List of King of the Cage champions
This is a list of King of the Cage (KOTC) champions at each weight class. KOTC is a USA-based mixed martial arts (MMA) organization that was founded in 1998.
The weight division system of KOTC is divided up in accordance with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, but with some variations. KOTC has chosen to name its 145-pound division "Bantamweight" (instead of Featherweight), its 135-pound division "Flyweight" (instead of Bantamweight) and its 125-pound division "Light Flyweight" (instead of Flyweight). KOTC also takes advantage of the rarely used Super Heavyweight division for fighters exceeding the 265-pound weight limit of the Heavyweight division.
In addition to these variances, KOTC also employs three exclusive weight classes that were not specified within the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (until July 2017): a 165-pound "Light Welterweight" division, a 230-pound "Cruiserweight" division, and a 185-pound "Light Middleweight"' division (The KOTC's "Middleweight" limit is 195 lb). These divisions were later introduced (amongst others) into the Unified Rules of MMA, with "Light Welterweight" being called "Super Lightweight".
Current champions
Division | Champion | Since | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|
Super Heavyweight | Ronny Markes | Feb 4, 2017 | 0 |
Heavyweight | Tomar Washington | May 11, 2019 | 0 |
Cruiserweight | Victor Torres | April 13, 2019 | 0 |
Light Heavyweight | Jesse Murray | April 13, 2019 | 0 |
Middleweight | Erik Herbert | Feb. 17, 2018 | 0 |
Light Middleweight | Sidiah Parker | Oct 8, 2016 | 1 |
Welterweight | Edson Gomez | June 22, 2019 | 1 |
Light Welterweight | Richie Palomino | September 7, 2019 | 0 |
Lightweight | Blaze Gill | January 13, 2018 | 0 |
Bantamweight | Aaron Williams | December 8, 2019 | 0 |
Flyweight | Johnny Munoz Jr. | June 22, 2019 | 0 |
Light Flyweight | Reuben Duran | Feb. 24, 2018 | 0 |
CANADIAN Middleweight | Elmer Waterhen | March 4, 2016 | 0 |
CANADIAN Welterweight | Jarid Bussemakers | March 3, 2017 | 0 |
CANADIAN Bantamweight | Josh Machan | April 28, 2012 | 1 |
Division | Champion | Since | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|
Flyweight | Shanna Young | November 21, 2015 | 0 |
Flyweight (Interim) | Pam Sorenson | July 30, 2016 | 1 |
Light Flyweight | Glena Avila | May 26, 2018 | 0 |
Strawweight | Cynthia Arceo | Feb. 24, 2018 | 0 |
Atomweight | Jayme Hinshaw | November 10, 2017 | 1 |
Title history
Super Heavyweight Championship
- Over 265 pounds (120.2 kg)
- Prior to 2002 this weight class was referred to as Heavyweight.
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Marvin Eastman def.Quinton Jackson |
June 24, 2000 KOTC 4: Gladiators |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Ioka Tianuu on Sep 16, 2000 at KOTC 5: Cage Wars |
Eastman vacated the title to compete at Light Heavyweight. | ||||
2 | Bobby Hoffman def. Kauai Kupihea |
June 23, 2001 KOTC 9: Showtime |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Hoffman was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
3 | Dan Bobish def.Eric Pele |
February 9, 2002 KOTC 12: Cold Blood |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
4 | Jimmy Ambriz | August 2, 2002 KOTC 16: Double Cross |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Vince Lucero on Dec 7, 2002 at KOTC 19: Street Fight |
Ambriz was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
5 | Eric Pele def. Dan Christison |
May 16, 2003 KOTC 23: Sin City |
Las Vegas, NV, USA |
1. def. Travis Fulton on Jan 24, 2004 at KOTC 32: Bringing the Heat |
Pele was stripped of the title for leaving the promotion. | ||||
6 | Lloyd Marshbanks def. Jerry Vrbanovic |
November 14, 2004 KOTC: Revenge |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Marshbanks was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
7 | Eric Pele (2) def. Bobby Hoffman |
May 7, 2005 KOTC: Mortal Sins |
Primm, NV, USA | |
Pele was stripped of the title due to inactivity. | ||||
8 | Brian Sesma def. Alan Zummar |
December 2, 2007 KOTC: Final Chapter |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Sesma was stripped of the title for never accepting a title defence. | ||||
Chance Williams and Mike Bourke fought to a no contest for the vacant title on May 15, 2008 at KOTC: Opposing Forces. | ||||
Chance Williams was awarded the title after Mike Bourke refused to face Williams in a rematch. | ||||
9 | Chance Williams promoted to undisputed champion |
December 11, 2008 KOTC: Prowler |
Highland, CA, USA | |
10 | Neil Cooke | February 27, 2009 KOTC: Immortal |
San Bernardino, CA, USA |
1. def. Sal Farnetti on Aug 13, 2009 at KOTC: Super Stars |
11 | Esteves Jones | February 3, 2011 KOTC: Empire |
San Bernardino, CA, USA | |
12 | Tony Lopez | September 17, 2011 KOTC: Apocalypse |
Thackerville, OK, USA |
1. def. Rob Jackson on Feb 2, 2012 at KOTC: Reckless Abandon |
12 | Ronny Markes | Feb 4, 2017 KOTC: Heavy Trauma |
Lincoln City, OR, USA |
Heavyweight Championship
- 231 pounds (104.8 kg) to 265 pounds (120.2 kg)
- In 2002 the Heavyweight and its title history were reclassified as Super Heavyweight and a new Heavyweight title was created with its current weight limit.
