List of Bellator MMA champions

Last updated

Bellator MMA (formerly known as "Bellator Fighting Championships") is an American mixed martial arts promotion, and the following is a history of its champions in each weight class.

Contents

At the time of its inception in 2008, CEO Bjorn Rebney founded Bellator Fighting Championships as a tournament based organization. The inaugural champion for each weight class was determined by the winner of an eight-man tournament. All subsequent title challengers were required to first win an eight-man tournament in a specific weight class in order to earn the right to challenge that division's reigning champion. Dethroned champions were required to re-enter the tournaments in order to attempt to regain their title. Under Bjorn Rebney's sole leadership, Bellator MMA would strictly adhere to these rules during the first four years of its operation.

The first changes to this format would begin to appear not long after Viacom, Inc. purchased a controlling stake in the organization. [1] In November 2012, CEO Bjorn Rebney announced the introduction of a "championship rematch clause". This would allow Bellator to schedule an immediate title-fight rematch if officials deemed the fight necessary. [2] The next major change occurred during Bellator's 2013 Summer Series when it was announced that all three tournaments would be shorter, four-man affairs instead of the standard eight. [3] Though originally stated to return to the eight-man only tournaments afterwards, officials instead decided to add two additional four-man tournaments to the existing tournament lineup in an effort to provide a more consistent flow of title challengers for their champions to face. [4]

Two additional rule changes would be announced. The first was the "tournament champion replacement clause" introduced in August 2013. This allowed officials to grant title shots to replacement fighters when tournament winners were injured, or otherwise unavailable, through a complex voting and points system. [5] Then, in June 2014, CEO Bjorn Rebney made an announcement stating that any fighter who had previously won a Bellator tournament would maintain permanent eligibility to fight for a title without having to re-enter another tournament. [6] Neither of these changes would ever be implemented, however, as one week later Bellator MMA and its founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney parted ways, bringing about an end to the organization's tournament based model. [7] [8]

Current champions

Men [9]
DivisionChampionSinceDefenses
Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader Jan 26, 2019 3
Light Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Corey Anderson Mar 22, 2024 0
Middleweight Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Eblen Jun 24, 2022 3
Welterweight Flag of Russia.svg Ramazan Kuramagomedov June 22, 2024 0
Lightweight Flag of Russia.svg Usman Nurmagomedov Nov 18, 2022 2
Featherweight Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Apr 15, 2022 2
Bantamweight Flag of the United States.svg Patchy Mix Nov 17, 2023 1
Women [9]
DivisionChampionSinceDefenses
Women's Featherweight Flag of Brazil.svg Cris Cyborg Jan 25, 2020 5
Women's Flyweight Flag of the United States.svg Liz Carmouche Apr 22, 2022 3

Men's championship history

Heavyweight World Championship

206 to 265 lbs (93 to 120 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Cole Konrad
def. Neil Grove 		Bellator 32
Kansas City, MO, US		Oct 14, 2010699 days1. def. Eric Prindle at Bellator 70 on May 25, 2012
Konrad vacated the title on September 12, 2012 when he retired from MMA competition. [10]
2 Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Volkov
def. Rich Hale 		Bellator 84
Hammond, IN, US		Dec 14, 2012337 days
3 Flag of Russia.svg Vitaly Minakov Bellator 108
Atlantic City, NJ, US		Nov 15, 2013911 days1. def. Cheick Kongo at Bellator 115 on Apr 4, 2014
Minakov was stripped of the title on May 14, 2016 after failing to make title defenses. [11]
4 Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader
def. Fedor Emelianenko 		Bellator 214
Inglewood, CA, US		Jan 26, 20192,093 days
(incumbent)

NC. vs. Cheick Kongo at Bellator 226 on Sep 7, 2019
1. def. interim champion Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 273 on Jan 29, 2022
2. def. Cheick Kongo at Bellator 280 on May 6, 2022
3. def. Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 290 on Feb 4, 2023

— Flag of Russia.svg Valentin Moldavsky
def. Timothy Johnson for interim title		 Bellator 261
Uncasville, CT, US		Jun 25, 2021—

Light Heavyweight World Championship

186 to 205 lbs (84 to 93 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg Christian M'Pumbu
def. Rich Hale 		Bellator 45
Lake Charles, LA, US		May 21, 2011650 days
2 Flag of Slovakia.svg Attila Végh Bellator 91
Rio Rancho, NM, US		Feb 28, 2013387 days
— Flag of the United States.svg Emanuel Newton
def. Muhammed Lawal for interim title		 Bellator 106
Long Beach, CA, US		Nov 2, 2013—
3 Flag of the United States.svg Emanuel Newton Bellator 113
Mulvane, KS, US		Mar 21, 2014343 days1. def. Joey Beltran at Bellator 124 on Sep 12, 2014
2. def. Linton Vassell at Bellator 130 on Oct 24, 2014
4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Liam McGeary Bellator 134
Uncasville, CT, US		Feb 27, 2015617 days1. def. Tito Ortiz at Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 on Sep 19, 2015
5 Flag of the United States.svg Phil Davis Bellator 163
Uncasville, CT, US		Nov 4, 2016232 days
6 Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader Bellator 180
New York City, NY, US		Jun 24, 20171,155 days1. def. Linton Vassell at Bellator 186 on Nov 3, 2017
7 Flag of Russia.svg Vadim Nemkov Bellator 244
Uncasville, CT, US		Aug 21, 20201244 days

