5 current UFC champions with the longest title reigns
In the UFC, there's a saying that you're not a true champion unless you defend your belt. While not everyone may agree with that, it is true that the biggest stars in the sport are those who are typically able to put together a lengthy run while still holding onto the UFC gold. Doing so is obviously much easier said than done.
In 2001,
@MattHughes9x defined what a @UFC Champion should be.
"To be a true Champion, you must defend your Title" http://t.co/oAnT7Z6PAZ
The sport of MMA has never been as flush with talent as it is today and therefore becoming the champion for the biggest promotion is an unbelievable achievement. On top of that, in a sport where one attack can spell the end of your title reign, holding onto the belt for an extended run is almost impossibly difficult.
With that being said, there are a number of current champions who are beginning to put together some lengthy runs with their belts. Here are the five current UFC champions with the longest title reigns:
#5. Alexander Volkanovski - UFC featherweight champion
Alexander Volkanovski’s recent finish of Chan Sung Jung has finally led to him feeling like an established champion. The fight was his third successful title defense and was by far his most comfortable yet. Volkanovski first won the belt back in December 2019 when he defeated Max Holloway via unanimous decision.
WOW! Alex Volkanovski has done it! #AndNEW 🏆
Max Holloway's reign at featherweight is over after a five-round epic!
What a performance from the Aussie! https://t.co/CbBsmiyXnT
The fight led to an immediate re-match between Volkanovski and Holloway. While many felt the result was controversial, ultimately Volkanovski was victorious once again, this time via split decision. He then had an incredible title fight against Brian Ortega where he survived some tight submissions to earn another decision win.
Volkanovski has now asserted himself as the top dog at 145 lbs given the quality of opponents he has defeated. There are, however, a number of fun match-ups still out there. For example, a third fight with Holloway, a dark horse like Arnold Allen or maybe even Henry Cejudo would all be great fights.