Top 20 Skinniest UFC Fighters In History (With Videos)

The UFC is a highly competitive sport that demands strength, endurance, and skill from its fighters. However, fighters come in different shapes and sizes. Their weight class plays a significant role in their performance and size. The UFC has several weight classes. They range from the strawweight division, up to 115 pounds, to the heavyweight division, over 205 pounds. These are the UFC’s skinniest fighters in the organization.

Max Holloway – 145lb with 5’11

Max Holloway is a professional mixed martial artist. He has competed in the UFC in the featherweight division. Despite being a skinny fighter in the featherweight division, he is known for his exceptional fighting skills and lean physique. Holloway has carved a name for himself in the sport with his unique fighting style and unrelenting spirit.

Holloway fights in the featherweight division, which has a weight limit of 145 pounds. While most fighters in this division are bulky and muscular, Holloway’s lean physique sets him apart. He stands at 5’11” and weighs in at 145lbs, which attributes to his lanky frame.

Despite his slender build, Holloway has demonstrated exceptional strength and endurance in his fights. He possesses quick footwork and unrelenting lightning-fast strikes. Which has earned him the nickname “Blessed.” His agility and flexibility allow him to evade his opponents’ attacks and land powerful blows. He is a formidable opponent in the octagon. Presently, he boasts a record of 23 wins and 7 losses.

Holloway’s physique has also been a subject of admiration and inspiration for many aspiring fighters. He has proven that size and bulk are not the only factors determining a fighter’s success. With the right training, technique, and mindset, anyone can achieve greatness in the octagon.

Corey Hill – 167lb with 6’4

This professional mixed martial artist competed in the lightweight division of the UFC. Hill was known for his tall and lanky physique, standing at 6’4″ with a reach of 80 inches. However, his slender frame also presented challenges during his fights as he struggled to put on weight to compete with his opponents.

Despite his slim build, Hill was a talented fighter. He became a fan favorite for his exciting style and tenacity in the octagon. He made his UFC debut in 2007 as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, where he displayed his impressive skill.

Hill faced several tough opponents throughout his UFC career, including Dale Hartt, Justin Buchholz, and Joe Veres. However, he also suffered some setbacks, such as a leg break in his fight against Dale Hartt in 2008. He has amassed a record of 16 wins and 4 losses in his career.

Despite the challenges that came with his physique, Hill remained dedicated to his craft and worked tirelessly to improve his skills. His fellow fighters and fans respected him for his determination and perseverance. Sadly, Corey Hill passed away in 2015 at 36, but his legacy as a talented and beloved fighter lives on in the UFC community.

George Roop – 135lb with 6’1

This former professional mixed martial artist competed in the UFC as a bantamweight and featherweight. Roop had a unique physique for a fighter, as he was tall and extremely skinny. He stands tall at 6’1” and weighs 135 lbs.

Roop was one of the tallest and skinniest fighters in the UFC. His slim frame gave him an advantage in his striking game, allowing him to use his long reach to keep opponents at bay and pick them apart from the outside.

Despite his skinny frame, Roop was a formidable competitor in the UFC. He had a record of 15 wins and 13 losses in his professional career. He has several impressive victories over well-respected opponents. Roop was known for his striking ability and was particularly skilled in using his long legs to deliver punishing kicks to his opponents.

Roop’s unique physique presented some challenges for him in the UFC. Particularly when facing opponents who were stronger and more muscular than he was. However, his reach and striking ability allowed him to overcome these challenges.

Though George Roop’s physique may have been unusually skinny for a UFC fighter, he used it to his advantage. He had a successful career in the sport.

Cory Sandhagen – 135lb with 5’11

Cory Sandhagen is a UFC fighter who competes in the bantamweight division, which has a weight limit of 135 pounds. When Sandhagen first entered the UFC, he was known for his lanky and skinny physique. Some people believed this would be a disadvantage in a sport with a premium on strength and power.

However, despite his slender frame, Sandhagen has proven that he can hold his own against some of the best fighters in his weight class. In fact, his height advantage and reach have been key weapons in his arsenal. His reach is 69 inches allowing him to strike from a distance and avoid getting into grappling exchanges.