1. def. Phil Davis at Bellator 257 on Apr 16, 2021
2. def. Julius Anglickas at Bellator 268 on Oct 16, 2021
NC. vs. Corey Anderson at Bellator 277 on Apr 15, 2022
3. def. Corey Anderson at Bellator 288 on Nov 18, 2022
4. def. Yoel Romero at Bellator 297 on Jun 16, 2023

Nemkov vacated the title after announcing his move to Heavyweight on January 17, 2024. [12]
8 Flag of the United States.svg Corey Anderson
def. Karl Moore 		Bellator Champions Series 1
Belfast, Northern Ireland		Mar 22, 2024211 days
(incumbent)

Middleweight World Championship

171 to 185 lbs (77 to 84 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Héctor Lombard
def. Jared Hess 		Bellator 12
Hollywood, FL, US		Jun 19, 20091,040 days

1. def. Alexander Shlemenko at Bellator 34 on Oct 28, 2010

Lombard vacated the title on April 24, 2012 when he left Bellator for the UFC. [13]
2 Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Shlemenko
def. Maiquel Falcão 		Bellator 88
Duluth, GA, US		Feb 7, 2013597 days

1. def. Brett Cooper at Bellator 98 on Sep 7, 2013
2. def. Doug Marshall at Bellator 109 on Nov 22, 2013
3. def. Brennan Ward at Bellator 114 on Mar 28, 2014

3 Flag of the United States.svg Brandon Halsey Bellator 126
Phoenix, AZ, US		Sep 26, 2014230 days
Halsey was stripped of the title on May 14, 2015 after failing to make weight for his title defense against Kendall Grove at Bellator 137. [14]
4 Flag of Brazil.svg Rafael Carvalho
def. Brandon Halsey 		Bellator 144
Uncasville, CT, US		Oct 23, 2015945 days

1. def. Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 155 on May 20, 2016
2. def. Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 176 on Apr 8, 2017
3. def. Alessio Sakara at Bellator 190 on Dec 9, 2017

5 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Gegard Mousasi Bellator 200
London, England		May 25, 2018394 days

1. def. Rory MacDonald at Bellator 206 on Sep 29, 2018

6 Flag of the United States.svg Rafael Lovato Jr. Bellator 223
London, England		Jun 22, 2019233 days
Lovato vacated the title on February 10, 2020 when it was revealed he had been diagnosed with a cerebral cavernoma. [15]
7 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Gegard Mousasi (2)
def. Douglas Lima 		Bellator 250
Uncasville, CT, US		Oct 29, 2020604 days
(998 days)

1. def. John Salter at Bellator 264 on Aug 13, 2021
2. def. Austin Vanderford at Bellator 275 on Feb 25, 2022

8 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Eblen Bellator 282
Uncasville, CT, US		Jun 24, 2022848 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Anatoly Tokov at Bellator 290 on Feb 4, 2023
2. def. Fabian Edwards at Bellator 299 on Sep 23, 2023
3. def. Fabian Edwards at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants on Oct 19, 2024

Welterweight World Championship

156 to 170 lbs (70 to 77 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Lyman Good
def. Omar de la Cruz 		Bellator 11
Uncasville, CT, US		Jun 12, 2009485 days
2 Flag of the United States.svg Ben Askren Bellator 33
Philadelphia, PA, US		Oct 21, 20101,120 days

1. def. Jay Hieron at Bellator 56 on Oct 29, 2011
2. def. Douglas Lima at Bellator 64 on Apr 6, 2012
3. def. Karl Amoussou at Bellator 86 on Jan 24, 2013
4. def. Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 97 on Jul 31, 2013

Askren vacated the title on November 14, 2013 when he left Bellator for the ONE FC. [16]
3 Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima
def. Rick Hawn 		Bellator 117
Council Bluffs, IA, US		Apr 18, 2014455 days
4 Flag of Russia.svg Andrey Koreshkov Bellator 140
Uncasville, CT, US		Jul 17, 2015482 days

1. def. Benson Henderson at Bellator 153 on Apr 22, 2016

5 Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima (2) Bellator 164
Tel Aviv, Israel		Nov 10, 2016437 days
(892 days)

1. def. Lorenz Larkin at Bellator NYC on Jun 24, 2017

6 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Rory MacDonald Bellator 192
Inglewood, CA, US		Jan 20, 2018644 days

1. drew with Jon Fitch at Bellator 220 on Apr 27, 2019
2. def. Neiman Gracie at Bellator 222 on Jun 14, 2019

7 Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima (3) Bellator 232
Uncasville, CT, US		Oct 26, 2019594 days
(1,486 days)
8 Flag of Ukraine.svg Yaroslav Amosov Bellator 260
Uncasville, CT, US		Jun 11, 2021890 days

1. def. interim champion Logan Storley at Bellator 291 on Feb 25, 2023

— Flag of the United States.svg Logan Storley
def. Michael Page for the interim title		 Bellator 281
London, England		May 13, 2022—
9 Flag of Jamaica.svg Jason Jackson Bellator 301
Chicago, IL, US		Nov 17, 2023218 days
10 Flag of Russia.svg Ramazan Kuramagomedov Bellator Champions Series 3
Dublin, Ireland		Jun 22, 2024119 days
(incumbent)

