Generally, UFC contenders reach the championship title at their prime, which means they should be both young and able to perform at their best. To become a champion at the youngest possible age, the fighter should balance his expertise and inexperience.
Who is the youngest person to win a UFC title?
Jon Jones is the youngest person to win a UFC title at 23.
Jones became the UFC light heavyweight champion by defeating the former champion Mauricio Rua via technical knockout on March 19, 2011.
‘Bones’ made his octagon debut at 20 in the division on August 9, 2008. Jones had 6 wins and 1 loss (disqualification due to an illegal elbow) in UFC before getting a shot at the light heavyweight championship.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is currently the UFC heavyweight champion with a professional record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no-contest.
Youngest fighters win a UFC title
Jose Aldo (24)
The UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo is the second youngest fighter to win a title at 24. Aldo was the World Extreme CageFighting featherweight champion which later merged with UFC, and Aldo was promoted to the featherweight champion of the UFC in 2010.
Josh Barnett (24)
Josh Barnett became the youngest UFC heavyweight champion by defeating the former champion Randy Couture via TKO at 24. Barnett was later stripped of the title due to a failed drug test.
The fight took place on March 22, 2002, at UFC 36 in Las Vegas, United States.
Carlos Newton (24)
The Canadian mixed martial artist became one of the youngest UFC fighters to win a title at 24.
On May 4, 2001, Carlos Newton submitted the former welterweight champion, Pat Miletich, via a bulldog choke in the third round and became one of the UFC’s youngest champions to win a title. His win against Miletich was voted among the greatest top 20 submissions in UFC’s history.
*Last updated on April 6, 2023.
