The UFC Middleweight division has long been one of the most exciting weight classes in MMA, producing legendary champions, dominant reigns, and historic rivalries. From early pioneers to modern superstars, the 185-pound division has evolved into a battleground where only the most well-rounded and resilient fighters can thrive.
Let’s take a journey through the history of the UFC Middleweight Championship, breaking down each champion’s reign, title defences, and lasting legacy.
The Early Days: Establishing the Division
Dave Menne (2001 – 2002)
- Title win: Defeated Gil Castillo at UFC 33
- Title defences: 0
- Legacy: Dave Menne, the first-ever UFC Middleweight Champion, helped establish the division, but his reign was short-lived. He lost the belt in his first defence, making him more of a historical footnote than a defining champion.
Murilo Bustamante (2002)
- Title win: Defeated Dave Menne at UFC 35
- Title defences: 1 (defeated Matt Lindland)
- Legacy: Bustamante became the first fighter to successfully defend the Middleweight title, proving that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and well-rounded MMA skills were key to dominance. However, he vacated the belt after leaving for PRIDE, cutting his UFC tenure short.
The Franklin Era and the Rise of a Legend
Evan Tanner (2005)
- Title win: Defeated David Terrell at UFC 51
- Title defences: 0
- Legacy: A gritty veteran, Tanner’s title win was a feel-good moment, but he lost the belt in his very first defence. Despite this, his warrior spirit and underdog story remain respected.
Rich Franklin (2005 – 2006)
- Title win: Defeated Evan Tanner at UFC 53
- Title defences: 2 (defeated Nate Quarry, David Loiseau)
- Legacy: Franklin brought professionalism and a high fight IQ to the division. A well-rounded striker with elite conditioning, he seemed poised for a lengthy reign—until he ran into a fighter who would change the division forever.
The Anderson Silva Era (2006 – 2013): The Longest Reign in Middleweight History
Anderson Silva (2006 – 2013)
- Title win: Defeated Rich Franklin at UFC 64
- Title defences: 10 (defeated Nate Marquardt, Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Patrick Côté, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chael Sonnen x2, Vitor Belfort, Yushin Okami)
- Legacy: Widely considered the greatest Middleweight of all time, Silva dominated the division for nearly seven years, showcasing an unparalleled striking style that made him look untouchable. His front-kick KO of Vitor Belfort and last-minute submission of Chael Sonnen are legendary moments. Silva set the blueprint for what a dominant UFC champion looks like.
The Post-Silva Era: A Division in Chaos
Chris Weidman (2013 – 2015)
- Title win: Defeated Anderson Silva at UFC 162
- Title defences: 3 (defeated Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort)
- Legacy: The man who dethroned Silva, Weidman, shocked the world by knocking out the long-reigning champion. He proved it wasn’t a fluke by winning the rematch, but injuries and tough losses later in his career overshadowed his reign.
Luke Rockhold (2015 – 2016)
- Title win: Defeated Chris Weidman at UFC 194
- Title defences: 0
- Legacy: Rockhold’s dominant win over Weidman showcased elite striking and jiu-jitsu, but his cocky approach led to an upset loss in his first title defence. His reign is seen as a missed opportunity for long-term dominance.
Michael Bisping (2016 – 2017)
- Title win: Defeated Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 (short-notice fight)
- Title defenses: 1 (defeated Dan Henderson)
- Legacy: One of the greatest underdog stories in MMA history, Bisping avenged his loss to Rockhold and finally won UFC gold after years of coming up short. However, his lack of defences against top contenders led to criticism.
Georges St-Pierre (2017)
- Title win: Defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 217
- Title defences: 0 (vacated title)
- Legacy: A legendary welterweight, GSP moved up to Middleweight and won the belt, becoming a two-division champion. However, he vacated the belt shortly after, leaving a gap in the division’s continuity.
The Modern Middleweight Era: New Dynasties Emerge
Robert Whittaker (2017 – 2019)
- Title win: Won interim title against Yoel Romero (promoted to undisputed champion)
- Title defences: 0 (injuries and loss to Israel Adesanya)
- Legacy: Whittaker was a warrior, winning back-to-back wars against Romero. However, injuries prevented him from defending his belt before running into the next dominant force.
Israel Adesanya (2019 – 2022)
- Title win: Defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC 243
- Title defences: 5 (defeated Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier)
- Legacy: Adesanya became the face of the division, using elite kickboxing and precise counter-striking to rule the Middleweight ranks for over three years. Though he briefly moved up to Light Heavyweight, his legacy in the division was secured as one of its all-time greats.
Alex Pereira (2022 – 2023)
- Title win: Defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 281
- Title defenses: 0 (lost to Adesanya in rematch)
- Legacy: A dangerous striker, Pereira’s quick rise to the title was fueled by his kickboxing history with Adesanya. His reign was short, but his rivalry with Adesanya added an exciting chapter to the division.
Israel Adesanya (2023 – Lost title to Sean Strickland)
- Title win: Defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 287
- Title defences: 0 (lost to Sean Strickland)
- Legacy: Regaining his title cemented Adesanya as an all-time great, but his shocking loss to Strickland marked an unexpected twist in the division’s history.
Sean Strickland (2023 – 2024)
- Title win: Defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293
- Title defences: 0
- Legacy: Strickland’s dominant performance against Adesanya was one of the biggest upsets in Middleweight history. His reign was short, losing the title to Dricus Du Plessis by a split decision.
Dricus Du Plessis (2024 – Present)
- Title win: Defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 312
- Title defences: 2 (Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland)
- Legacy: Dricus Du Plessis is building an incredible resume as UFC Middleweight champion. He became the first man to submit Israel Adesanya and, in his most recent defence, dominated the man he took the title off, Sean Strickland, for five rounds. Despite many questioning his style, he’s well on his way to building one of the best legacies in middleweight history.
Conclusion: A Division of Legends and Surprises
The UFC Middleweight division has evolved from an overlooked weight class to one of the most exciting in the sport. From Anderson Silva’s dominance to the unpredictability of recent champions, 185 pounds has consistently delivered legendary fights, unforgettable rivalries, and shocking upsets.
As the division continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Middleweight will always be home to some of the most skilled and electrifying fighters in MMA history. The question now is—who will be the next king of the 185-pound division?
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