Ever heard the saying, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”? Well, in the UFC, that saying rings truer than ever. We all love those larger-than-life heavyweight brawls with the ‘Goliaths’ circling the ring, yet, we must never neglect the ‘David-s’ who can topple the larger-than-life bouts. These guys pack a serious punch (literally and figuratively) and aren’t afraid of a confrontation.
In a sport where giants often reign supreme, some of the most electrifying and skilled warriors in UFC history have been… well, let’s say they don’t need a step stool to reach the top shelf. These pocket rockets defy the odds, proving that heart, grit, and a whole lot of skill can make up for a few inches in height. They might not cast the longest shadows, but they leave an unforgettable mark on the octagon.
Being smaller in stature in the UFC isn’t without its perks. Think about it – lower center of gravity for better balance, quicker movements, and the ability to duck under those wild haymakers from taller opponents. Plus, they’re often masters of leverage, using their opponent’s size against them in takedowns and submissions. But let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for them. They’re often staring up (way up) at opponents with a longer reach, making it harder to land those clean shots. And let’s not forget the sheer intimidation factor of facing someone much taller than you are.
The presence of these smaller fighters has added a unique dimension to the UFC. It’s forced everyone to adapt, to develop new strategies and techniques. It’s a testament to the fact that in MMA, it’s not just about size, it’s about skill, heart, and the will to win.
So, grab a snack, settle in, and prepare to be amazed as we dive into the world of the shortest UFC fighters ever.
We’ll count down from 10 to the shortest UFC fighter ever while looking at what made them standout and how their career went.
10. Wilson Reis:
Starting this list for us is none other than the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, who despite standing at 5’4” is as fierce as a lion. Wilson Reis may not be the tallest fighter in UFC history, but he’s certainly one of the most skilled and accomplished.
Transitioning from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to MMA, Reis made his UFC debut in 2013, facing off against some of the biggest names in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. He secured notable wins over the likes of Ivan Menjivar and Joby Sanchez, showcasing his slick submissions and tenacious ground game.
Though Reis never captured UFC gold, his impact on the sport is undeniable. He consistently proved that size isn’t everything in the octagon, using his elite BJJ skills to control and submit opponents much larger than himself. His fights were often masterclasses in grappling, showcasing the effectiveness of technique and leverage over brute strength. He boasts of a record of 28 wins and just 13 losses.
Beyond his fighting career, Reis is also a respected coach and mentor, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of MMA fighters. His legacy in the sport extends far beyond his wins and losses, as he continues to inspire and motivate aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of their physical stature.
9. Joseph Benavidez:
Despite standing at just 5 feet and 4 inches, do not let his height fool you, Joseph Benavidez is a legend in his own right. Though he never captured UFC gold, he was a perennial contender in the flyweight division, challenging for the title on multiple occasions against the likes of Demetrious Johnson. His tenacity, wrestling skills, and well-rounded game earned him the nickname “Joe Jitsu,” and he boasts a career record of 28 wins and 8 losses.
Benavidez’s career highlights include notable wins over top-ranked fighters like Henry Cejudo, Jussier Formiga, and Ian McCall. His relentless pace and pressure, combined with his wrestling pedigree and improving striking, made him a nightmare for opponents. While a UFC title may have eluded him, Benavidez’s impact on the sport is undeniable. He’s a true veteran of the lighter-weight classes and a testament to the fact that heart and skill can overcome any size disadvantage.
8. Ray Borg:
Ray Borg, nicknamed “The Tazmexican Devil,” competed in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions while actively fighting. He is best known for his 12-fight tenure in the UFC where he competed rigorously, retiring with a record of 21 fights, claiming 16 wins out of those.
He is known for his relentless pace and aggressive grappling style. He made a splash in the flyweight division with wins over Louis Smolka and Jussier Formiga, earning a title shot against Demetrious Johnson in 2017. Though he ultimately fell short in the championship fight, Borg’s talent and potential were evident. His career was unfortunately marred by personal struggles and weight-cutting issues, but his exciting fighting style and submission skills made him a fan favorite.
He stands at 5’4” which makes him one of the shortest UFC fighters ever.
7. Henry Cejudo:
Next up, we have “The Messenger/Triple C” Henry Cejudo, another pint-sized powerhouse who achieved greatness in the UFC.
The youngest American Olympic gold medalist in wrestling history at the time, he transitioned those skills to MMA seamlessly, becoming a two-division champ in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Standing at 5’4”, Cejudo defied the odds by becoming champion, holding an impressive record of 16 wins and 3 losses. Cejudo’s crowning achievement came in 2019 when he defeated Marlon Moraes to become the UFC bantamweight champion, making him only the fourth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. He defended his bantamweight title once before announcing a surprise retirement in 2020.
Cejudo’s legacy as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time remains firmly intact. He’s a true inspiration to fighters of all sizes, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible in the octagon.