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bobby Hoffman def. Jason Godsey |
February 21, 2003 KOTC 21: Invasion |
Albuquerque, NM, USA |
1. def. Paul Buentello on Aug 10, 2003 at KOTC 27: Aftermath |
2 | Paul Buentello | November 2, 2003 KOTC 30: The Pinnacle |
Pala, CA, USA |
1. def. Bo Cantrell on Nov 14, 2004 at KOTC: Revenge |
Buentello vacated the title to compete in the UFC. | ||||
3 | Manny Rodriguez def. Jerry Davis |
March 10, 2007 KOTC: Caged Chaos |
Laughlin, NV, USA | |
Rodriguez vacated the title after he was forced to retire due to injuries. | ||||
4 | Tony Lopez def. Wes Combs |
July 19, 2008 KOTC: Rock Solid |
Lac Du Flambeau, WI, USA |
1. def. Joey Beltran on Oct 1, 2009 at KOTC: Distorted |
5 | Tony Johnson | March 26, 2010 KOTC: Legacy |
Reno, NV, USA | |
6 | Daniel Cormier | August 13, 2010 KOTC: Imminent Danger |
Mescalero, NM, USA | |
Cormier vacated the title to fight for Strikeforce. | ||||
7 | Tyler East def. Nick Gaston |
June 24, 2011 KOTC: Epic Force |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
East was stripped of the title. | ||||
8 | Tony Lopez (2) def. Esteves Jones |
December 15, 2011 KOTC: Magnaflow |
San Bernardino, CA, USA |
1. def. Cody East on Apr 14, 2012 at KOTC: Bad Intentions II |
9 | Nick Rossborough | April 11, 2013 KOTC: Devastation |
Highland, CA, USA | |
10 | Cody East | June 22, 2013 KOTC: East vs. West |
Albuquerque, NM, USA | |
East was stripped of the title when he signed with Legacy FC. | ||||
11 | Tony Lopez (3) def. Anthony McDonald |
Sept 5, 2015 KOTC: Rogue Wave |
Lincoln City, OR, USA | 1. def. Nathan Bryant on May 21, 2016 at KOTC: Blood Enemies 2. def. Andenilson Clementino on Dec. 9, 2016 at KOTC: Declaring War |
Lopez was stripped of the title when he signed with Rage in the Cage. | ||||
12 | Chad Johnson def. Edward Sponeybarger |
Nov. 10, 2018 KOTC: In The Mix |
Salamanca, NY, USA | |
13 | Tomar Washington | May 11, 2019 KOTC: Rumble on the River 2 |
North Augusta, SC, USA |
Cruiserweight Championship
- 206 pounds (93.4 kg) to 230 pounds (104.3 kg)
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tony Bonello def. Mike Bourke |
February 12, 2010 KOTC: Vengeance |
Mascalero, NM, USA | |
Bonello was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
2 | Wes Combs def. Boban Simic |
July 23, 2011 KOTC: Compression Test |
Lac du Flambeau, WI, USA |
1. def. Esteves Jones on May 25, 2013 at KOTC: World Championships |
Combs was stripped of the title due to inactivity. | ||||
3 | Chad Johnson def. Victor Jones |
July 28, 2018 KOTC: Hard Knocks 3 |
Wyandotte, MI, USA | |
Johnson vacated the title to pursue the Heavyweight Championship. | ||||
4 | Thomas Fallon def. Alejandro Santiago |
October 6, 2018 KOTC: Terminal Velocity |
Oroville, CA, USA | |
Fallon was stripped of the title when he signed with PureCombat. | ||||
5 | Victor Torres def. Jordan Seufzer |
April 13, 2019 KOTC: Supremacy 2 |
Wyandotte, MI, USA |
Light Heavyweight Championship
- 196 pounds (88.9 kg) to 205 pounds (93.0 kg)
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vernon White def. Marvin Eastman |
April 29, 2001 KOTC 8: Bombs Away |
Williams, CA, USA |
1. def. James Lee on Sep 29, 2001 at KOTC 11: Domination |
2 | Jeremy Horn | May 16, 2003 KOTC 23: Sin City |
Las Vegas, NV, USA |
1. def. Dean Lister on Dec 6, 2003 at KOTC 31 |
Horn was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
3 | Tony Bonello def. Edwin Aguilar |
February 4, 2005 KOTC: Australia |
Australia | |
Bonello was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
4 | James Lee def. James Te Huna |
February 10, 2006 KOTC: Gunfather |
Australia |
1. def. Brian Hawkins on Mar 18, 2006 at KOTC: Drop Zone |
Lee vacated the title on November 21, 2007 to fight for the UFC.[2] | ||||
5 | Tony Lopez def. Fernando Gonzalez |
October 16, 2008 KOTC: Misconduct |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Keith Berry on Feb 27, 2009 at KOTC: Immortal |
6 | Mike Kyle | May 14, 2010 KOTC: Honor |
Mascalero, NM, USA | |
Kyle vacated the title to fight for Strikeforce. | ||||
7 | Trevor Prangley def. Tony Lopez |
December 20, 2012 KOTC: Vigilante |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Brandon Anderson on Feb 22, 2013 at KOTC: Free Fall II |
Prangley was stripped of the title after failing to make a title defense. | ||||
8 | Tony Lopez (2) def. Mike Hayes |
August 6, 2016 KOTC: Provoked |
Lincoln City, OR, USA | |
Lopez vacated the title to concentrate on the Heavyweight division. | ||||
9 | Jason Butcher def. William Hill |
March 3, 2017 KOTC: Violent Confrontation |
Carlton, MN, USA | 1. def. Jesse Murray on Oct. 28, 2017 at KOTC: Locked In |
Butcher was stripped of the title when he signed with PFL. | ||||
10 | Jesse Murray def. Victor Jones |
April 13, 2019 KOTC: Supremacy 2 |
Wyandotte, MI, USA | |
Middleweight Championship
- 186 pounds (84.4 kg) to 195 pounds (88.5 kg)
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Erik Herbert def. Mike DiOrio |
February 17, 2018 KOTC Prevail |
Niagara Falls, NY, USA | |
Light Middleweight Championship
- 176 pounds (79.8 kg) to 185 pounds (83.9 kg)
- Prior to 2018 this weight class was referred to as Middleweight.