Moreover, Sandhagen has worked tirelessly to improve his strength and conditioning. Thus transforming his body into a lean and athletic machine. He is now one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. He has a solid mix of striking, grappling, and submission skills, making him a dangerous opponent. As of now, his record reflects 16 wins and 4 losses.

Sandhagen’s mental toughness and competitive spirit have also helped him to succeed in the UFC. He is always looking to challenge himself and take on the toughest opponents, earning him the respect of his peers and fans.

Sean Woodson – 145lb with 6’2

Sean Woodson is a UFC fighter who competes in the featherweight division, which has a weight limit of 145 pounds. His lean and lanky physique sets Woodson apart from many of his opponents, which gives him a unique advantage in the octagon.

At 6’2″, he is taller than most in the featherweight division, and his long limbs make him a formidable striker. Despite his height advantage, Woodson maintains a lean frame, making it difficult to pack on muscle mass. This has made some critics question whether he has the strength and power to compete at the sport’s highest level.

Despite these doubts, Woodson has proven himself a capable and dangerous fighter in the UFC. He boasts a record of 9 wins and 1 loss with 1 draw. He has shown a knack for finishing fights with his striking skills.

His long reach allows him to keep opponents at bay and pick them apart from the outside. His speed and accuracy make him a threat in close quarters as well. Currently, he boasts a record of 9 victories and only 1 defeat.

Ultimately, Woodson’s physique is just one aspect of what makes him a successful fighter in the UFC. While his slender build may make him stand out from the crowd, his skill, determination, and heart truly set him apart from his opponents.

Luis Pena – 155lb with 6’3

Luis Pena, also known as “Violent Bob Ross.” This professional mixed martial artist competes in the lightweight division of the UFC. Pena’s unique nickname is attributed to his love for painting and explosive fighting style.

When Pena first started competing in the UFC, he was known for his lanky, skinny frame. At 6’3″ with a 76-inch reach, he had a significant height and reach advantage over most of his opponents in the lightweight division. However, his lack of muscle mass made him vulnerable to being overpowered by his opponents.

Despite his physique, Pena quickly made a name for himself in the UFC with his dynamic striking and grappling skills. He has a professional record of 11 wins and 5 losses, with 3 of his wins coming by knockout and 5 by submission.

Over the years, Pena has worked hard to build strength and add muscle to his frame without compromising his speed and agility. He has credited his trainers and coaches for helping him develop a well-rounded fighting style. A style that maximizes his physical attributes.

Today, Pena is no longer the skinny fighter he once was. Though he remains one of the most exciting and dynamic competitors in the lightweight division of the UFC. His fans continue to admire him for his unique personality and fighting style.

Sean O’Malley – 135lb with 5’11

Sean O’Malley, or “Sugar,” is a professional mixed martial artist. Competing in the bantamweight division in the UFC. Despite being a skinny fighter, he has become known for his impressive striking and unique style.

O’Malley’s slender build is not uncommon for fighters in the bantamweight division, as the weight limit for this category is 135 pounds. However, what sets O’Malley apart is his lean and tall physique standing at 5 ft 11 inches. He has a very low body fat percentage, which allows his muscles to be more defined and visible. This is a result of his rigorous training regimen.

O’Malley’s physique and long frame give him an advantage in the octagon. His lean muscle mass allows him to move quickly and with agility. This is essential in a sport where split-second movements can determine the outcome of a fight.

Additionally, his well-defined muscles give him greater speed and endurance. Thus enabling him to deliver more exceptionally accurate strikes to his opponents. At the moment, his record stands at 16 wins and 1 loss.

Patrick Holohan – 125lb with 5’9

Patrick Holohan was an Irish mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC from 2014 to 2015. He competed in the flyweight division, which has a weight limit of 125 pounds, making it one of the lightest weight classes in the UFC.

Despite being a relatively skinny fighter, Holohan could hold his own against some of the best fighters in the world. Holohan’s physique as a skinny fighter in the UFC resulted from his natural build and training regimen. He stands at 5’9″ and weighs in for his fights at 125 lbs.

While some may view his slim frame as a disadvantage in the octagon, Holohan utilized his quickness and agility. He could dart in and out of his opponent’s range, using his speed to land strikes and avoid taking damage.

