Current UFC Champions: Who Holds the Gold in Each Weight Class

As of April 2026, the UFC features champions across multiple men’s and women’s weight divisions, each representing the pinnacle of skill in mixed martial arts. These titleholders are determined through sanctioned bouts where athletes compete for the undisputed championship belt in their respective classes.

Men’s Division Champions

• Heavyweight (up to 265 lbs): Tom Aspinall
• Light Heavyweight (205 lbs): Carlos Ulberg
• Middleweight (185 lbs): Khamzat Chimaev
• Welterweight (170 lbs): Islam Makhachev
• Lightweight (155 lbs): Ilia Topuria
• Featherweight (145 lbs): Alexander Volkanovski
• Bantamweight (135 lbs): Petr Yan
• Flyweight (125 lbs): Joshua Van

Women’s Division Champions

• Women’s Strawweight (115 lbs): Mackenzie Dern
• Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs): (Not specified in current verified sources)

These champions reflect the most recent titleholders as documented in authoritative UFC and sports media sources. Each athlete earned their position through victory in a championship bout, maintaining the standard of excellence expected in the sport.

The UFC continues to evolve its roster of elite competitors, with title defenses and challenger bouts shaping the future landscape of mixed martial arts. Fans and analysts alike follow these divisions closely, as shifts in championship status often signal emerging trends in fighting styles, training methodologies, and athletic dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do UFC champions change?

Championship changes occur when a titleholder loses a sanctioned title fight. There is no fixed schedule—some champions defend their titles multiple times over years, although others may lose in their first defense.

Who determines the official UFC champions?

The UFC officially recognizes champions based on the outcome of promotion-sanctioned bouts. Title fights are scheduled by the UFC matchmaking team and conducted under the rules of applicable state athletic commissions.

Are interim champions considered official titleholders?

Interim champions are appointed when the undisputed champion is unable to compete due to injury, suspension, or other circumstances. While they hold a version of the title, the undisputed champion remains the recognized titleholder upon return.

Key Takeaways

• The UFC currently recognizes champions in eight men’s weight classes and at least one women’s division as of April 2026.
• Tom Aspinall, Carlos Ulberg, and Khamzat Chimaev hold the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight titles, respectively.
• Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are the reigning welterweight and lightweight champions.
• Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan remain champions in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions.
• Joshua Van is the current flyweight champion, while Mackenzie Dern holds the women’s strawweight title.