The champions of the Ultimate Fighting Championships, see how they got where they are and what challenges await for them.
Heavyweight Champion
Coming off an impressive TKO (technical knockout) over the legendary Randy “The Natural” Couture at UFC 91, Brock Lesnarcaptured the UFC Heavyweight title. It was at UFC 92 where Lesnar found out that he would be facing former champion the man that beat Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Frank Mir. Having being defeated by Mir in his UFC 81 debut by submission, Brock was very vocal on wanting to face Mir again, where his wish was granted at UFC 92. At the Ultimate Fighting Championship 100th show, Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir will meet in the octagon again, this time to determine who the true Heavyweight Champion will be. At UFC 100 Brock Lesnaer avenged his only loss to Frank Mir and became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. At 3:20 of the second round Lesnar destroyed the face of the interim champion with vicious heavy right hands. Brock next title defense will take place at UFC 106 where he will meet Heavyweight Shane Carwin. Brock Lesnar had to withdraw from this bout due to illness, the fighters are rumored to be meeting at UFC 108.
Light Heavyweight Champion
Defeating Rashad Evans at UFC 98 via KO in the second round, Lyoto Machida is the new reigning UFC Light Heavyweight champion. Machida holds and unbeaten record in the UFC thanks to his unorthodox fighting styles. Machida gained the title shot after number one contender Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was unable to accept the fight due to medical reasons. Machida in his last two fights has transition into a exciting aggressive fighter, once referred to as a boring fighter by many, Machida has shown off his striking skills in his last two fights both ending KO’s. The half Japanese and Brazilian fighter, and son of a karate master is rumoured to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in his first title defence at UFC 104. Still hte Lightheavy weight champion Lyoto Machida took the controversial decision win over the challenger Maurico Rua. At the post fight press conference UFC president Dana White stated that Rua would be granted an immediate rematch.
Middleweight Champion
What do you say about a man that has been unbeaten for the past three and is considered by many, the best pound for pound fighter in the world? Since making his debut in Ultimate Fighting Championships at UFC Fight night 5, where he knocked out Chris Leben in just: 49 seconds of the first round, AndersonSilva captured the UFC Middleweight title in his second fight, knocking out Rich Franklin at UFC 64. Holding down the UFC Middleweight division in dominant fashion, who is next for the champ?...Thales Leites. At UFC 97 in Montreal, Quebec, Anderson Silva will put his title on the line. We last saw Leites take out Drew McFedries at UFC 90, by a rear naked choke in just 1:19 into the first round. Having only one loss in his MMA career, he steps into the octagon to take on possibly, his biggest challenge in the champion. At UFC 97 what some are calling his worst performance Anderson Silva was able to capture the win to retain his Middleweight title. UFC 101 holds the next challenge for the dominate middleweight. Silva will step up in weight class to face former lightheavy weight champion Forrest Griffin. After an impressive TKO victory over Griffin at UFC 101 in the first round. Upon his return to the octagon Silva will defend his title against Vitor Belfort.
Welterweight Champion
Having successfully regained his Welterweight title in 2008; George has been dominating the UFC Welterweight division. At UFC 94 George St. Pierre (GSP) met “The Prodigy” BJ Penn for the second time. It was at the end of round four where Penn was deemed unable to continue, and once again GSP walked away with the victory over “The Prodigy”. Having only 2 losses in his MMA career, George holds the status of #1 Welterweight in the world. Defeating some of the UFC’s most dominate players such as Matt Serra, Matt Hughes and Jon Fitch. George next graces the octagon to take on number one contender Thiago Alves at UFC 100. St. Pierre retained his title at UFC 100. In five dominating five minute rounds, St. Pierre controlled the "The Pitbull" Alves on the ground and in standup. The welterweight champion seemed to much for the young brazilian handle. At the end of the third round St. Pierre was heard telling his corner he has pulled his groin and confirmed injury in his post fight interview. When asked about the possibility of facing reigning Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, GSP replied that he is already the champion so when he fights he fights for the challenge. In what would have been his next title defense against the winner of Kampmann vs. Swick at UFC 103, before Mike Swick had to withdraw due to injury, his next opponent is unkown.
Lightweight Champion
“The Prodigy” BJ Penn’s last title defence was against Sean Sherk at UFC 84, where he walked away with a TKO victory over Sherk. The Hawaiian born, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt practitioner stepped up a weight class to take on welterweight champion George St. Pierre at UFC 94, looking for revenge and redemption after losing to George at UFC 58. St. Pierre proved to be too much for the Lightweight champion, and clinched the victory at the end of the fourth round after BJ could not continue. BJ Pennhas beaten some of mixed martial arts biggest names such as Renzo Gracie and Takanori Gomi. Penn will be back in the octagon placing his lightweight belt on the line against Kenny Florain at UFC 101. In a fourth round submission victory over Kenny Florian at UFC 101. Penn's meets his next opponet on Dec 12th at UFC 107, where he and number one contender Diego Sanchez will square off.