In addition to his physical attributes, Holohan was a skilled grappler, earning a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He used his grappling skills to secure submissions and control his opponents on the ground. Despite only having a brief career in the UFC, Holohan could rack up 3 wins in 4 fights in the UFC. Thus showcasing his talent and potential in the flyweight division.

Luke Barnatt – 185lb with 6’6

Luke Barnatt is a former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the UFC. He fought in the middleweight division, which has a weight limit of 185 pounds. When Barnatt first started his career in the UFC, he was known for having a skinny physique.

Despite his slender build, Barnatt was a formidable fighter. He was tall for his weight class at 6’6″, which gave him a significant reach advantage over many of his opponents. He also had excellent footwork and striking skills, which allowed him to keep his opponents at bay and pick them apart from a distance.

Barnatt’s skinny physique was often cited as a potential weakness. He was considered more vulnerable to being taken down and controlled on the ground. However, he was able to counter this by developing a strong takedown defense and improving his grappling skills. He currently holds a record of 15 wins and 10 losses.

Over time, Barnatt’s physique changed as he put on more muscle and mass. He continued to compete in the UFC for several years before ultimately switching to other organizations. Despite his skinny physique early on in his career, Barnatt proved that he was a talented and capable fighter who could hold his own against some of the best in the world.

Tony Ferguson – 170lb with 6’0

This is a renowned former UFC lightweight fighter who has always been known for his unique and unorthodox fighting style. When he first entered the UFC, he was a relatively skinny fighter with a lean and 6ft tall frame.

Ferguson’s physique has always been a topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. Despite being relatively small for his weight class, he has always been able to compete with some of the biggest and strongest fighters in the UFC.

This is partly due to his incredible conditioning, which allows him to keep up a relentless pace for the entire duration of a fight. Ferguson’s success in the UFC can also be attributed to his technical skill and ability to adapt to different opponents and styles.

He has a well-rounded game that includes striking, grappling, and wrestling. This allows him to compete with fighters who specialize in those areas. Currently, he boasts a record of 25 victories and 8 defeats.

Throughout his career, Ferguson has competed in the lightweight division, which has a weight limit of 155 pounds. Despite his relatively small size, he has consistently been one of the top contenders in the division, and he has fought some of the biggest names in the sport.

Cole Miller – 145lb with 6’1

Cole Miller is a former UFC featherweight fighter known for his lean frame. He had a tall and rangy build. Measuring 6ft tall and a reach of 76 inches, his advantage. Millers’ record stands at 21 wins and 11 losses in MMA.

Miller’s physique was often commented on by fans and analysts, who noted his slender frame. However, Miller’s physical appearance hides his tremendous skill and toughness as a fighter. He was known for his technical ability on the ground and his striking prowess. This has allowed him to hold his own against some of the top fighters in the UFC‘s featherweight division.

Despite being a relatively skinny fighter, Miller succeeded in the UFC. He competed in the featherweight division of 145 lbs. Although he was not the biggest or strongest fighter in the division. Miller’s technical skill and athleticism allowed him to compete with some of the best fighters in the world.

Ulka Sasaki – 126lb with 5’10

Ulka Sasaki is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division of the UFC. Standing at 5’10” tall and weighing 125 pounds, Sasaki’s physique is that of a skinny fighter. However, this does not detract from his ability as a skilled and determined competitor.

Despite his slim frame, Sasaki possesses a quick and agile fighting style. His build allows him to evade his opponents’ attacks and land quick strikes of his own. He is also known for his grappling abilities. He holds a background in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which enables him to take his opponents down and dominate them on the ground.

However, Sasaki’s skinny build has also disadvantaged him in the UFC. He has struggled to maintain a consistent record in the flyweight division. He has faced tough opponents such as Alexandre Pantoja, Wilson Reis, and Jussier Formiga, with mixed results. Sasaki has earned a respectable record of 23 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws in MMA.

Sasaki’s dedication to his craft is evident in his continued training and willingness to compete. He is a fighter who never backs down from a challenge. His lean physique belies his tenacity and skill inside the octagon.

His physique may seem like a disadvantage. However, he has used it to his advantage in the UFC flyweight division. His quickness and agility have allowed him to become a formidable opponent. Despite his size, he remains a respected and skilled fighter in the organization.

