UFC’s flyweight division has been a weight class that has been overlooked since its inception in 2012. While the UFC debated discontinuing the weight class in 2019, the flyweight division has recently gained a lot of popularity. On this note, let’s have a look at some of the best flyweight fighters in the history of the UFC.
#10 Jussier Formiga
Jussier Formiga has been one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, but he never got a chance to fight for a title. “Ant” was in contention to fight for the championship after a four-fight winning streak in 2019, but the UFC was in debate about removing the division, so he never got the chance. However, he still has an astonishing record in his eight-year tenure in the promotion. Along the way, he picked up victories over future champions Dieveson Figueiredo and Sergio Pettis. He also has a noteworthy win over Alexandre Pantoja.
#9 Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja has made a great impact in the UFC since his debut. He is currently on a record of 26-5 in his professional career and has picked up some wins over big names. “The Cannibal” has great victories over the likes of Brandon Moreno, Manel Cape and Alex Parez. Pantoja is the current UFC Flyweight champion. His most recent bout was against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290, where he won the title.
#8 John Dodson
John Dodson dropped his weight to 125 pounds after knocking out T.J. Dillashaw in the Season 14 Ultimate Fighter Bantamweight Tournament. “The Magician” continued to compete in the division for the next four years and went 5-2 inside the Octagon. His two losses came against the “Mighty Mouse” Demetrius Johnson, but it is worth noting that Dodson almost defeated Johnson during his first UFC bout on Fox 6.
#7 Kyoji Horiguchi
The Japanese MMA fighter began his MMA career in the Shooto promotion, where he achieved immense success. Horiguchi made his UFC debut in 2013 and got a title shot against Demetrious Johnson after winning three consecutive bouts. Although he doesn’t fight in the UFC anymore, “The Typhoon” has shown great talent as a Flyweight while fighting in promotions like Rizin and Bellator. Horiguchi’s professional MMA record is 31-5 and currently he is ranked #5 in the Bellator rankings.
#6 Sergio Pettis
Sergio Pettis’s performance in the UFC throughout the years was classified as a disappointment. “The Phenom” came to the promotion with a lot of hype as Anthony’s younger brother. But he needed some time to find his feet. However, once he did, Pettis gave great performances and became one of the best flyweights in the world. He defeated big names like Brandon Moreno and Joseph Benavidez at his prime. He left the UFC for Bellator in 2020 and continued his dominance there. Sergio’s most recent win came against Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 297 on June 16, 2023.
#5 Brandon Moreno
Brandon Moreno recently lost his UFC flyweight title to Alexandre Pantoja, but he is still one of the few fighters to hold this championship. Moreno is actually one of the greatest underdogs in MMA history, with a UFC record of 11-3. “The Assassin Baby” made his UFC debut in 2017 but was removed from the roster after two consecutive losses. However, Moreno was re-signed the following year and he went on a crazy run. Brandon went 4-0-2 in his next six fights and won the UFC flyweight title in the process.
#4 Joseph Benavidez
Benavidez made his UFC debut in 2011 and went on to go 10-2 from 2012 to 2017, with his only loss coming to Demetrious Johnson. Like Dodson, he almost defeated the “Mighty Mouse” in UFC 152 but lost via split decision. Along the way, Benavidez picked up big wins over fighters like Henry Cejudo, Jussier Formiga and Ian McCall. The former fighter is one of the greatest to never win a UFC title.
#3 Deiveson Figueiredo
Figueiredo, a two-time UFC flyweight champion, was not well known until he got his shot at the vacant flyweight title in 2020. Figueiredo faced Joseph Benavidez as an underdog but quickly turned the battle one-sided. He defeated Benavidez in two consecutive bouts to capture the UFC title. Before getting involved in his feud with Brandon Moreno, he scored a win over Alex Perez. His second title win was also historic and “Deus da Guerra” currently holds a record of 21-3.
#2 Henry Cejudo
Cejudo made his UFC debut in 2014 and achieved some impressive wins before losing to Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez. After these two losses, “Triple C” went on to win six matches in a row and became one of the finest flyweight fighters in UFC history. In the way, he also earned another shot to take on the “Mighty Mouse,” and this time he won against him. After this, he defeated then-flyweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, ending his flyweight run.
#1 Demetrious Johnson
Arguably the best Flyweight in MMA history, Demetrious Johnson’s run from 2012 to 2018 solidified his place as one of the greatest of all time. During that time, Johnson went 12-0-1, winning the UFC Flyweight title and establishing himself as the master with the most consecutive title defenses (11). He defeated several former and future champions during his title run, including the likes of Henry Cejudo, Joseph Benavidez, John Dodson and Kyoji Horiguchi. With all the title defenses and wins, the “Mighty Mouse” is definitely the best flyweight fighter.
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