6. Jarred Brooks:
The “Monkey God” is a relative newcomer to the UFC, but he’s already making waves in the strawweight division.
With a height of 5 ft 3 in, a decorated wrestling background with a relentless pace, Brooks is a force to be reckoned with. He’s known for his suffocating top pressure and relentless ground-and-pound, making him a nightmare for opponents to deal with on the mat. Brooks’ recent victory over Joshua Pacio to capture the ONE Championship strawweight title solidified his position as one of the best in the world in his weight class.
He has an MMA record of 20 wins and 3 losses, with major wins coming against Eric Shelton and Roberto Sanchez.
5. Demetrious Johnson:
From 2012 to 2018, one name reigned supreme over UFC’s flyweight division and it is none other than the 5’3” man- Demetrious Johnson. He amassed a jaw-dropping 11 consecutive title defenses, which is not just impressive, it’s a UFC record! He’s a 13-time Flyweight World Champion, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
His accomplishments extend beyond the UFC, with a successful run in ONE Championship where he became their Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion in 2019. His fighting style is a mesmerizing blend of speed, technique, and fight IQ, making him a nightmare for opponents of any size. His low center of gravity and lightning-fast movements make him incredibly difficult to take down, while his mastery of angles and footwork allows him to dictate the pace of the fight.
His record of 25 wins and just 4 losses place him as not just one of the shortest fighters ever, but one of the biggest UFC fighters ever.
4. John Dodson:
John Dodson “The Magician” is a knockout artist with dynamite in his hands. Despite his smaller stature, Dodson possesses explosive power and a knack for landing devastating strikes.
He’s scored highlight-reel knockouts over much taller opponents like T.J. Dillashaw, earning him the reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the lighter-weight classes. Dodson is a two-time flyweight title challenger and holds notable wins over Jussier Formiga, Tim Elliott, and Pedro Munhoz. His exciting fighting style and knockout power have made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
As a 5’3” fighter in the flyweight and bantamweight division, he is a veteran of the promotion with nine years of competition. He also became the first Bantamweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter competition.
3. John Lineker:
Standing at a mere 5’3″, John Lineker, aptly nicknamed “Hands of Stone,” is a walking contradiction. He may be small in stature, but his punching power is absolutely monstrous. This Brazilian brawler has carved out a reputation as one of the most devastating knockout artists in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions.
Lineker’s career is a testament to the fact that power doesn’t always come from size. His relentless forward pressure, iron chin, and heavy hands have earned him a loyal following of fight fans who crave non-stop action. He’s scored highlight-reel knockouts over a who’s who of bantamweights and flyweights, including former champion T.J. Dillashaw and top contenders like Rob Font and Marlon Vera.
What Lineker lacks in height, he more than makes up for in sheer grit and determination. He’s a fighter who thrives in the pocket, willing to take a punch to land one of his own. His aggressive style and never-say-die attitude have made him a fan favorite and a constant threat to anyone in the lighter-weight classes.
2. Fredy Serrano:
Fredy Serrano is a fighter with a big heart and an even bigger wrestling pedigree. This Colombian warrior despite being just 5’3” represented his country in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his world-class grappling skills on the biggest stage.
Serrano’s transition to MMA was seamless, as he quickly became known for his explosive takedowns and suffocating top control. He made his UFC debut in 2016, competing in the bantamweight division. Though his UFC career was short-lived, Serrano left a lasting impression with his wrestling prowess and unwavering determination.
Serrano’s story is a reminder that MMA is a sport of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. His Olympic wrestling experience brought a unique flavor to the octagon, demonstrating the effectiveness of grappling in a sport often dominated by striking.
1. Hector Sandoval:
Hector Sandoval, affectionately known as “The Kid,” is a flyweight firecracker with a knack for finishing fights. Standing at 5’2″, Sandoval may be small in stature, but he packs a serious punch, both literally and figuratively.
Sandoval made his UFC debut in 2016, quickly becoming known for his aggressive style and willingness to engage in wild brawls. He’s scored impressive wins over Matt Schnell and Fredy Serrano, showcasing his well-rounded skills and knockout power.
Sandoval’s career has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but his heart and determination have never wavered. He’s a fighter who always comes to win, regardless of the odds or the size of his opponent. His exciting fighting style and infectious personality have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
Hector Sandoval stands as the shortest UFC fighter ever.
Honorable mentions for this category include Ian McCall 5’5″, Antonio Banuelos 5’3”, and Jimmy Rivera 5’4”.
And so, there you have it! A collection of UFC fighters who prove that heart, skill, and sheer badassery can come in any size. These “little giants” have shown us that the octagon is a level playing field, where speed, technique, and a whole lot of grit can trump height any day of the week. So, the next time you tune into a UFC event, don’t just focus on the big guys. Keep an eye out for those smaller warriors who are ready to throw down and prove that they’re not just fighting in the big leagues, they’re winning in them.