Lightweight World Championship

146 to 155 lbs (66 to 70 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Alvarez
def. Toby Imada 		Bellator 12
Hollywood, FL, US		Jun 19, 2009883 days1. def. Pat Curran at Bellator 39 on April 2, 2011
2 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Chandler Bellator 58
Hollywood, FL, US		Nov 19, 2011715 days1. def. Rick Hawn at Bellator 85 on Jan 17, 2013
2. def. David Rickels at Bellator 97 on Jul 31, 2013
3 Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Alvarez (2) Bellator 106
Long Beach, CA, US		Nov 2, 2013290 days
(1,123 days)
— Flag of the United States.svg Will Brooks
def. Michael Chandler for interim title		 Bellator 120
Southaven, MS, US		May 17, 2014—
Alvarez vacated the title on August 19, 2014 when he left Bellator for the UFC. [17]
Brooks was not promoted to champion, due to his desire not to renew with the event and the possibility of losing the last two champions of the division to a rival organization. [18]
4 Flag of the United States.svg Will Brooks
def. Michael Chandler for undisputed title		 Bellator 131
San Diego, CA, US		Nov 15, 2014546 days1. def. Dave Jansen at Bellator 136 on Apr 10, 2015
2. def. Marcin Held at Bellator 145 on Nov 6, 2015
Brooks vacated the title on May 14, 2016 when he left Bellator for the UFC. [11]
5 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Chandler (2)
def. Patricky Pitbull 		Bellator 157
St. Louis, MO, US		Jun 24, 2016365 days
(1,080 days)		1. def. Benson Henderson at Bellator 165 on Nov 19, 2016
6 Flag of the United States.svg Brent Primus
Bellator NYC
New York City, NY, US		Jun 24, 2017539 days
7 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Chandler (3) Bellator 212
Honolulu, HI, US		Dec 14, 2018149 days
(1,229 days)
8 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Bellator 221
Rosemont, IL, US		May 11, 2019879 days
Patrício vacated the title on October 6, 2021. [19]
9 Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Pitbull
def. Peter Queally 		Bellator 270
Dublin, Ireland		Nov 5, 2021378 days
10 Flag of Russia.svg Usman Nurmagomedov Bellator 288
Chicago, IL, US		Nov 18, 2022701 days
(incumbent)		1. def. Benson Henderson at Bellator 292 on Mar 10, 2023
NC. vs. Brent Primus at Bellator 300 on Oct 7, 2023
2. def. Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series 4 on Sep 8, 2024

Featherweight World Championship

136 to 145 lbs (61 to 66 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Soto
def. Yahir Reyes 		Bellator 10
Ontario, CA, US		Jun 5, 2009454 days
2 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren Bellator 27
San Antonio, TX, US		Sep 2, 2010554 days
3 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Curran Bellator 60
Hammond, IN, US		Mar 9, 2012604 days

1. def. Patrício Pitbull at Bellator 85 on Jan 17, 2013
2. def. Shahbulat Shamhalaev at Bellator 95 on Apr 4, 2013

4 Flag of the United States.svg Daniel Straus Bellator 106
Long Beach, CA, US		Nov 2, 2013133 days
5 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Curran (2) Bellator 112
Hammond, IN, US		Mar 14, 2014176 days
(780 days)
6 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Bellator 123
Uncasville, CT, US		Sep 5, 2014428 days

1. def. Daniel Straus at Bellator 132 on Jan 16, 2015
2. def. Daniel Weichel at Bellator 138 on Jun 19, 2015

7 Flag of the United States.svg Daniel Straus (2) Bellator 145
St. Louis, MO, US		Nov 6, 2015532 days
(665 days)
8 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull (2) Bellator 178
Uncasville, CT, US		Apr 21, 20171,562 days
(1,990 days)

1. def. Daniel Weichel at Bellator 203 on Jul 14, 2018
2. def. Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 209 on Nov 15, 2018
3. def. Juan Archuleta at Bellator 228 on Sep 28, 2019
4. def. Pedro Carvalho at Bellator 252 on Nov 12, 2020
5. def. Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 255 on Apr 2, 2021

9 Flag of the United States.svg A. J. McKee Bellator 263
Inglewood, CA, US		Jul 31, 2021259 days
10 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull (3) Bellator 277
San Jose, CA, US		Apr 15, 2022918 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Ádám Borics at Bellator 286 on Oct 1, 2022
2. def. Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator Champions Series 1 on Mar 22, 2024