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chris Brennan def. Kevin Hogan |
August 4, 2001 KOTC 10: Critical Mass |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Steve Berger on Sep 29, 2001 at KOTC 11: Domination |
Brennan was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
2 | Dean Lister def. Brendan Seguin |
August 2, 2002 KOTC 16: Double Cross |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Brian Sleeman on Jun 29, 2003 at KOTC 25: Flaming Fury |
Lister vacated the title to compete at Light Heavyweight. | ||||
3 | Joey Villasenor def. Brian Foster |
September 24, 2004 KOTC: Relentless |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Jorge Ortiz on Dec 4, 2004 at KOTC: Hostile Takeover |
Villasenor was stripped of the title after signing with Pride.[3] | ||||
4 | Billy Ayash def. Joshua Taibi |
January 26, 2007 KOTC: Mass Destruction |
Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA | |
Ayash was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
5 | Keith Berry def. Sean Loeffler |
August 5, 2007 KOTC: Collision Course |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Umar Love on Dec 2, 2007 at KOTC: Final Chapter |
Berry vacated the title to compete at Light Heavyweight. | ||||
6 | Brandon Hunt def. Brad Burrick |
November 26, 2008 KOTC: Anticipation |
Mt. Pleasent, MI, USA | |
7 | Brad Burrick |
June 19, 2009 KOTC: Encore |
Mt. Pleasent, MI, USA | |
8 | Brandon Hunt (2) |
April 16, 2010 KOTC: Bad Boys 2 |
Detroit, MI, USA |
1. def. Angelo Popofski on Sep 11, 2010 at KOTC: Civil War II |
9 | Sean Strickland | April 26, 2012 KOTC: Hardcore |
Highland, CA, USA | |
- | Josh Bryant def. Shonie Carter for interim title |
September 21, 2012 KOTC: Heavy Duty |
Tulsa, OK, USA | |
- | Sean Strickland def. Josh Bryant to unify titles |
Dec 8, 2012 KOTC: Unification |
Tulsa, OK, USA | 1. def. Bill Albrecht on Feb 7, 2013 at KOTC: Restitution 2. def. Yusuke Sakashita on Jul 5, 2013 at KOTC: Worldwide |
Title was vacated on March 3, 2014 when Strickland left the organization to fight for the UFC.[4] | ||||
10 | Daniel Hernandez def. Brandon Hunt |
October 2, 2014 KOTC: Battle for the Belt |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Will Noland on Dec 4, 2014 at KOTC: Fisticuffs |
11 | Daniel Madrid | October 17, 2015 KOTC: Sinister Intentions |
Las Vegas, NV, USA | 1. def. Daniel Hernandez on March 5, 2016 at KOTC: Night of Champions |
Madrid was stripped of the title when he failed to make a title defense. | ||||
12 | Sidiah Parker def. Matt Gabel |
October 8, 2016 KOTC: Social Disorder |
Sloan, IA, USA | 1. def. Daniel Hernandez on August 12, 2017 at KOTC: Counterstrike |
Welterweight Championship
- 166 pounds (75.3 kg) to 175 pounds (79.4 kg)
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Erik Meaders def. Jeremy Williams |
October 30, 1999 KOTC 1: Bas Rutten's King of the Cage |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Charlie Kohler on Feb 5, 2000 at KOTC 2: Desert Storm |
2 | Joe Stevenson |
November 29, 2000 KOTC 6: Road Warriors |
Mt. Pleasent, MI, USA |
1. def. Ryan Painter on Aug 4, 2001 at KOTC 10: Critical Mass |
3 | Romie Aram | October 19, 2002 KOTC 17: Nuclear Explosion |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Aram was stripped of the title after signing with the UFC. | ||||
4 | Ronald Jhun def. Shonie Carter |
May 16, 2003 KOTC 23: Sin City |
Las Vegas, NV, USA | |
5 | John Alessio | September 5, 2003 KOTC 29: Renegades |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Alessio was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
6 | Diego Sanchez def. Jorge Santiago |
June 12, 2004 KOTC 37: Unfinished Business |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Sanchez was stripped of the title after he left to compete on The Ultimate Fighter 1. | ||||
7 | James Fanshier def. Thomas Denny |
November 14, 2004 KOTC: Revenge |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Brandon Bell on Feb 4, 2005 at KOTC: Australia |
8 | Thomas Denny |
December 2, 2005 KOTC: Final Conflict |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
9 | Matt Stansell |
March 25, 2006 KOTC: The Return II |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Stansell vacated the title after retiring from competition. | ||||
10 | Aaron Wetherspoon def. Thomas Kenney |
August 4, 2006 KOTC: Rapid Fire |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Dave Terrel on Dec 1, 2006 at KOTC: Destroyer |
11 | Anthony Lapsley | August 14, 2008 KOTC: Biohazard |
Highland, CA, USA | |
12 | Michael Guymon | December 11, 2008 KOTC: Prowler |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Quinn Mulhern on Oct 1, 2009 at KOTC: Distorted |
Guymon was stripped of the title after signing with the UFC. | ||||
13 | Quinn Mulhern def. Koffi Adzitso |
March 26, 2010 KOTC: Legacy |
Reno, NV, USA |
1. def. Levi Stout on Aug 13, 2010 at KOTC: Imminent Danger |
Mulhern vacated the title on May 6, 2011 after signing with Strikeforce.[5] | ||||
14 | David Gomez def. Brendan Tierney |
June 30, 2011 KOTC: Next Generation |
Highland, CA, USA | |
