The UFC is the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, established in 1993. It is well-Known for its high-octane events and top-tier fighters. The UFC features a variety of weight classes and a blend of fighting styles.
One of the best weight classes is Bantamweight Category. The UFC bantamweight division, ranging from 126 to 135 pounds (57 to 61 kg), has been known for its highly skilled and diverse fighters. This division features a mix of elite strikers and grapplers, leading to various fight styles and strategies. Let’s check out the Top 10 UFC Bantamweight Fighter of All Time.
Merab Dvalishvili(17-4,3KO)
American mixed martial artist Merab Dvalishvili is a skilled MMA fighter. Dvalishvi currently competes as a bantamweight fighter for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of February 20, 2024, he has the top spot in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
Dvalishvili made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123, but Frankie Saenz prevailed via split decision. Dvalishvili is well-known for his outstanding wins over opponents like Cody Stamann and John Dodson. His record shows that Dvalishvi is still a formidable opponent in the octagon and hopes to capture the title in every battle in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Aljamain Sterling(24-4-1,3KO)
Aljamain Sterling is an American professional mixed martial artist. He competes in the Featherweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, But he has also made excellent success in Bantamweight category. Where he is the former UFC Bantamweight Champion. Sterling is the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification.
Aljamain Sterling made his UFC debut on February 1, 2014, at UFC 170. He faced fellow debutant Cody Gibson and secured a dominant victory; following his debut, Sterling continued to impress with a series of notable victories over tough opponents.
Cory Sandhagen(17-4,7KO)
American mixed martial artist Cory Sandhagen is a professional fighter. He currently fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the bantamweight class. Sandhagen is #2 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
On January 27, 2018, Sandhagen debuted in the UFC, defeating Austin Arnett by TKO in the second round. Sandhagen, well-known for his adaptability and striking ability, has advanced swiftly through the bantamweight division, winning important bouts against opponents like Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes.
Petr Yan(17-5,7KO)
Petr Yan is a Russian professional mixed martial artist. Petr Yan made his UFC debut on June 23, 2018, when he faced off against Teruto Ishihara and secured a victory in the first round. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion.
These achievements showcased his devastating striking skills and authoritatively announced his arrival in the promotion. Following his impressive debut, Yan continued to impress with dominant performances against tough opponents.
Dominick Cruz(24-4,7KO)
American professional mixed martial fighter, sports analyst, Dominick Cruz is a current competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Bantamweight class and a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion.
On April 5, 2008, Dominick Cruz made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 14. In his UFC debut, he defeated Eddie Wineland by a majority decision, displaying his unconventional movement style and technical skill.
Many people consider Dominick Cruz one of the best bantamweight fighters of all time because of his distinct fighting style and analytical approach in mixed martial arts.
T.J Dillashaw(17-5,8KO)
T.J Dillashaw is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion.
T.J. Dillashaw made his UFC debut on December 3, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. He faced John Dodson in the finals of the bantamweight tournament and lost via TKO in the first round, marking a tough start to his UFC career. Following his debut loss, Dillashaw rebounded with determination, steadily climbing the ranks with impressive victories over tough opponents.
Renan Barao(36-10-1,8KO)
Renan Barao is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and a former UFC Bantamweight Champion. He held one of the longest unbeaten streaks in MMA history – following a loss in his professional debut, he recorded 35 straight fights without a loss over ten years.
Renan Barão made his UFC debut on May 28, 2011, at UFC 130. Following his debut, Barão embarked on an incredible streak in the UFC, including notable wins over Brad Pickett, Scott Jorgensen, and Urijah Faber. Despite challenges later in his career, Barão’s legacy in MMA remains notable, showcasing his talent and contribution to the evolution of Brazilian fighters in the global MMA scene.
Henry Cejudo (17-4,8KO)
Henry Cejudo is an American professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He is a former UFC Flyweight Champion and Bantamweight Champion. He is the fourth UFC fighter to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously.
Henry Cejudo made his UFC debut on December 13, 2014, at UFC on Fox 13. He faced Dustin Kimura in his first bout, showcasing his superior wrestling skills and securing a unanimous decision victory. Following his debut, Cejudo went on to challenge and defeat some of the top fighters in the UFC.
Urijah Faber(35-11-1,10KO)
Former mixed martial artist and actor Urijah Faber is from the United States. He participated in UFC competitions at the bantamweight and featherweight weight classes.
Faber, who mostly competes in the bantamweight and featherweight classes, is well-known for his aggressive fighting style and persistence. He is the creator of the well-known MMA training camp, Team Alpha Male. After winning the WEC Featherweight Championship, Faber went on to participate in the UFC, where he repeated as champion and continued to be a major force in the sport as a coach and fighter.
Sean O’Malley(18-1-1,12KO)
Sean O’Malley is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is the current UFC Bantamweight Champion. He is currently ranked #6 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Sean O’Malley debuted in UFC on December 1, 2017, at “The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale” event. His opponent was Terrion Ware, and O’Malley won the fight via unanimous decision, marking the beginning of his journey in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Therefore, Sean made it to top in the Top 10 UFC Bantamweight Fighter of All Time list. Check also Top 10 Welterweight champions of all time.
