Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the competitor has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a competitor held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the competitor shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized.
* Bolded letters in the competitor's name, if any, indicate the surname/family name.
Eddie Alvarez
2009-06-19
Hollywood, FL
Defeats Toby Imada in 8-man tournament final to become the first champion.
Michael Chandler
2011-11-19
Hollywood, FL
Eddie Alvarez [2]
2013-11-02
Long Beach, CA
Will Brooks defeats Michael Chandler to become interim champion on 14-05-17 in Southaven, MS when Alvarez suffers concussion; officially vacant on 14-08-19 when Alvarez is released from the promotion.
Will Brooks
2014-11-15
San Diego, CA
Defeats Michael Chandler; vacant on 16-05-14 when Brooks leaves the promotion.
Michael Chandler [2]
2016-06-24
St. Louis, MO
Defeats Patricky Freire.
Brent Primus
2017-06-24
New York, NY
Michael Chandler [3]
2018-12-14
Honolulu, HI
Patrício Freire
2019-05-11
Rosemont, IL
Vacates on 21-10-06.
Patricky Pitbull (Patricky Freire)
2021-11-05
Dublin, IRE
Defeats Peter Queally.
Usman Nurmagomedov
2022-11-18
Chicago, IL
Bellator is acquired by the Professional Fighters League in 23-11; Nurmagomedov is named the first PFL world champion on 25-08-13.