15 | Bill Albrecht | September 17, 2011 KOTC: Apocalypse |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
16 | Dom OāGrady | January 21, 2012 KOTC: Total Destruction |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
O'Grady was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator. | ||||
17 | David Gomez (2) def. Matt Conte |
April 26, 2012 KOTC: Hardcore |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Bill Albrecht on Aug 30, 2012 at KOTC: Mercenaries |
18 | Sam Liera | December 20, 2012 KOTC: Vigilante |
Highland, CA, USA | |
19 | Joshua Aveles | February 7, 2013 KOTC: Restitution |
Highland, CA, USA | |
20 | David Gomez (3) | April 11, 2013 KOTC: Devastation |
Highland, CA, USA | |
21 | Joshua Aveles (2) | August 29, 2013 KOTC: Split Decision |
Highland, CA, USA | |
22 | Kito Andrews | November 30, 2013 KOTC: Enemy Territory |
Oroville, CA, USA | |
23 | Joshua Aveles (3) | February 22, 2014 KOTC: Radar Lock |
Scottsdale, AZ, USA | |
Aveles vacated the title after signing with Tachi Palace Fights. | ||||
24 | Ben Egli def. Aaron Hedrick |
October 1, 2016 KOTC: High Caliber |
Lincoln City, OR, USA |
1. def. Ryan Walker on Feb 4, 2017 at KOTC: Heavy Trauma |
Egli vacated the title after signing with Absolute Championship Berkut. | ||||
- | Dez Hill def. Anthony Rozema for interim title |
April 8, 2017 KOTC: Starbound |
Rio Rancho, NM, USA | |
Hill vacated the title after signing with Cage Wars. | ||||
25 | Edson Gomez def. Travis Williams |
June 22, 2019 KOTC: Golden Era |
Ontario, CA, USA |
1. def. Danny Garcia on Dec. 8, 2019 at KOTC: Hard Drive |
Light Welterweight Championship
- 156 pounds (70.8 kg) to 165 pounds (74.8 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Joe Camacho def. Thomas Denny |
January 24, 2008 KOTC: Premiere |
Highland, CA, USA | |
2 | Victor Valenzuela | August 14, 2008 KOTC: Bio Hazard |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Donald Sanchez on Feb 27, 2009 at KOTC: Immortal |
Valenzuela vacated the title to compete as a Lightweight. | ||||
3 | Ricky Legere Jr. def. Waachiim Spiritwolf |
October 1, 2009 KOTC: Distorted |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Eric Moon on Dec 17, 2009 at KOTC: Fight 4 Hope |
4 | Bobby Green | February 25, 2010 KOTC: Arrival |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Daron Cruickshank on Aug 13, 2010 at KOTC: Imminent Danger |
5 | Tim Means | October 7, 2010 KOTC: Inferno |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Dom O'Grady on Dec 9, 2010 at KOTC: Steel |
Means vacated the title in February, 2012 to fight for UFC.[6] | ||||
6 | Tony Hervey def. Buddy Clinton |
June 30, 2012 KOTC: Ariel Assault |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
Hervey stripped of the title after signing with Bellator. | ||||
7 | Derek Campos def. Joe Condon |
October 6, 2012 KOTC: Stranglehold |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
Campos was stripped of the title. | ||||
8 | Lowen Tynanes def. Kris Armbrister |
April 11, 2013 KOTC: Devastation |
Highland, CA, USA | |
Title is vacated. | ||||
9 | Joshua Aveles def. Kris Armbrister |
October 31, 2013 KOTC: Terrified |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Joe Condon on Jun 5, 2014 at KOTC: Slugfest |
10 | Alex Reyes | March 15, 2015 KOTC: Coming Home |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Thomas Noel on Aug 29, 2015 at KOTC: Bitter Rivals |
Reyes vacated the title when he dropped down to the Lightweight division. | ||||
11 | Thor Skancke | March 5, 2016 KOTC: Night of Champions |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
12 | Darren Smith Jr. | June 4, 2016 KOTC: Firefight |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
13 | Ryan Fillingame | September 18, 2016 KOTC: Martial Law |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
14 | Billy Quarantillo | February 25, 2017 KOTC: Raw Deal |
Niagara Falls, NY, USA | |
Quarantillo vacated the title when left to compete for V3 Fights. | ||||
15 | Juan Archuleta def. Adel El-Tamini |
September 2, 2017 KOTC: Never Quit |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
Archuleta vacated the title in March 2018 when left to compete for Bellator MMA. | ||||
16 | Sherwin Price def. Jake Adams |
July 21, 2018 KOTC: Perennial |
Ignacio, CO, USA | |
17 | Nick Angeloni | December 2, 2018 KOTC: Starbound 2 |
Rio Rancho, NM, USA | |
18 | Richie Palomino | September 7, 2019 KOTC: Reaction Time |
Parker, AZ, USA |
Lightweight Championship
- 146 pounds (66.2 kg) to 155 pounds (70.3 kg)
- This weightclass was originally referred to as Middleweight and had an upper weight limit of 160 pounds (72.6 kg)
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Charlie Kohler def. Jason Meaders |
June 24, 2000 KOTC 4: Gladiators |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Kohler vacated the title to compete as a Middleweight. | ||||
2 | Javier Vazquez def. Philip Perez |
August 4, 2001 KOTC 10: Critical Mass |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Sean Wilmot on May 17, 2002 at KOTC 13: Revolution |
3 | Alberto Crane | February 21, 2003 KOTC 21: Invasion |
Albuquerque, NM, USA | |
Crane was stripped of the title after leaving the promotion. | ||||