Bantamweight World Championship

126 to 135 lbs (57 to 61 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Zach Makovsky
def. Ed West 		Bellator 32
Kansas City, MO, US		Oct 14, 2010547 days
2 Flag of Brazil.svg Eduardo Dantas Bellator 65
Atlantic City, NJ, US		Apr 13, 2012911 days1. def. Marcos Galvão at Bellator 89 on Feb 14, 2013
2. def. Anthony Leone at Bellator 111 on Mar 8, 2014
- Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren
def. Rafael Silva for interim title		 Bellator 118
Atlantic City, NJ, US		May 2, 2014—
3 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren Bellator 128
Thackerville, OK, US		Oct 10, 2014169 days
4 Flag of Brazil.svg Marcos Galvão Bellator 135
Thackerville, OK, US		Mar 27, 2015448 days
5 Flag of Brazil.svg Eduardo Dantas (2) Bellator 156
Fresno, CA, US		Jun 17, 2016477 days
(1,338 days)		1. def. Joe Warren at Bellator 166 on Dec 2, 2016
6 Flag of the United States.svg Darrion Caldwell Bellator 184
Thackerville, OK, US		Oct 6, 2017617 days1. def. Leandro Higo at Bellator 195 on Mar 2, 2018
7 Flag of Japan.svg Kyoji Horiguchi Bellator 222
New York City, NY, US		Jun 14, 2019166 days
Horiguchi vacated the title on November 27, 2019 for the division not to stagnate when he announced he was injured. [20]
8 Flag of the United States.svg Juan Archuleta
def. Patchy Mix 		Bellator 246
Uncasville, CT, US		Sep 12, 2020237 days
9 Flag of the United States.svg Sergio Pettis Bellator 258
Uncasville, CT, US		May 7, 2021925 days1. def. Kyoji Horiguchi at Bellator 272 on Dec 3, 2021
2. def. Patrício Pitbull at Bellator 297 on Jun 16, 2023
— Flag of the United States.svg Raufeon Stots
def. Juan Archuleta for the interim title		 Bellator 279
Honolulu, HI, US		Apr 23, 2022—1. def. Danny Sabatello at Bellator 289 on Dec 9, 2022
— Flag of the United States.svg Patchy Mix
def. interim champion Raufeon Stots 		Bellator 295
Honolulu, HI, US		Apr 22, 2023—
10 Flag of the United States.svg Patchy Mix Bellator 301
Chicago, IL, US		Nov 17, 2023337 days
(incumbent)		1. def. Magomed Magomedov at Bellator Champions Series 2 on May 17, 2024

Flyweight World Championship

116 to 125 lbs (53 to 57 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Takahashi fought for the inaugural title on July 30, 2023, at Bellator MMA x Rizin 2. The fight ended in a no-contest after an unintentional eye poke rendered Takahashi unable to continue. [21]

Women's championship history

Women's Featherweight World Championship

126 to 145 lbs (57 to 66 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Julia Budd
def. Marloes Coenen 		Bellator 174
Thackerville, OK, US		Mar 3, 20171,058 days

1. def. Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 189 on Dec 1, 2017
2. def. Talita Nogueira at Bellator 202 on Jul 13, 2018
3. def. Olga Rubin at Bellator 224 on Jul 12, 2019

2 Flag of Brazil.svg Cris Cyborg Bellator 238
Inglewood, CA, US		Jan 25, 20201,729 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 249 on Oct 15, 2020
2. def. Leslie Smith at Bellator 259 on May 21, 2021
3. def. Sinead Kavanagh at Bellator 271 on Nov 12, 2021
4. def. Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 279 on Apr 23, 2022
5. def. Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 on Oct 7, 2023

Women's Flyweight World Championship

116 to 125 lbs (53 to 57 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Ilima-Lei Macfarlane
def. Emily Ducote 		Bellator 186
University Park, PA, US		Nov 3, 20171,133 days

1. def. Alejandra Lara at Bellator 201 on Jun 29, 2018
2. def. Valérie Létourneau at Bellator 213 on Dec 15, 2018
3. def. Veta Arteaga at Bellator 220 on Apr 27, 2019
4. def. Kate Jackson at Bellator 236 on Dec 21, 2019

2 Flag of Brazil.svg Juliana Velasquez Bellator 254
Uncasville, CT, US		Dec 10, 2020498 days

1. def. Denise Kielholtz at Bellator 262 on Jul 16, 2021

3 Flag of the United States.svg Liz Carmouche Bellator 278
Honolulu, HI, US		Apr 23, 2022911 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 289 on Dec 9, 2022
2. def. DeAnna Bennett at Bellator 294 on April 21, 2023
3. def. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane at Bellator 300 on Oct 7, 2023

Defunct titles

Women's Strawweight World Championship

Under 115 pounds (52 kg)

No.NameEventDateReignDefenses
1 Flag of the United States.svg Zoila Gurgel
def. Megumi Fujii 		Bellator 34
Hollywood, FL, US		Oct 28, 2010831 days
Gurgel vacated the title on February 5, 2013 when she sign with Invicta FC. The title was subsequently deactivated. [22]

Tournament winners

Originally, all title challengers were determined through these tournaments with the winners earning the right to challenge the reigning champion at that weight class or, if necessary, be allowed to compete for an interim or vacant title.

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season One

(April 3, 2009 - June 19, 2009)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Middleweight [1] Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hector Lombard Flag of the United States.svg Jared Hess Bellator 12 Jun 19, 2009
Welterweight [2] Flag of the United States.svg Lyman Good Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg Omar De La Cruz Bellator 11 Jun 12, 2009
Lightweight [3] Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Alvarez Flag of the United States.svg Toby Imada Bellator 12 Jun 19, 2009
Featherweight [4] Flag of the United States.svg Joe Soto Flag of Mexico.svg Yahir Reyes Bellator 10 Jun 5, 2009

^  1: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Middleweight Champion .
^  2: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Welterweight Champion .
^  3: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Lightweight Champion .
^  4: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Featherweight Champion .