Zabit Magomedsharipov – 145lb with 6’1

Zabit Magomedsharipov is a featherweight fighter in the UFC with a lean and muscular physique. Despite his relatively small frame for a fighter, he has made a name for himself in the UFC through his impressive fighting skills and athleticism.

At 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 145 pounds, Zabit is a lean, skinny fighter in the featherweight division. He possesses an incredibly long reach, which is a significant advantage when fighting opponents who are typically smaller in size. His long limbs and height make him an elusive target for his opponents. He can use his size and reach to keep them at bay and land strikes from a safe distance.

Despite his skinny frame, Zabit is known for his incredible power and athleticism. He is a well-rounded fighter with a variety of skills. His quickness and agility in the octagon are also impressive, as he can move swiftly around his opponents and avoid their attacks. Thus far, his record stands at 18 wins and only 1 loss.

Nate Diaz – 170lb with 6’0

Nate Diaz is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. Diaz is known for his lanky and slender physique, which is somewhat unconventional for a fighter in his weight class. Diaz competes in the UFC’s welterweight division, which has a weight limit of 170 pounds.

However, Diaz has also competed in the lightweight division, which has a weight limit of 155 pounds. Despite his lean frame, Diaz has been able to compete at a high level in the UFC due to his excellent conditioning and technical skills.

Diaz has always been known for his high-volume striking, and his range and reach advantage have been key factors in his success. Diaz also possesses a dangerous ground game with excellent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and a lethal submission arsenal. His record currently stands at 22 wins and 13 losses.

Diaz’s slender physique has sometimes led to concerns about his ability to absorb punishment. However, Diaz has repeatedly proven that he can withstand significant damage and come back to win fights. Diaz’s toughness and resilience have become hallmarks of his fighting style. He is regarded as one of the toughest fighters in the UFC today.

Israel Adesanya – 185lb with 6’4

Israel Adesanya, “The Style Bender,” is a mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. He is known for his slender and lean 6’4″ tall physique, which is somewhat unique for a fighter in his weight class. Adesanya competes in the middleweight division, which has a weight limit of 185 pounds. Boasting a record of 24 wins, only 2 losses, and numerous title defenses.

Despite his slim frame, Adesanya has developed a reputation as one of the UFC’s most skilled and dynamic strikers. He is known for his pinpoint accuracy and lightning-fast strikes, which have allowed him to dominate opponents in the octagon.

Adesanya’s range and reach advantage have also been key to his success, as he can keep opponents at bay with his long limbs. Adesanya’s slender physique has sometimes raised concerns. Namely, he can withstand damage from heavier opponents in the heavier divisions.

However, he has repeatedly shown the durability and toughness to go the distance with anyone in his division. Adesanya’s conditioning and technical skills have allowed him to remain competitive. His physique as a skinny fighter in the UFC’s middleweight division may be unconventional.

However, it has not stopped him from becoming one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. His technical skills, range, and accuracy have allowed him to overcome physical disadvantages. He remains a fan favorite due to his exciting fighting style and charisma outside the octagon.

Brandon Moreno – 125lb with 5’7

Brandon Moreno is a Mexican mixed martial artist. He competed in the UFC in the Flyweight division. Moreno is known for his impressive performances in the octagon. Still, his journey to becoming a UFC fighter was not easy.

When Moreno first began his MMA career, he was a skinny 5 ft 7 fighter who struggled to gain weight and build muscle. Despite this, he was determined to make a name for himself in the sport. Moreno began his career in smaller promotions in Mexico before going to the UFC.

Over time, Moreno worked hard to improve his physique and develop the strength and power necessary to compete at the highest level. He implemented a strict training regimen that included weightlifting, cardio, and a healthy diet. He has amassed a record of 21 wins and 6 losses with 2 draws.

Today, Moreno is no longer the skinny fighter he once was. He has built an impressive physique that allows him to go toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and he is now one of the top-ranked fighters in the Flyweight division.

His transformation from a skinny fighter to a UFC Flyweight contender is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. His impressive physique results from years of hard work and discipline, which has helped him become one of the most respected fighters in the UFC today.

Chase Hooper – 145lb with 6’1

Hooper is a professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Featherweight division in the UFC. Hooper is known for his tall and skinny physique, which has been the subject of much discussion among fans and analysts alike.

