UFC fighter heights have been a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world, featuring fighters from all over the globe. With so many fighters competing in different weight classes, their height can significantly affect their fighting style and overall success in the octagon.
The average height of a UFC fighter is 5 feet 9 inches, with the tallest fighter in the UFC standing at 6 feet 10 inches and the shortest fighter at 5 feet 1 inch. Height can affect a fighter’s reach, power, and agility, making it an important factor to consider when analyzing a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses. Fans and analysts often compare the height of fighters within the same weight class to determine who has the advantage.
We’ve noticed a lot of people are interested in the heights of MMA and UFC fighters, so we have pulled together the live data from our fighter database into these tables.
Top 10 Tallest MMA Fighters
Here are the top 10 tallest fighters in our database, ordered by height.
| Name | Height (cm) | Height (ft) | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Hardy | 196 cm | 6’5″ | View Fighter |
| Ryan Spann | 196 cm | 6’5″ | View Fighter |
| Ciryl Gane | 196 cm | 6’5″ | View Fighter |
| Johnny Walker | 196 cm | 6’5″ | View Fighter |
| Aleksandar Rakić | 196 cm | 6’5″ | View Fighter |
| Tom Aspinall | 195 cm | View Fighter | |
| Dominick Reyes | 194 cm | 6’4″ | View Fighter |
| Jiri Prochazka | 193 cm | 6’4″ | View Fighter |
| Jon Jones | 193 cm | 6’4″ | View Fighter |
| Paul Craig | 193 cm | View Fighter |
Top Shortest MMA Fighters
Here are the shortest fighters in our database.
| Name | Height (cm) | Height (ft) | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megumi Fujii | 160 cm | 5’3″ | View Fighter |
| Silvana Gomez Juarez | 160 cm | 5’3″ | View Fighter |
| Paige VanZant | 163 cm | 5’4″ | View Fighter |
| Zhang Weili | 163 cm | 5’4″ | View Fighter |
| Erin Blanchfield | 163 cm | 5’4″ | View Fighter |
| Molly McCann | 163 cm | 5’4″ | View Fighter |
| Mackenzie Dern | 163 cm | 5’4″ | View Fighter |
| Valentina Shevchenko | 165 cm | 5’5″ | View Fighter |
The Height of MMA Fighters Compared to Other Martial Artists
While there is a lot of variation in the height and reach of UFC fighters, the average MMA fighter tends to be shorter and have a shorter reach than boxers or other traditional martial artists. This is likely due to the fact that MMA fighters need to be able to grapple with their opponents, and a shorter stature gives them an advantage in this area. MMA fighters also tend to be lighter than their boxing or martial arts counterparts, as they need to be able to move quickly and explosively during a fight.
Quick Stats About UFC Fighter Heights
The average height of a UFC fighter is 5 feet 9 inches. The tallest fighter in the UFC is 6 feet 10 inches, and the shortest fighter is 5 feet 1 inch. In terms of reach, the average UFC fighter has a reach of 69.5 inches, while the tallest fighter has a reach of 80.0 inches, and the shortest fighter has a reach of 61.0 inches.
Average Heights in Each Class
The average height of UFC fighters varies significantly from one weight class to another. Here’s a breakdown of the average heights in each weight division:
| Weight Class | Weight (lbs) | Average Height | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyweight | 125 | 5’4″ | Shortest fighters in the UFC |
| Bantamweight | 135 | 5’7″ | Relatively low average height compared to other divisions |
| Featherweight | 145 | 5’9″ | Slightly higher average height than bantamweight |
| Lightweight | 155 | 5’10” | Relatively high average height compared to other divisions |
| Welterweight | 170 | 5’11” | Some of the tallest fighters in the UFC |
| Middleweight | 185 | 6’0″ | Relatively high average height compared to other divisions |
| Light Heavyweight | 205 | 6’2″ | Some of the tallest fighters in the UFC |
| Heavyweight | 206+ | 6’3″ | Some of the tallest fighters in the UFC |
It’s worth noting that these are just averages, and plenty of fighters in each weight class are significantly taller or shorter than the average. Additionally, height is just one factor that can impact a fighter’s success in the UFC, and many other factors, such as reach, weight, and fighting style, can also play a significant role.
Height Disadvantages and Advantages in UFC
Height can be both an advantage and disadvantage in UFC. Taller fighters have a longer reach, making it easier for them to land strikes on their opponents from a distance. They can also use their height to their advantage by keeping their opponents at bay with kicks and jabs. Additionally, taller fighters have an easier time defending takedowns, as they have a longer reach to keep their opponents at a distance.
However, shorter fighters can use their size to their advantage as well. They are typically quicker and more agile, making it easier for them to dodge and weave around their opponents. Shorter fighters can also use their lower center of gravity to their advantage by taking down taller opponents and controlling them on the ground.