4 | Thomas Schulte def. John Mahlow |
June 14, 2003 KOTC 24: Mayhem |
Albuquerque, NM, USA | |
5 | Joe Stevenson | November 2, 2003 KOTC30: The Pinnacle |
Pala, CA, USA | |
Stevenson was stripped of the title when he left to participate on The Ultimate Fighter 2. | ||||
6 | Takumi Nakayama def. Charlie Kohler |
November 14, 2004 KOTC: Revenge |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
7 | Mac Danzig |
October 29, 2005 KOTC: Execution Day |
Reno, NV, USA |
1. def. Jason Ireland on Mar 18, 2006 at KOTC: Drop Zone |
8 | Clay French |
January 19, 2007 KOTC: Hard Knocks |
Rockford, IL, USA |
1. def. Buddy Clinton on May 26, 2007 at KOTC: Damage Control |
9 | Rory MacDonald | November 28, 2008 KOTC: Grinder |
||
MacDonald vacated the title to compete as a welterweight. | ||||
10 | Tony Hervey def. Victor Valenzuela |
August 13, 2009 KOTC: Super Stars |
Highland, CA, USA | |
11 | David Shepherd | December 12, 2009 KOTC: Title Defense |
Sault Ste. Marie, MI, USA | |
12 | Dom OāGrady | April 16, 2010 KOTC: Bad Boys 2 |
Detroit, MI, USA | |
13 | Bobby Green | April 21, 2011 KOTC: Moral Victory |
San Bernardino, CA, USA | |
Green vacated the title to fight for Strikeforce. | ||||
14 | Tim Means def. Tye Brown |
January 21, 2012 KOTC: Total Destruction |
Thackerville, OK, USA | |
Means vacated the title in February, 2012 to fight for UFC.[6] | ||||
15 | JC Cottrell def. Roy Babcock |
September 15, 2012 KOTC: Surgical Strike |
Norman, OK, USA | |
16 | Victor Meza | May 25, 2013 KOTC: World Championships |
Scottsdale, AZ, USA |
1. def. Benny Madrid on Sep 28, 2013 at KOTC: Boiling Point |
17 | Alex Reyes | December 4, 2014 KOTC: Fisticuffs |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Joshua Aveles on Mar 15, 2015 at KOTC: Coming Home |
Reyes vacated the title when he moved up to the Jr. Welterweight division. | ||||
18 | Juan Archuleta def. Chris Tickle |
June 4, 2016 KOTC: Firefight |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | 1. def. Brandon Hastings on Mar 18, 2017 at KOTC: Supernova |
Archuleta vacated the title when he decided to concentrate on other weight classes. | ||||
19 | Blaze Gill def. Jake Adams |
January 13, 2018 KOTC: Mercenaries 2 |
Sloan, IO, USA |
Bantamweight Championship
- 136 pounds (61.7 kg) to 145 pounds (65.8 kg)
- Prior to 2004 this weight class was referred to as Flyweight.
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | David Step def. Jeff Cahill |
February 5, 2000 KOTC 2: Desert Storm |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Step vacated the title after retiring from competition. | ||||
2 | Charlie Valencia def. David Velasquez |
February 9, 2002 KOTC 12: Cold Blood |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Valencia vacated the title to take a 2 year hiatus. | ||||
3 | Frankie Bollinger def. Richard Goodman |
September 24, 2004 KOTC: Relentless |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Bollinger vacated the title for unknown reasons. | ||||
4 | Urijah Faber def. Eben Kaneshiro |
November 14, 2004 KOTC: Revenge |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Hiroyuki Abe on May 7, 2005 at KOTC: Predator |
Faber vacated the title in December, 2006 after signing with the WEC exclusively. | ||||
5 | Matt Jaggers def. Joe Voison |
February 22, 2008 KOTC: Stand Off |
Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA | |
6 | Lazar Stojadinovic | June 13, 2008 KOTC: Settlement |
Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA | |
- | Angelo Sanchez def. Tony Hervey for interim title |
December 6, 2008 KOTC: Goodfellas |
Albuquerque, NM, USA |
1. def. Nathan Torrez on Mar 7, 2009 at KOTC: New Breed |
Stojadinovic was stripped of the title. | ||||
7 | Angelo Sanchez promoted to undisputed champion |
- | - | |
- | Donald Sanchez def. Lazar Stojadinovic for interim title |
August 1, 2009 KOTC: Gate Keeper |
Mescalero, NM, USA |
1. def. Richard Montano on Nov 28, 2009 at KOTC: Horse Power |
8 | Donald Sanchez | May 14, 2010 KOTC: Honor |
Mescalero, NM, USA |
1. def. Pat McGreal on Sep 17, 2010 at KOTC: No Mercy |
9 | Jeremy Spoon | August 20, 2011 KOTC: Overdrive |
Norman, OK, USA | |
Spoon was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator. | ||||
10 | Donald Sanchez (2) def. Jamie Steichen |
March 17, 2012 KOTC: Prohibited |
Norman, OK, USA |
1. def. Warren Stewart on May 12, 2012 at KOTC: Nightmare |
Sanchez was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator. | ||||
11 | Henry Corrales def. Jerod Spoon |
October 31, 2013 KOTC: Terrified |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Seth Dikun on Mar 6, 2014 at KOTC: Beaten Path |
Corrales was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator MMA. | ||||
12 | Jordan Griffin def. Seth Dikun |
August 8, 2015 KOTC: Warriors Collide |
St. Michael, ND, USA |
1. def. Justin Likness on Nov 14, 2015 at KOTC: Battle at the Lake |
13 | Juan Archuleta | July 23, 2016 KOTC: Destructive Intent |
Washington, PA, USA | 1. def. Mark Dickman on Dec. 3, 2017 at KOTC: Conquistadores |
Archuleta was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator MMA. | ||||
