Top 5 Youngest Champions in UFC History

Becoming a UFC world champion is one of the hardest things in professional fighting. Many athletes step into the Octagon with big dreams, but only a small number ever reach the top. Among these rare achievers are fighters who did not just win a title but did so at a remarkably early age. These athletes proved that talent, discipline, and focus can allow young fighters to outperform older and more experienced competitors. Their achievements place them among the youngest champions in UFC, a group respected across the world of mixed martial arts.

This article explores the five youngest champions in UFC history. Each of these athletes earned their championship belt long before most fighters even reached their physical prime, securing their place as historic achievers in the sport.

List of 5 Youngest Champions in UFC History

5. Frank Shamrock

Frank Shamrock is considered one of the early pioneers of mixed martial arts. Before he joined the UFC, he had already competed in 22 professional bouts, giving him valuable experience that later helped him shine inside the Octagon. His UFC debut came on December 21, 1997, where he faced Kevin Jackson for the very first UFC Middleweight Championship. Shamrock surprised fans and analysts by forcing Jackson to tap out in only 16 seconds with a perfectly executed armbar.

This win made him the first person to hold the UFC Middleweight title, which was later renamed the Light Heavyweight Championship. At 25 years old, Shamrock became one of the youngest champions in UFC, showing fight fans that a fighter does not need to rely only on raw power. His submission skills, speed, and technical accuracy helped change how people viewed MMA champions in the early days of the sport.

4. Carlos Newton

Carlos Newton, often recognized as one of Canada's early MMA icons, began fighting professionally at age 19. Known for his smooth grappling style and calm approach during fights, Newton developed a strong reputation within the MMA community. His defining moment arrived when he challenged Pat Miletich for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 31 on May 4, 2001, in Atlantic City.

Newton won the match and became champion at just 24 years and 8 months old. Even though his championship reign lasted only six months before he lost to Matt Hughes, Newton is still remembered as one of the youngest champions in UFC history. His victory is also considered one of the most memorable moments in the early years of the welterweight division.

3. Josh Barnett

Josh Barnett, a heavyweight fighter from Washington, also started his career at age 19. After joining the UFC shortly after turning 23, he quickly became a strong contender, winning three of his first four fights. Despite failing a drug test at UFC 34, Barnett was still granted a chance to fight for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

He faced Randy Couture at UFC 36 on March 22, 2002, and won the title by TKO. At 24 years and 4 months old, Barnett became one of the youngest champions in UFC history. Even though controversies later affected his career, Barnett's accomplishment remains a key part of his legacy and an important chapter in the history of UFC heavyweights.

2. Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo, widely known as the King of Rio, is often praised as one of the greatest featherweights in the sport. Aldo began fighting professionally while still a teenager and built a strong reputation with his explosive striking. During his time in the WEC, he defeated his first five opponents by knockout, which secured him a title shot against champion Mike Brown.

Aldo beat Brown and won the WEC Featherweight Championship at only 23 years old. When the UFC merged with the WEC, Aldo was promoted to UFC Featherweight Champion. His official UFC championship age was 24 years and 2 months, placing him among the youngest champions in UFC history.

Aldo later became famous for his long undefeated streak and his many legendary fights, making him one of the most dominant fighters ever to compete in the featherweight division.

1. Jon Jones

Jon Jones is widely viewed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Not only did he dominate the light heavyweight division, but he also became the youngest champion the UFC has ever seen. Jones won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128 by defeating Maurício Rua via TKO. He was just 23 years and 2 months old, making him the youngest of all the youngest champions in UFC.

Jones defended his title multiple times, showing unmatched skill, creativity, and adaptability. He later moved up to heavyweight and captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship by submitting Ciryl Gane. He then defended the belt against Stipe Miocic, further proving his greatness. Although Jones faced several controversies and long breaks, his undefeated record in official fights kept him at the top of the MMA world.

As of July 4, 2025, Jones re-entered the USADA testing pool, officially returning as an active competitor. This means fans may still see more from the youngest and most dominant of the youngest champions in UFC.