At the height of 6’1″ and a weight of 145 pounds, Hooper is one of the tallest and leanest fighters in the Featherweight division. Despite his lanky build, Hooper has proven himself a formidable competitor in the octagon, with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses.

Hooper’s lean physique has both advantages and disadvantages in the UFC. On the one hand, his long reach allows him to land strikes from a distance and maintain control of his opponents. He can also use agility and quick footwork to avoid takedowns and evade strikes.

On the other hand, Hooper’s lack of muscle mass and overall size can make him vulnerable to stronger opponents. Where they may overpower him in grappling situations. Additionally, Hooper’s lean frame can make it difficult for him to absorb heavy strikes without sustaining damage.

Despite these challenges, Hooper has demonstrated impressive skills and resilience in the octagon. He has earned a devoted fanbase and a reputation as a promising young talent in the UFC Featherweight division. With his unique physique and impressive skill set, he will continue making waves in the world of mixed martial arts for years to come.

Will Chope – 145lb with 6’3

This former UFC fighter competing in the featherweight division. The division has a weight limit of 145 pounds. Chope’s height of 6’4″ gave him a slender build which was atypical for a fighter of his weight category. He weighed in at the limit for most of his fights, but his frame made him appear much thinner yet taller than his opponents.

Chope’s skinny frame was a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Some praised his reach advantage and ability to use his long limbs to keep opponents at bay. Others criticized his lack of muscle mass and questioned his ability to withstand punishment in the Octagon.

Chope had a brief career in his UFC. While he never reached the heights of some of the division’s top fighters, he proved himself to be a tough competitor who was willing to take risks. Chope’s physique may have been unconventional, but it was a reminder that fighting is not just about brute strength.

His long reach and technical skills allowed him to hold his own against opponents who may have had more muscle mass. While his UFC career may be over, his legacy as a skinny fighter who defied expectations will live on. Currently, his record stands at an impressive 40 wins and 19 losses.

TJ Dillashaw – 135lb with 5’6

TJ Dillashaw is a former UFC bantamweight champion known for his lean and muscular physique. Despite starting out as a relatively skinny fighter in the UFC, Dillashaw transformed his body through intense training and nutrition. He became one of the most formidable fighters in his weight class.

Dillashaw competed in the bantamweight division, which has a weight limit of 135 pounds. He initially struggled to achieve muscle mass due to his natural ectomorph body type. Characterized by a slender frame and fast metabolism.

However, he worked closely with his coaches and nutritionists to develop a training and nutrition regimen. This has allowed him to pack on muscle while maintaining his agility and speed. His current record shows 17 wins and 5 losses.

Over time, Dillashaw’s physique evolved into a shredded, muscular build well-suited to his fighting style. He had a low body fat percentage, which made his muscles more visible and his movements more explosive. Dillashaw’s lean physique also helped him maintain his weight during fight camps. Thus making it easier for him to cut weight before fights without sacrificing muscle mass.

Kendall Grove – 185lb with 6’6

Kendall Grove is a former UFC fighter who competed in the middleweight division. During his time in the UFC, Grove was known for his skinny physique, often commented on by fans and analysts alike.

At 6’6″ tall, Grove’s build is unique for a fighter in the middleweight division. Despite this, he could use his height and reach to his advantage in the octagon, often keeping his opponents at bay with his long limbs.

While Grove’s physique may have been seen as a disadvantage by some. He proved his doubters wrong by racking up several impressive wins in the UFC. He finished his UFC career with a record of 24-19, with notable victories over Evan Tanner and Jake Rosholt.

Grove’s unique build also made him stand out from his fellow fighters and helped to make him a fan favorite. His lanky frame and impressive striking and submission skills made him a thrilling fighter to watch in the octagon.

Conclusion

While some UFC fighters may have a leaner physique, it’s important to note that their skills and techniques are what matter most in the octagon. Fighters come from different backgrounds. Each with strengths and weaknesses, which they bring to the table. The UFC is a highly competitive sport; fighters must undergo rigorous training and conditioning to be at the top of their game. Ultimately, their performance in the octagon counts, and their weight class is just one aspect of their overall strategy.