14 | Tony Gravely def. Drako Rodriguez |
September 15, 2018 KOTC: Territorial Conflict |
Niagara Falls, NY, USA | |
Gravely was stripped of the title after signing with CES MMA. | ||||
15 | Juan Beltran def. DeMarcus Brown |
March 10, 2019 KOTC: Sin Rival |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
16 | Aaron Williams | December 8, 2019 KOTC: Hard Drive |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
Flyweight Championship
- 126 pounds (57.2 kg) to 135 pounds (61.2 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shawn Ramage def. Kevin Alliva |
August 10, 2003 KOTC: Aftermath |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Ramage vacated the title after retiring from competition. | ||||
2 | Del Hawkins def. Victor Hernandez |
July 9, 2005 KOTC: Caliente |
Globe, AZ, USA | |
Hawkins vacated the title for unknown reasons. | ||||
3 | Manny Tapia def. Gregory Vivian |
August 5, 2005 KOTC: Prime Time |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Tapia was stripped of the title after signing with the WEC. | ||||
4 | Ryan Diaz def. Ed Newalu |
March 10, 2007 KOTC: Caged Chaos |
Laughlin, NV, USA | |
5 | Abel Cullum | May 17, 2008 KOTC: Reckless |
Greenville, MS, USA |
1. def. Brett Roller on Dec 6, 2008 at KOTC: Goodfellas |
6 | Jimmie Rivera | September 17, 2010 KOTC: No Mercy |
Mashantucket, CT, USA |
1. def. Jared Papazian on Feb 3, 2011 at KOTC: Empire |
Rivera vacated the title for unknown reasons. | ||||
7 | Jared Papazian def. Abel Cullum |
June 24, 2011 KOTC: Epic Force |
Thackerville, OK, USA |
1. def. Marvin Garcia on Sep 15, 2011 at KOTC: First Defense |
Papazian was stripped of the title after signing with the UFC. | ||||
8 | Frank Baca def. Marvin Garcia |
February 2, 2012 KOTC: Reckless Abandon |
Highland, CA, USA | |
9 | Russell Doane | July 14, 2012 KOTC: ALI'Is |
Honolulu, HI, USA | |
Doane stripped of the title after signing with Pacific Xtreme Combat. | ||||
10 | Marvin Garcia def. Justin Robbins |
December 20, 2012 KOTC: Vigilante |
Highland, CA, USA | |
11 | Frankie Saenz | May 25, 2013 KOTC: World Championships |
Scottsdale, AZ, USA |
1. def. Tyler Bialecki on Sep 28, 2013 at KOTC: Boiling Point |
- | Randy Steinke def. Ian De La Cuesta for interim title |
July 20, 2013 KOTC: Heated Fury |
Scottsdale, AZ, USA |
1. def. Imani Jackson on May 26, 2014 at KOTC: Alliance |
Saenz stripped of the title in August 2014 after signing with the UFC. | ||||
12 | Randy Steinke promoted to undisputed champion |
August 2014 - |
- | |
- | Reuben Duran def. Eduardo Torres for interim title |
October 2, 2014 KOTC: Battle for the Belt |
Highland, CA, USA |
1. def. Andrew Natividad on Aug 29, 2015 at KOTC: Bitter Rivals |
13 | Derrick Mandell | July 8, 2016 KOTC: Ultimate Collision |
Carlton, MN, USA | |
14 | Juan Archuleta | Dec. 18, 2016 KOTC: Warranted Aggression |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
Archuleta vacated the title to pursue heavier weight classes. | ||||
15 | Patrick Mix def. Andre Ewell |
Nov. 18, 2017 KOTC: Ultimate Mix |
Salamanca, NY, USA |
1. def. Tony Gravely on May 12, 2018 at KOTC: No Retreat |
Mix was stripped of the title after signing with Bellator MMA. | ||||
16 | Johnny Munoz Jr. def. Rentsen Otgontulga |
June 22, 2019 KOTC: Golden Era |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
Light Flyweight Championship
- 116 pounds (52.6 kg) to 125 pounds (56.7 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mamoru Yamaguchi def. Frank Baca |
January 30, 2010 KOTC: Toryumon |
Okinawa, Japan | |
Title is vacated. | ||||
2 | Josh Paiva def. Zach Lari |
August 17, 2013 KOTC: Unprecedented |
Oroville, CA, USA | |
3 | Anthony Figueroa | November 30, 2013 KOTC: Enemy Territory |
Oroville, CA, USA | |
Figueroa stripped of the title after signing with Tachi Palace Fights. | ||||
4 | John DeVall def. Nate Williams |
August 1, 2015 KOTC: Rumble on the River |
Sloan, Iowa, USA | |
DeVall vacated the title to challenge for the championship in a higher division. | ||||
5 | Tim Sosa Johnny Guillen |
November 26, 2016 KOTC: Duke City 2 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | 1. def. Gonzalo Ponce on Mar 11, 2017 at KOTC: Bloody War |
6 | Reuben Duran | February 24, 2018 KOTC: Energetic Pursuit |
Ontario, California, USA |
Women's Bantamweight Championship
- 126 pounds (57.2 kg) to 135 pounds (61.2 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shanna Young Christina Jobe |
November 21, 2015 KOTC: Bear Brawl |
Carlton, MN, USA | 1. def. Pam Sorenson on April 8, 2016 at KOTC: Generation X. |
- | Pam Sorenson def. Brenda Gonzales for interim title |
July 30, 2016 KOTC: Natural Instinct |
Lac du Flambeau, WI, USA | 1. def. Christina Barry on September 9, 2016 at KOTC: Due Process. |
Women's Flyweight Championship
- 116 pounds (52.6 kg) to 125 pounds (56.7 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sarah Alpar def. Monica Lovato |
May 12, 2012 KOTC: Nightmare |
Santa Fe, NM, USA | |
2 | Brenda Gonzales | October 6, 2012 KOTC: Stranglehold |
Thackerville, OK, USA |
1. def. Elsie Zwicker on Dec 1, 2012 at KOTC: Battlegrounds |
Gonzales vacated the title to move up in a weight class. | ||||
