Mixed martial arts has grown in popularity over the years, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is undoubtedly the most popular MMA promotion in the world. It is a global phenomenon, with millions of fans tuning in to watch some of the most skilled fighters in the world battle it out in the octagon. One of the most coveted achievements in the UFC is winning and defending a title. Many great fighters have held titles in the UFC such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, Jose Aldo and Anderson Silva. But who holds the record for the longest title run in UFC history?
Demetrious Johnson had a record-breaking title run in the UFC. He was the first fighter to hold the UFC’s flyweight title, and he defended it an impressive 11 times. Johnson’s title reign lasted 2,142 days, which is the second-longest in UFC history.
Johnson’s reign finally came to an end in 2018 when he lost a split decision to Henry Cejudo. Yet he is not the one who holds the record for the longest title run.
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the most talented fighters in UFC history, and he had a dominant title run in the light heavyweight division. Jones first won the title in March 2011, and he went on to defend it 8 times.
His reign came to an end in 2020 when he vacated the title. His title reign lasted 2,204 days, which is the third-longest in UFC history. Even one of the greatest of all time in Jones isn’t the longest serving champion in UFC history.
Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva – The longest serving UFC champion
Anderson Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, and he had a record-breaking title run in the UFC’s middleweight division. Silva first won the title in October 2006, and he went on to defend it an incredible 10 times. His title reign lasted an impressive 2,457 days, making it the longest in UFC history.
Silva’s dominance was simply breathtaking, and he was famous for his incredible striking ability and elusive footwork. During his title reign, he defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Dan Henderson. His record-breaking reign finally came to an end in 2013 when he lost to Chris Weidman.
Joe Rogan was in awe of Silva
Joe Rogan, the well-known comedian and UFC commentator, recently shared his admiration for Anderson Silva in a podcast. Rogan reminisced about the first time he saw Silva fight in the UFC, stating that it was a “fan moment” for him.
Rogan has been vocal about his appreciation for Silva’s incredible striking ability and dominance in the middleweight division.
He said,
“When he lit up Chris Leben. I was like, oh boy! Everybody’s fu*ked, everybody in this division is fu*ked.”
During a conversation with the new UFC light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill, Rogan expressed his thoughts on Anderson Silva’s fighting style. Describing Silva as a “magician in the Octagon,” Rogan spoke of the aura of invincibility that surrounded the former middleweight champion.
Silva’s mastery of striking techniques and his almost mythical reputation made him a unique fighter in the UFC, according to Rogan. The impact that Silva has had on the sport of mixed martial arts is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire fighters for generations to come.