Despite these advantages, shorter fighters often struggle against taller opponents due to the reach disadvantage. Taller fighters can keep their opponents at bay and land strikes from a distance, making it difficult for shorter fighters to close the distance and land their own strikes. Additionally, taller fighters have an easier time defending takedowns, as they can sprawl out and use their height to keep their opponents at bay.
In contrast, taller fighters can struggle against shorter opponents who are quicker and more agile. Shorter fighters can dart in and out of range, making it difficult for taller fighters to land strikes. They can also use their lower center of gravity to take down taller opponents and control them on the ground.
Overall, height can be both an advantage and disadvantage in UFC, depending on the fighter’s style and technique. While taller fighters have a reach advantage, shorter fighters can use their speed and agility to overcome this disadvantage.
Tactics for Dealing with Height Differences
When fighting an opponent with a significant height advantage, it can be challenging to close the distance and land strikes effectively. However, there are several tactics that fighters can employ to nullify their opponent’s height advantage and gain an advantage of their own.
Footwork and Movement
One of the most effective tactics for dealing with a height difference is to use footwork and movement to close the distance and get inside the opponent’s reach. Fighters can use lateral movement to move in and out of range quickly, making it difficult for their opponent to land strikes. They can also use feints and footwork to bait their opponent into throwing strikes, allowing them to close the distance and land counter strikes.
Clinching and Takedowns
Another effective tactic for dealing with a height difference is to use clinching and takedowns to take the fight to the ground. Once on the ground, height differences become less of a factor, and fighters can use their grappling skills to gain an advantage. Fighters can use trips, throws, and takedowns to get their opponent to the ground, where they can work for submissions or ground and pound.
Strikes to the Body
When facing a taller opponent, it can be challenging to land strikes to the head. However, fighters can still land effective strikes by targeting the body. Body shots can be just as damaging as head shots, and they can wear down an opponent over time. Fighters can use punches, kicks, and knees to target the body, making it easier to close the distance and land strikes to the head later in the fight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fighters can use a variety of tactics to deal with a height difference and gain an advantage over their opponent. By using footwork and movement, clinching and takedowns, and strikes to the body, fighters can nullify their opponent’s height advantage and gain an advantage of their own.
Notable Short and Tall Fighters in UFC History
Height can significantly affect a fighter’s success in the UFC. While shorter fighters may have a lower center of gravity and be harder to take down, taller fighters may have longer reach and be able to strike from a distance. Here are some notable short and tall fighters in UFC history:
Short Fighters in the UFC
Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson, also known as “Mighty Mouse,” is one of the shortest fighters in UFC history, standing at 5’3″ (160 cm). Despite his height disadvantage, Johnson was a dominant force in the flyweight division, holding the title for over five years and defending it a record 11 times.
Hector Sandoval
Hector Sandoval is the shortest male fighter in UFC history, standing at just 5’2″ (157 cm). Sandoval had a short UFC tenure, with a record of 2-2 before being released.
John Lineker
John Lineker, at 5’2″ (157 cm), is another notable short fighter in the UFC. Known for his heavy hands and aggressive style, Lineker has had success in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions.
Tall Fighters in the UFC
Stefan Struve
At 7’0″ (213 cm), Stefan Struve is the tallest fighter in UFC history. Despite his height advantage, Struve has had a mixed record in the UFC, with notable wins over the likes of Stipe Miocic and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, but also suffering some devastating knockout losses.
Semmy Schilt
At 6’11” (211 cm), Semmy Schilt is another towering figure in the UFC. Schilt was a successful kickboxer before transitioning to MMA, winning the K-1 World Grand Prix four times. In the UFC, he was a two-time tournament winner and had wins over notable fighters such as Josh Barnett and Minotauro Nogueira.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones, at 6’4″ (193 cm), is one of the tallest fighters in the UFC. Jones has been a dominant force in the light heavyweight division, holding the title for a record-breaking 14 times and defeating some of the greatest fighters in UFC history, including Daniel Cormier and Mauricio Rua.
Overall, height can be a significant factor in a fighter’s success in the UFC, but it is not the only determining factor. Fighters of all heights have found success in the octagon, and it ultimately comes down to skill, strategy, and heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the height of UFC fighters varies greatly depending on weight class and individual fighter. The average height of a UFC fighter is 5 feet 9 inches, with some fighters being much taller or shorter than this average.
The tallest fighter in the UFC is Alexander Volkov, with a height of 6 feet 7 inches. He is followed closely by Stefan Struve, who stands at 7 feet tall. On the other hand, the shortest fighter in the UFC is Jared Brooks, who stands at just 5 feet 2 inches.
It is interesting to note that while some weight classes have taller or shorter average heights, there is no clear correlation between weight class and height. For example, while the average height of a light heavyweight fighter is 6 feet 1 inch, the average height of a heavyweight fighter is only 6 feet.
Overall, while height can certainly be an advantage in the UFC, it is not the only factor that determines a fighter’s success. Skill, training, and strategy are all equally important in the octagon.