3 | Nicco Montano def. Jamie Milanowski |
October 8, 2016 KOTC: Social Disorder |
Sloan, IA, USA | |
Montano vacated the title when she signed with the UFC. | ||||
4 | Glena Avila def. Angela Danzig |
May 26, 2018 KOTC: Grand Finale |
Lincoln City, OR, USA | |
Women's Strawweight Championship
- 106 pounds (48.1 kg) to 115 pounds (52.2 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Danielle Taylor def. Glena Avila |
Feb 12, 2015 KOTC: Short Fuse |
Worley, ID, USA | |
2 | Jamie Colleen | Aug 29, 2015 KOTC: Bitter Rivals |
Ontario, CA, USA | 1. def. Calie Cutler on January 8, 2016 at KOTC: Thunder n' Lightning |
3 | Danielle Taylor (2) | March 5, 2016 KOTC: Night of Champions |
Ontario, CA, USA | |
Taylor vacated the title on July 28, 2016 when she signed with the UFC. | ||||
4 | Stephanie Frausto def. Angela Danzig |
June 24, 2017 KOTC: Flashback |
Oroville, CA, USA | |
Frausto was stripped of title due to inactivity. | ||||
5 | Cynthia Arceo def. Chelsea Faulder |
Feb. 24, 2018 KOTC: Energetic Pursuit |
Ontario, CA, USA | -. vs. Loveth Young (ended in a Draw) on June 10, 2018 at KOTC: Highlight Reel |
5 | Loveth Young | Oct. 27, 2018 KOTC: 20th Anniversary |
Ontario, CA, USA |
Women's Atomweight Championship
- Until 105 pounds (47.6 kg)
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Andy Nguyen def. Elane Santiago |
Apr 9, 2016 KOTC: New Era |
Sloan, IA, USA | 1. def. Cassie Robb on October 8, 2016 at KOTC: Social Disorder 2. def. Bi Nguyen on May 6, 2017 at KOTC: Groundbreaking |
2 | Melissa Karagianis | Aug 12, 2017 KOTC: Counterstrike |
Niagara Falls, NY, USA | |
3 | Jayme Hinshaw | Nov 10, 2017 KOTC: Unstoppable 2 |
Carlton, MN, USA | 1. def. Bi Nguyen on July 21, 2018 at KOTC: Perennial |
Light Heavyweight Superfight
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vernon White def. Todd Medina |
April 15, 2000 KOTC 3: Knockout Nightmare |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. David Dodd on Nov 29, 2000 at KOTC 6: Road Warriors |
Retired Superfight Championship to pursue World Championship. | ||||
2 | Jesse Murray def. Eddie Larrea |
August 5, 2017 KOTC: Second Coming |
Wyandotte, MI, USA | |
Retired Superfight Championship to pursue World Championship. | ||||
CANADIAN Middleweight Championship
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Elmer Waterhen def. Mike Froese |
March 9, 2012 KOTC: Infamy |
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
Waterhen vacated the title when he dropped down to Welterweight. | ||||
2 | Drayton Angus def. Trent Thorne |
June 12, 2015 KOTC: Mach 3 |
Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada | |
3 | Elmer Waterhen (2) | March 4, 2016 KOTC: Wrecking Ball |
Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
CANADIAN Welterweight Championship
No. | Name: | Date: | Location: | Defenses: |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Elmer Waterhen def. Garett Davis |
November 16, 2012 KOTC: Stand and Deliver |
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
2 | Chris Mattock | September 27, 2013 KOTC: A New Dawn |
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | |
Mattock vacated the title to go compete in Hard Knocks. | ||||
3 | Jarid Bussemakers def. Kolton Menzak |
March 3, 2017 KOTC: Canada 72 |
Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada |
Retired Titles
Openweight Championship
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Steven Treadwell def. Mike Bourke |
October 30, 1999 KOTC 1: Bas Rutten's King of the Cage |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
2 | John Matua | February 5, 2000 KOTC 2: Desert Storm |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
3 | Mike Bourke | September 16, 2000 KOTC 5: Cage Wars |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Openweight Superfight
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ricco Rodriguez def. Paul Buentello |
February 24, 2001 KOTC 7: Wet and Wild |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Heavyweight Superfight
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Brian Foster def. Frank Rodriguez |
October 30, 1999 KOTC 1: Bas Rutten's King of the Cage |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
2 | Romie Aram | February 5, 2000 KOTC 2: Desert Storm |
San Jacinto, CA, USA | |
Middleweight Superfight
No. | Name | Date | Location | Defenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chris Brennan def. Joe Stevenson |
October 30, 1999 KOTC 1: Bas Rutten's King of the Cage |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Antonio McKee on Apr 15, 2000 at KOTC 3: Knockout Nightmare |
2 | Joe Hurley | September 16, 2000 KOTC 5: Cage Wars |
San Jacinto, CA, USA |
1. def. Charlie Kohler on Feb 24, 2001 at KOTC 7: Wet and Wild |
3 | Gil Castillo | April 29, 2001 KOTC 8: Bombs Away |
Williams, CA, USA | |
4 | Tony Bonello def. Mansour Heidari |
November 2, 2003 KOTC 30: The Pinnacle |
Pala, CA, USA | |
Most consecutive title defenses
The following includes all KOTC champions who were able to consecutively defend their title three times or more. Fighters with the same number of title defenses are listed chronologically.
