Looking at the UFC's champions at the beginning and end of the decade (2010-2019)

Bantamweight: Brian Bowles and Henry Cejudo

Brian Bowles held the WEC Bantamweight title at the start of 2010

The Bantamweight division was still part of the WEC when the decade began, with Brian Bowles holding the title after dethroning longtime champion Miguel Torres in 2009. Bowles lost the title to Dominick Cruz in March 2010, and ‘The Dominator’ brought it into the UFC when the division transferred over at the start of 2011.

Cruz made 2 successful defenses – against Urijah Faber and Demetrious Johnson – before vacating the title due to injury, and from there Renan Barao claimed it before losing it to TJ Dillashaw in May 2014. Dillashaw was then dethroned by Cruz, who in turn, lost it to Cody Garbrandt at the end of 2016.

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Dillashaw reclaimed his title by defeating Garbrandt in late 2017, but after making a successful defense against ‘No Love’ in a rematch, he was stripped of his crown following a positive test for EPO in 2019. Reigning Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo then claimed the vacant belt with a win over Marlon Moraes, and ‘The Messenger’ will now take it into the next decade.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Anurag Mitra