Who Are the Best Bantamweight Champions in UFC History?
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Few divisions in UFC history have matched the depth, skill, and pace of bantamweight.
Since its introduction in 2011, the 135-pound weight class has produced a revolving door of champions, each bringing a different style and era of dominance. From Dominick Cruz’s footwork to TJ Dillashaw’s striking evolution and Aljamain Sterling’s grappling reign, it’s certainly seen its fair share of styles.
But right now, the spotlight belongs to Merab Dvalishvili, the relentless Georgian machine who has quietly transformed into one of the most dominant champions in the sport today.
Who Are the Best Bantamweight Champions in UFC History?
5. Henry Cejudo
A two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist, Cejudo brought star power and elite credentials to bantamweight. His comeback win over Marlon Moraes showcased his heart and adaptability, cementing him as one of the most decorated combat athletes in MMA history, even with a short bantamweight reign consisting of just one world title defence.
4. Aljamain Sterling
Sterling was the first true grappling specialist to dominate the division. His combination of body control, transitions, and creativity on the mat made him a nightmare matchup.
After controversially winning the belt from Yan via disqualification, Sterling silenced doubters by beating Yan decisively in the rematch and then turning back Dillashaw and Cejudo. The Jamaican fighter had three world title defences, the joint-most in the 135-pounds division.
3. TJ Dillashaw
Dillashaw evolved the bantamweight striking game by blending footwork, feints, and combinations that overwhelmed opponents. His dismantling of Renan Barao ended one of the UFC’s longest win streaks at the time.
Despite his later suspension and controversies, his technical prime was remarkable in his era. The American won four world title fights across two different reigns.
2. Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz was the division’s pioneer and its first true tactician. His elusive movement, unorthodox striking angles, and defensive skills made him almost impossible to hit cleanly.
After multiple ACL tears, Cruz’s return to defeat TJ Dillashaw in 2016 remains one of the greatest comeback stories in MMA history. Altogether, he won five world title fights across two separate reigns.
1. Merab Dvalishvili
Merab’s championship story has become one of the most impressive streaks in modern UFC history. Known for his unlimited gas tank and chain wrestling, Dvalishvili has now defended the bantamweight title three consecutive times, each against elite opposition: defeated Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision, submitted Sean O’Malley in their rematch, and beat Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision.
Next up, Dvalishvili faces Petr Yan at UFC 323 in December, a matchup that could mark his fourth title defence in 2025. While he may not have the flair of O’Malley or the striking pedigree of Dillashaw, Dvalishvili’s durability, discipline, and endless engine have made him a generational fighter and potentially, by the end of 2025, the most dominant bantamweight champion the UFC has ever seen.
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