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two

(April 8, 2010 - June 24, 2010)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Middleweight Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Shlemenko Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Baker Bellator 23 Jun 24, 2010
Welterweight Flag of the United States.svg Ben Askren Flag of the United States.svg Dan Hornbuckle Bellator 22 Jun 17, 2010
Lightweight Flag of the United States.svg Pat Curran Flag of the United States.svg Toby Imada Bellator 21 Jun 10, 2010
Featherweight Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Bellator 23 Jun 24, 2010

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Three

(August 12, 2010 - October 28, 2010)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight [1] Flag of the United States.svg Cole Konrad Flag of South Africa.svg Neil Grove Bellator 32 Oct 14, 2010
Bantamweight [2] Flag of the United States.svg Zach Makovsky Flag of the Philippines.svg Ed West Bellator 32 Oct 14, 2010
Women's Strawweight [3] Flag of the United States.svg Zoila Gurgel Flag of Japan.svg Megumi Fujii Bellator 34 Oct 28, 2010

^  1: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Heavyweight Champion .
^  2: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Bantamweight Champion .
^  3: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Women's Strawweight Champion .

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Four

(March 5, 2011 - May 21, 2011)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight [1] Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg Christian M'Pumbu Flag of the United States.svg Rich Hale Bellator 45 May 21, 2011
Welterweight Flag of the United States.svg Jay Hieron Flag of the United States.svg Rick Hawn Bellator 43 May 7, 2011
Lightweight Flag of the United States.svg Michael Chandler Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Pitbull Bellator 44 May 14, 2011
Featherweight Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Flag of the United States.svg Daniel Straus Bellator 45 May 21, 2011

^  1: Tournament determined the inaugural Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion .

Bellator Fighting Championships: 2011 Summer Series

(June 25, 2011 - August 20, 2011)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Featherweight Flag of the United States.svg Pat Curran (2) Flag of Brazil.svg Marlon Sandro Bellator 48 Aug 20, 2011

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Five

(September 27, 2011 - November 26, 2011)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight [1] Flag of the United States.svg Eric Prindle Flag of Brazil.svg Thiago Santos Bellator 62 Mar 23, 2012
Middleweight [2] Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Shlemenko (2) Flag of Brazil.svg Vitor Vianna Bellator 57 Nov 12, 2011
Welterweight Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima Flag of the United States.svg Ben Saunders Bellator 57 Nov 12, 2011
Bantamweight Flag of Brazil.svg Eduardo Dantas Flag of Cuba.svg Alexis Vila Bellator 59 Nov 26, 2011

^  1: Following a no contest in the finals at Bellator 59, a rematch between Prindle and Santos was cancelled at Bellator 61, and again at Bellator 62 when Santos was unable to make weight. Prindle was awarded the tournament victory. [23]
^  2: Shlemenko next faced Season Six tournament winner Maiquel Falcão for the vacant middleweight title .

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Six

(March 9, 2012 - May 25, 2012)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Middleweight [1] Flag of Brazil.svg Maiquel Falcão Flag of Sweden.svg Andreas Spång Bellator 69 May 18, 2012
Welterweight Flag of France.svg Karl Amoussou Flag of the United States.svg Bryan Baker Bellator 72 Jul 20, 2012
Lightweight Flag of the United States.svg Rick Hawn Flag of the United States.svg Brent Weedman Bellator 70 May 25, 2012
Featherweight Flag of the United States.svg Daniel Straus Flag of Brazil.svg Marlon Sandro Bellator 68 May 11, 2012
Bantamweight Flag of Brazil.svg Marcos Galvão Flag of Brazil.svg Luis Nogueira Bellator 73 Aug 24, 2012

^  1: Falcão next faced Season Five tournament winner Alexander Shlemenko for the vacant middleweight title .

Bellator Fighting Championships: 2012 Summer Series

(June 22, 2012 - July 24, 2012)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight Flag of Slovakia.svg Attila Vegh Flag of the United States.svg Travis Wiuff Bellator 73 Aug 24, 2012

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Seven

(September 28, 2012 - December 14, 2012)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight [1] Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Volkov Flag of the United States.svg Richard Hale Bellator 84 Dec 14, 2012
Welterweight Flag of Russia.svg Andrey Koreshkov Flag of the United States.svg Lyman Good Bellator 82 Nov 30, 2012
Lightweight [2] Flag of the United States.svg Dave Jansen Flag of Poland.svg Marcin Held Bellator 93 Mar 21, 2013
Featherweight Flag of Russia.svg Shahbulat Shamhalaev Flag of the United States.svg Rad Martinez Bellator 90 Feb 21, 2013

^  1: Tournament determined the new Bellator Heavyweight champion .
^  2: After an extended layoff due to injury, Jansen would choose to forfeit his title shot for the opportunity to take an immediate fight upon his return. [24]

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Eight

(January 17, 2013 - April 4, 2013)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight [1] Flag of the United States.svg Emanuel Newton Flag of Russia.svg Mikhail Zayats Bellator 94 Mar 28, 2013
Middleweight Flag of the United States.svg Doug Marshall Flag of the United States.svg Brett Cooper Bellator 95 April 4, 2013
Welterweight [3] Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima (2) Flag of the United States.svg Ben Saunders Bellator 100 Sep 20, 2013
Lightweight Flag of the United States.svg David Rickels Flag of the United States.svg Saad Awad Bellator 94 Mar 28, 2013
Featherweight [2] Flag of Russia.svg Magomedrasul Khasbulaev Flag of the United States.svg Mike Richman Bellator 95 Apr 4, 2013

^  1: Newton next faced 2013 Summer Series tournament winner Muhammed Lawal for the Interim Light Heavyweight title .
^  2: After repeated visa issues prevented Khasbulaev from returning to the USA to claim his title shot, the fighter was granted his release from the promotion in December 2014. [25]
^  3: Lima next faced Season Nine tournament winner Rick Hawn for the vacant welterweight title .

