Youngest UFC Fighters and Champions Ever (Top 5)

In mixed martial arts, the UFC represents the top of the pyramid. Therefore, young fighters would often have to make their bones at smaller organizations and collect some vital experience before earning an opportunity inside the elusive Octagon.

But as they say, rules are made to be broken. Hence, some fighters showcase enough talent and potential while winning bouts at a tender age, which could grant them a shortcut to Dana White’s company.

So who are the youngest fighters in UFC history? And who is the organization’s youngest champion of all time?

Time to reveal the answers.

Who is the Youngest Fighter in UFC History?

Raul Rosas Jr. is the youngest fighter ever to make his UFC debut. The Mexican stepped into the Octagon for the first time at the age of 18 years, two months and two days.

After impressing in Dana White’s Contender Series, “El Niño Problema” made his promotional debut at UFC 282, earning a first-round submission victory over Jay Perrin. He remains one of the company’s most promising fighters in the bantamweight division.

Youngest UFC Fighters Ever

While Raul Rosas Jr. is the youngest fighter ever in the UFC, let’s find out who are the other combatants who make up the Top 5 list based on their debut date.

#FighterAgeOpponentOutcomeWeight Class
1Raul Rosas Jr.18 years, 2 monthsJay PerrinSubmission winBantamweight
2Dan Lauzon18 years, 6 monthsSpencer FisherTKO lossLightweight
3Sage Northcutt19 years, 7 monthsFrancisco TreviñoTKO winCatchweight (160 lbs)
4Vitor Belfort19 years, 10 monthsTra TelligmanTKO winHeavyweight
5Song Yadong19 years, 11 monthsFelipe ArantesKO winBantamweight
Last update: 5/5/2023

Youngest UFC Champions Ever

Jon Jones is the youngest champion in UFC history, winning his first belt at the age of 23 with a vicious TKO against the legendary Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128. He went on to cement himself as arguably the greatest fighter of all time.

Brazilian legend José Aldo lands second on the list. He became the inaugural UFC featherweight champion at the of age 24 years and two months when the organization absorbed WEC.

Josh Barnett completes the podium thanks to a short reign in 2002. With a TKO win over Randy Couture, the American became a UFC champion at the age of 24 years and five months.

Youngest UFC Champion by Weight Class

In this section, we’ll reveal the youngest UFC champion in each division based on the date of his initial title win.

FighterAgeDateWeight Class
Josh Barnett24 years, 5 monthsMarch 22, 2002Heavyweight
Jon Jones23 years, 8 monthsMarch 19, 2011Light Heavyweight
Robert Whittaker26 years, 11 monthsDecember 7, 2017Middleweight
Carlos Newton24 years, 9 monthsMay 4, 2001Welterweight
Jens Pulver26 years, 2 monthsFebruary 23, 2001Lightweight
José Aldo24 years, 2 monthsNovember 20, 2010Men’s Featherweight
Amanda Nunes30 years, 6 monthsDecember 29, 2018Women’s Featherweight
Cody Garbrandt25 years, 5 monthsDecember 30, 2016Men’s Bantamweight
Ronda Rousey25 years, 9 monthsDecember 6, 2012Women’s Bantamweight
Demetrious Johnson27 years, 1 monthSeptember 12, 2012Men’s Flyweight
Alexa Grasso29 years, 6 monthsMarch 4, 2023Women’s Flyweight
Rose Namajunas25 years, 4 monthsNovember 4, 2017Strawweight
Last update: 5/5/2023

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Michel Sakr

A freelance sports writer from Beirut, Lebanon. A football fanatic and a Juventus supporter since childhood, but also keeps an eye on various sports around the globe. Currently contributes at Cultofcacio.com and Juvefc.com You can follow Michel on Twitter or Facebook.

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