From Jon Jones to Jamahal Hill: How many fighters have vacated UFC light heavyweight title?

Discover the journey from Jon Jones to Jamahal Hill as we explore the number of UFC light heavyweight champions who have vacated the title.

From Jon Jones to Jamahal Hill: How many fighters have vacated UFC light heavyweight title?

DC, Jon Jones, Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka (Image Courtesy: Yahoo Sports)

The light heavyweight division of UFC has historically had some of the biggest champions in the history of the promotion. Recently, Jamahal Hill took the honor to wear the belt around his waist after defeating Glover Texeira at UFC 283.

Hill earned his spot as the champion and fans were looking forward to his first-ever title defense. However, Jamahal has decided to vacate his title. The fighter relinquished his position as he will be going through surgery after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. 

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“I’ve ruptured my Achilles’ [tendon]. It’s just one of those things that happens. This is a tough injury. It’s one that will require surgery and will require time and rehab and things for me to be out for a while,” said Hill in a YouTube video.

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It was really unfortunate for Hill as he had no other option but to take that step however, it’s not the first time a light heavyweight champion has vacated his title. Here’s the list of fighters who in the past have voluntarily dropped down from their championship reign. 

Related: “Never built to be champion” – Fans sulk as UFC light heavyweight division loses yet another champion as Jamahal Hill relinquishes title after Achilles rupture

List of fighters who have vacated UFC light heavyweight title?

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier (Image Courtesy: MMA Fighting)
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier both have vacated their their titles due to different reasons (Image Courtesy: MMA Fighting)

Jiri Prochazka: Prochazka came to UFC when he was already an established star at the Japanese promotion, Rizin. It took only three fights for the Czech to capture the belt. However, soon after his victory, Prochazka publicly announced that he will be relinquishing his title after suffering an injury.

Jon Jones: Jones is the GOAT of the light heavyweight division and has carried the weight class for years in the past. The fighter due to various reasons was stripped of his position as the champion. However, Jones in 2018 came back and won the vacant title and defended it three times before vacating. Jones wanted to focus on moving up to the heavyweight division and left the UFC to prepare for his move.

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Daniel Cormier: Cormier is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history and is one of the few double champions. Daniel Cormier despite his reach and size disadvantages gave many light heavyweight fighters a run for their money. His rivalry with Jon Jones is still one of the best in history. In 2018, DC vacated his title as he wanted to fight in the heavyweight division until his retirement.

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Frank Shamrock: Between 1997 and 1999, Frank Shamrock was regarded as the best light heavyweight in the world. With four successful championship defenses, he had a 703-day reign.

Frank Shamrock retired soon after making four successful title defenses against Tito Ortiz in 1999. He felt bound to leave the belt as a result. A few years later, he made a comeback, but he never again participated in the UFC.

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