Bellator Fighting Championships: 2013 Summer Series

(June 19, 2013 - July 31, 2013)
All three tournaments were shortened, four-man tournaments instead of the standard eight.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight Flag of Russia.svg Vitaly Minakov Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Martinez Bellator 97 Jul 31, 2013
Light Heavyweight [1] Flag of the United States.svg Muhammed Lawal Flag of the United States.svg Jacob Noe Bellator 97 Jul 31, 2013
Bantamweight [2] Flag of Brazil.svg Rafael Silva Flag of the United States.svg Anthony Leone Bellator 102 Oct 4, 2013

^  1: Lawal next faced Season Eight tournament winner Emanuel Newton for the Interim Light Heavyweight title .
^  2: Silva next faced Season Nine tournament winner Joe Warren for the Interim Bantamweight title .

Bellator MMA: Season Nine

(September 7, 2013 - November 22, 2013)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight [1] Flag of France.svg Cheick Kongo Flag of Australia (converted).svg Peter Graham Bellator 107 November 8, 2013
Middleweight Flag of the United States.svg Brennan Ward Flag of Denmark.svg Mikkel Parlo Bellator 107 Nov 8, 2013
Welterweight [2] Flag of the United States.svg Rick Hawn (2) Flag of the United States.svg Ron Keslar Bellator 109 Nov 22, 2013
Lightweight [3] Flag of the United States.svg Will Brooks Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Sarnavskiy Bellator 109 Nov 22, 2013
Featherweight Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull (2) Flag of the United States.svg Justin Wilcox Bellator 108 Nov 15, 2013
Bantamweight [1] [4] Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren (2) Flag of the United States.svg Travis Marx Bellator 107 Nov 8, 2013

^  1: Tournament was a shortened, four-man tournament instead of the standard eight.
^  2: Hawn next faced Season Eight tournament winner Douglas Lima for the vacant welterweight title .
^  3: Brooks next faced former champion Michael Chandler for the Interim Lightweight Championship at Bellator 120. Chandler was originally scheduled for an immediate rematch with champion Eddie Alvarez at the event. [26]
^  4: Warren next faced 2013 Summer Series tournament winner Rafael Silva for the Interim Bantamweight title .

Bellator MMA: Season Ten

(February 28, 2014 – May 17, 2014)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight [1] Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Volkov (2) Flag of Bulgaria.svg Blagoy Ivanov Bellator 120 May 17, 2014
Light Heavyweight [2] [3] Flag of the United States.svg Quinton Jackson Flag of the United States.svg Muhammed Lawal Bellator 120 May 17, 2014
Middleweight [2] Flag of the United States.svg Brandon Halsey Flag of the United States.svg Brett Cooper Bellator 122 July 25, 2014
Welterweight Flag of Russia.svg Andrey Koreshkov (2) Flag of the United States.svg Adam McDonough Bellator 122 Jul 25, 2014
Lightweight [1] Flag of Poland.svg Marcin Held Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Pitbull Bellator 126 Sep 26, 2014
Featherweight [1] Flag of Germany.svg Daniel Weichel Flag of the United States.svg Desmond Green Bellator 119 May 9, 2014

^  1: Despite initial assurances to the contrary, [27] [28] Bellator's new management would not honor the title shots Volkov, Weichel and Held earned while under the tournament format.
^  2: Tournament was a shortened, four-man tournament instead of the standard eight.
^  3: Jackson would end up leaving Bellator MMA for the UFC and never claim his title shot. [29]

Bellator MMA: 2014 Summer Series

(June 6, 2014 – July 25, 2014)

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Liam McGeary Flag of the United States.svg Kelly Anundson Bellator 124 Sep 14, 2014

Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1

(September 19, 2015)
A one night, four-man light heavyweight tournament.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Phil Davis Flag of France.svg Francis Carmont Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 Sep 19, 2015

Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(January 20, 2018 - January 26, 2019)
Year long, eight-man heavyweight tournament to crown a new heavyweight champion.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader Flag of Russia.svg Fedor Emelianenko Bellator 214: Fedor vs. Bader Jan 26, 2019

Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(September 29, 2018 - October 26, 2019)
Year long, eight-man welterweight tournament. Current welterweight champion, Rory MacDonald, is a participant and will defend the title until the end of the tournament. If he loses, the winner will be declared the new linear champion.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Welterweight Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima (3) Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Rory MacDonald Bellator 232 Oct 26, 2019

Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(September 28, 2019 - July 31, 2021)
Year long, sixteen-man featherweight tournament. Current featherweight champion, Patrício Freire, is a participant and will defend the title until the end of the tournament. If he loses, the winner will be declared the new linear champion.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Featherweight Flag of the United States.svg A. J. McKee Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Bellator 263 Jul 31, 2021

Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(April 9, 2021 - November 18, 2022)
Year long, eight-man Light Heavyweight tournament. Current Light Heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov, is a participant and will defend the title until the end of the tournament. If he loses, the winner will be declared the new linear champion.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Light Heavyweight Flag of Russia.svg Vadim Nemkov Flag of the United States.svg Corey Anderson Bellator 288 Nov 18, 2022

Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(April 22, 2022 - April 22, 2023)
Year long, ten-man Bantamweight tournament.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
Bantamweight Flag of the United States.svg Patchy Mix Flag of the United States.svg Raufeon Stots Bellator 295 April 22, 2023

Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Tournament

(March 10, 2023 - Present)
Year long, eight-man Bantamweight tournament. Current Lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, is a participant and will defend the title until the end of the tournament. If he loses, the winner will be declared the new linear champion.

Weight DivisionChampionRunner-upEventDate
LightweightTBDTBDTBD

Champions by nationality

The division champions includes only linear champions. Interim champions who have never become linear champions will be listed as interim champions. Fighters with multiple title reigns in a specific division will also be counted once. Tournaments runners-up are not included.

CountryDivision championsInterim championsTournament championsTotal
Flag of the United States.svg United States2622955
Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil9—918
Flag of Russia.svg Russia51915
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada2——2
Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba1—12
Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg D.R. Congo1—12
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom1—12
Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia1—12
Flag of Japan.svg Japan1——1
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands1——1
Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine1——1
Flag of France.svg France——22
Flag of Germany.svg Germany——11
Flag of Poland.svg Poland——11

Records

Most wins in title bouts

The following includes all fighters with three or more championship and/or interim championship title wins. Fighters with the same number of title wins are arranged in order of less title bouts losses. Tournament championships are not included.

Title winsChampionWeight classVDNCL
13 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull Lightweight
Featherweight
Bantamweight		1
12
0		0
0
0		0
0
0		0
3
1
6 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Chandler Lightweight6005
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader Heavyweight
Light Heavyweight		4
2		0
0		1
0		0
1
Flag of Brazil.svg Cris Cyborg Women's Featherweight6000
5 Flag of Brazil.svg Eduardo Dantas Bantamweight5002
Flag of the United States.svg Ilima-Lei Macfarlane Women's Flyweight5002
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Gegard Mousasi Middleweight5002
Flag of the United States.svg Ben Askren Welterweight5000
Flag of Russia.svg Vadim Nemkov Light Heavyweight5010
4
Flag of Brazil.svg Douglas Lima Middleweight
Welterweight		0
4		0
0		0
0		1
4
Flag of the United States.svg Pat Curran Lightweight
Featherweight		0
4		0
0		0
0		1
2
Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Shlemenko Middleweight4002
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Julia Budd Women's Featherweight4001
Flag of the United States.svg Emanuel Newton Light Heavyweight4001
Flag of Brazil.svg Rafael Carvalho Middleweight4001
Flag of the United States.svg Will Brooks Lightweight4000
Flag of the United States.svg Liz Carmouche Women's Flyweight4000
Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Eblen Middleweight4000

Most consecutive title defenses

The following includes all Bellator champions who were able to consecutively defend their title two times or more. Fighters with the same number of title defenses are listed chronologically.

DefensesChampionWeight classSpanDays
5 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull FeatherweightApr 21, 2017 – July 31, 20211562
Flag of Brazil.svg Cris Cyborg Women's FeatherweightJan 25, 2020 – present1729
4 Flag of the United States.svg Ben Askren WelterweightOct 21, 2010 – July 31, 20131014
Flag of the United States.svg Ilima-Lei Macfarlane Women's FlyweightNov 3, 2017 – Dec 10, 20201133
Flag of Russia.svg Vadim Nemkov Light HeavyweightAug 21, 2020 – Jan 17, 20241251
3 Flag of Russia.svg Alexander Shlemenko MiddleweightFeb 7, 2013 – Sep 26, 2014596
Flag of Brazil.svg Rafael Carvalho MiddleweightOct 23, 2015 – May 25, 2018945
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Julia Budd Women's FeatherweightMar 3, 2017 – Jan 25, 20201058
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader HeavyweightJan 26, 2019 - present2093
Flag of the United States.svg Liz Carmouche Women's FlyweightApril 22, 2022 - present911
Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Eblen MiddleweightJune 24, 2022 - present848

    Multi-division champions

    Fighters who have won championships in multiple weight classes. [30] Tournament champions are not included.