Defenses | Champion | Division | Period |
---|---|---|---|
7 | Joey Villasenor | Middleweight | Sep 24, 2004 - Oct, 2006 |
6 | Trevor Prangley | Light Heavyweight | Dec 20,2012 - present |
5 | Urijah Faber | Bantamweight | Nov 14, 2004 - Dec, 2006 |
Aaron Wetherspoon[lower-alpha 1] | Welterweight | Aug 4, 2006 - Aug 14, 2008 | |
4 | Mac Danzig | Lightweight | Oct 29, 2005 - Jan 19, 2007 |
Abel Cullum | Flyweight | May 17, 2008 - Sep 17, 2010 | |
Tony Lopez | Light Heavyweight | Oct 16, 2008 - May 14, 2010 | |
Sean Strickland | Middleweight | Apr 26, 2012 - Mar 3, 2014 | |
Henry Corrales | Bantamweight | Oct 21, 2013 - Mar 15, 2015 | |
Joshua Aveles | Junior Welterweight | Oct 21, 2013 - present | |
3 | Joe Stevenson | Welterweight | Nov 29 2000 - Oct 19, 2002 |
James Lee | Light Heavyweight | Feb 10, 2006 - Nov 21, 2007 | |
Clay French | Lightweight | Jan 19, 2007 - Nov 28, 2008 | |
Tony Lopez (2) | Heavyweight | Jul 19, 2008 - Mar 26, 2010 | |
Quinn Mulhern | Welterweight | Mar 26, 2010 - May 6, 2011 | |
Brandon Hunt | Middleweight | Apr 16, 2010 - Apr 26, 2012 | |
Tim Means | Junior Welterweight | Oct 7, 2010 - Feb, 2012 | |
Tony Lopez (3) | Heavyweight | Dec 15, 2011 - Apr 11, 2013 | |
Donald Sanchez | Bantamweight | Mar 17, 2012 - Jan 19, 2013 |
- Wetherspoon successfully defended the Welterweight title four times and retained the title once following a No contest against Anthony Lapsley at KOTC: Opposing Force.
Most wins in title bouts
Fighters with four or more championship and/or interim championship title wins. Fighters with the same number of title wins are arranged in order of most title fights. Openweight and Superfight champions are not included.
Title wins | Champion | Division | Record in title fights |
---|---|---|---|
22 | Tony Lopez | Super Heavyweight Heavyweight Light Heavyweight |
2 - 1 - 0 14 - 2 - 0 6 - 3 - 0 |
10 | Donald Sanchez | Junior Welterweight Bantamweight |
0 - 1 - 0 10 - 2 - 0 |
8 | Joey Villasenor | Middleweight | 8 - 0 - 0 |
7 | Joshua Aveles | Welterweight Junior Welterweight |
3 - 2 - 0 4 - 0 - 0 |
Trevor Prangley | Light Heavyweight | 7 - 0 - 0 | |
6 | Aaron Wetherspoon | Welterweight Junior Welterweight |
6 - 1 - 0 0 - 1 - 0 |
Urijah Faber | Bantamweight | 6 - 0 - 0 | |
5 | David Gomez | Welterweight | 5 - 3 - 0 |
Abel Cullum | Flyweight | 5 - 2 - 0 | |
Brandon Hunt | Middleweight | 5 - 2 - 0 | |
Mac Danzig | Lightweight | 5 - 1 - 0 | |
Joe Stevenson | Welterweight Lightweight |
4 - 1 - 0 1 - 0 - 0 | |
Tim Means | Junior Welterweight Lightweight |
4 - 0 - 0 1 - 0 - 0 | |
Sean Strickland | Middleweight | 5 - 0 - 0 | |
4 | Quinn Mulhern | Welterweight | 4 - 1 - 0 |
Clay French | Lightweight | 4 - 1 - 0 | |
James Lee | Light Heavyweight | 4 - 0 - 0 | |
Henry Corrales | Bantamweight | 4 - 0 - 0 |
References
- "Fighters". Ultimate Fighting Championship. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
- "James Lee Announces UFC Contract, UFC 80 Fight with Alessio Sakara". MMAjunkie.com. November 23, 2007. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- Mrosko, Geno (October 2, 2006). "LAWLER VS. VILLASENOR ADDED TO PRIDE CARD". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- Simon, Zane (March 4, 2014). "UFC signs KOTC champ Sean Strickland and German lightweight Nick Hein". BloodyElbow.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- "Quinn Mulhern signs Strikeforce deal, could debut at June's Challengers event". MMAjunkie.com. May 6, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- Damon, Martin (February 2, 2012). "KOTC Champ Tim Means Signs to Face Bernardo Magalhaes at UFC on Fuel 1". MMAweekly.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.