantamweight champion, further underscores his talent.
FAQS about Top 10 Flyweight Fighters in UFC History
Who is considered the greatest flyweight fighter in UFC history?
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest flyweight fighter in UFC history, holding the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the division.
How did Henry Cejudo become a two-division champion?
Henry Cejudo won the UFC Flyweight Championship by defeating Demetrious Johnson and later captured the Bantamweight Championship by defeating Marlon Moraes, making him a two-division champion.
What makes Brandon Moreno a notable champion?
Brandon Moreno is notable for being the first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC championship. His resilience and exciting fighting style have made him a fan favorite.
Who has the most title defenses in the flyweight division?
Demetrious Johnson holds the record for the most title defenses in the flyweight division, with 11 consecutive defenses.
What are some notable rivalries in the flyweight division?
One of the most notable rivalries in the flyweight division is between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo, with their trilogy being one of the most exciting in the division’s history.
Conclusion
The UFC Flyweight division has produced some of MMA’s most exciting and technically skilled fighters. From Demetrious Johnson’s dominance to Brandon Moreno’s resilience, these athletes have pushed the boundaries of the sport and left an enduring legacy. As the division continues to evolve, new contenders will emerge, but the contributions of these top 10 fighters will always be remembered.
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