    Interim title
    No.ChampionDivisionWonLostDefensesReignTotal Reign
    1 Flag of the United States.svg Joe Warren FeatherweightSep 2, 2010
    (Bellator 27)    		Mar 9, 2012
    (Bellator 60)    		0554 days723 days
    BantamweightMay 2, 2014
    (Bellator 118)    		Oct 10, 2014
    (Bellator 128)    		0–
    Oct 10, 2014
    (Bellator 128)    		Mar 27, 2015
    (Bellator 135)    		0169 days
    2 Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader Light HeavyweightJun 24, 2017
    (Bellator 180)    		Aug 21, 2020
    (Bellator 244)    		11154 days
    		3247 days
    HeavyweightJan 26, 2019
    (Bellator 214)    		present32093 days
    3 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull FeatherweightSep 5, 2014
    (Bellator 123)    		Nov 6, 2015
    (Bellator 145)    		2428 days3787 days
    Apr 21, 2017
    (Bellator 178)    		Jul 31, 2021
    (Bellator 263)    		51562 days
    Apr 15, 2022
    (Bellator 277)    		present2918 days
    LightweightMay 11, 2019
    (Bellator 221)    		Oct 6, 2021
    (Vacated)    		0879 days

    Simultaneous two division champions

    This table, different from the previous one, only counts the periods in which the fighter loaded the titles simultaneously and the defenses in that period of time.

    No.ChampionDivisionSpanDefensesSimultaneous Reign
    1 Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Bader HeavyweightJan 26, 2019 – Aug 21, 20200573 days
    Light Heavyweight1
    2 Flag of Brazil.svg Patrício Pitbull LightweightMay 11, 2019 – Jul 31, 20210812 days
    Featherweight3

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      References

      1. ↑ Whitman, Mike. "Viacom Buys Stake in Bellator; Promotion Headed to Spike by 2013". Sherdog.com. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
      2. ↑ "Bellator announces championship-rematch clause with move to Spike TV". MMAjunkie.com. November 26, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
      3. ↑ "Bellator's 'Summer Series' returns with three four-man tournaments". MMAjunkie.com. April 10, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
      4. ↑ Erickson, Matt (May 4, 2013). "Rebney open to holding four-man tourneys in Bellator's regular season". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
      5. ↑ "Bellator institutes 'tournament champion replacement clause' for title fights". MMAjunkie.com. August 13, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
      6. ↑ Critchfield, Tristen. "New Bellator Rule Allows Former Tourney Winners to Fight for Title at Any Time". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
      7. ↑ Stupp, Dann (June 18, 2014). "Bellator announces departure of executives Bjorn Rebney and Tim Danaher". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
      8. ↑ Marrocco, Steven (August 18, 2014). "Scott Coker: Bellator moving to monthly events in 2015; Spike TV to remain focus". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
      9. 1 2 "Bellator Fighters". bellator.com. Retrieved March 2, 2013.
      10. ↑ "Bellator confirms retirement of heavyweight champ Cole Konrad; title's future to be decided". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2012. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
      11. 1 2 Mike Sloan (May 14, 2016). "Bellator cuts lightweight champ Will Brooks, strips Heavyweight champ Vitaly Minakov". sherdog.com. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
      12. ↑ "Vadim Nemkov officially vacates Bellator light heavyweight title". MMA Junkie. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
      13. ↑ "Bellator Champ Hector Lombard Jumps to the UFC". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
      14. ↑ Mike Sloan (May 14, 2015). "Bellator 137 Weigh-in Results: Brandon Halsey Misses Weight, Stripped of Title". sherdog.com. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
      15. ↑ "Rafael Lovato Jr. relinquishes Bellator middleweight title due to ongoing medical condition". MMAFighting.com. February 10, 2020.
      16. ↑ "Bellator releases welterweight champion Ben Askren". mmajunkie.com. November 14, 2013. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013.
      17. ↑ Alexander, Mookie (August 19, 2014). "Bellator releases lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez". BloodyElbow.com. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
      18. ↑ Steven Rondina, Mookie. "Bellator Lightweight Champ Will Brooks Released, Fight for Vacant Title Booked". Bleacherreport. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
      19. ↑ Mike Heck (October 6, 2021). "Patricio Pitbull vacates lightweight title; Peter Queally vs. Patricky Pitbull elevated to title fight at Bellator 270". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
      20. ↑ "Kyoji Horiguchi Vacates Bellator Bantamweight Title Due to Injury". November 27, 2019.
      21. ↑ "Inaugural Bellator Flyweight Title Fight Fizzles After Accidental Eye Poke". cagesidepress.com.
      22. ↑ Whitman, Mike. "Zoila Frausto Gurgel Signs with Invicta FC, Makes April Debut Against Jennifer Maia". sherdog.com. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
      23. ↑ "Bellator 62 weigh-in results: Thiago Santos heavy, Eric Prindle awarded tournament win". mmajunkie.com. March 22, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
      24. ↑ Marrocco, Steven (September 15, 2014). "Sidelined 18 months, tourney champ Dave Jansen returns at Bellator 130 vs. Rick Hawn". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
      25. ↑ Raimondi, Marc (January 27, 2015). "'One of the saddest stories in MMA':Where has former Bellator standout Frodo Khasbulaev been?". mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
      26. ↑ Stupp, Dann (May 10, 2014). "Bellator 120 to remain on PPV, Chandler meets replacement Brooks for interim title". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
      27. ↑ "Scott Coker: Bellator moving to monthly events in 2015; Spike TV to remain focus". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
      28. ↑ "Four title fights highlight Bellator's first three events of 2015". mmafighting.com. November 15, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
      29. ↑ "After 3-0 Bellator run, 'Rampage' Jackson re-signs with UFC for expected 2015 return". mmajunkie.com. December 21, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
      30. ↑ "MMA All-time Record Holders". sportsillustrated. Archived from the original on May 17, 2012.
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