5 longest UFC light heavyweight title reigns

#2. Daniel Cormier - UFC light heavyweight champion (2015 - 2018)

Daniel Cormier’s UFC light heavyweight championship reign cemented his legacy as one of the greatest 205-pounders of all time. On May 23rd, 2015, he won the vacant title after then-champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones was stripped due to a hit-and-run incident. His reign lasted 1315 days and saw him achieve an important milestone in his career.

Cormier made three title defenses during his reign as light heavyweight champion. The wins included Alexander Gustafsson in a close split-decision, ‘Rumble’ Johnson via submission, and Volkan Oezdemir by second-round TKO. Initially, Cormier’s reign ended on July 27, 2017, after a knockout loss to Jones. But the fight was later ruled a no-contest when 'Bones' tested positive for a banned substance.

As a result, Cormier remained light heavyweight champion and eventually moved up to heavyweight for a super fight with champion Stipe Miocic. His reign officially ended on December 28, 2018, when he vacated the title in favor of a permanent move to heavyweight.

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#1. Jon Jones – UFC light heavyweight champion (2011 – 2015)

There’s no denying that Jon Jones is the greatest light heavyweight of all time. His first title reign set him apart from past champions. At 23, he became the youngest champion in the promotion’s history after defeating Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. The reign lasted 1501 days, which is still the longest reign in the division.

Jones successfully retained the title eight times against many legends of the sport. Out of the eight opponents, six were either former champions or ended up becoming champions in the future. His most memorable title defense occurred in 2013 when he defeated Gustafsson by unanimous decision. It was a spectacular main event and was later inducted into the Fight Wing of the Hall of Fame.

‘Bones’ title reign ended in 2015 when the promotion stripped him of the title after being involved in a hit-and-run. He regained the title in 2018 and held it until 2020 when he vacated it for a move to heavyweight.