EA SPORTS UFC - Complete Roster - Lightweight Division

These are the fighters that make up the Lightweight Division in EA SPORTS UFC:

Rafael Dos Anjos

• Nickname: NA
• Current Record: 23-7-0
• From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Fights out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Age: 30
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Jiu-Jitsu

Beginning his pro MMA career in 2004, jiu-jitsu standout Rafael Dos Anjos has been a veteran of the UFC’s Lightweight division since 2008. Boasting a skillset that’s continued to evolve and improve over the years, Dos Anjos has been on a tear of late that’s seen him win 8 of his last 9 bouts. The Brazilian most recently took out Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz in convincing fashion to earn himself the next crack at Anthony Pettis and UFC Lightweight strap. Known primarily for a strong ground game that he’s used to tapout eight different opponents, Dos Anjos has also displayed much sharper standup in recent bouts, scoring the KO in two of his last three fights. He’ll look to take the belt when he meets Pettis at UFC 185’s main event in Dallas, Texas. 

Eddie Alvarez

• Nickname: NA
• Current Record: 25-4-0
• From: Philadelphia, PA, USA
• Fights out of: Boca Raton, FL, USA
• Age: 31
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Striking, Boxing, Wrestling

Widely considered one of the best MMA athletes not competing in the UFC before signing in 2014, Eddie Alvarez will be looking to use the upcoming year to put his stamp on the organization’s Lightweight division. A former Bellator Lightweight Champion and MMA veteran with a pro career dating back to 2003, Alvarez quickly established a reputation for putting on exciting fights thanks to his aggression, crisp striking, granite chin and willingness to stand and trade. The Philadelphia native rarely goes to decision, with 14 of his 25 career wins coming by way of KO, and another 7 by way of submission. Alvarez also owns 13 first-round finishes. Despite dropping his first bout in the Octagon, look for Alvarez to establish himself as an elite force in the UFC’s 155lbs division over the course of 2015.  

Myles Jury

• Nickname: Fury
• Current Record: 15-0-0
• From: Hazel Park, MI, USA
• Fights out of: San Diego, CA, USA
• Age: 26
• Height: 5’11” (180 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Well-Rounded, Work Ethic, Experience

Beginning his pro MMA career in 2008 and making the leap to the UFC in 2012, it didn’t take Myles “Fury” Jury long to make a name for himself in the organization’s ultra-competitive Lightweight Division. One of only a handful of fighter on the UFC’s roster to boast an undefeated record, Jury has not only remained perfect since entering the Octagon, but he’s done so in decisive fashion. Finishing 12 of his 15 career wins with eight coming by knockout and another four by submission, Jury also boasts 11 first-round finishes. The No.8 ranked Lightweight will look to kick off the New Year by bringing himself one step closer to a coveted title shot when he collides with fellow elite-striker Donald Cerrone on January 3rd at UFC 182.

Michael Chiesa

• Nickname: Maverick
• Current Record: 11-2-0
• From: Aurora, CO, USA
• Fights out of: Spokane Valley, WA, USA
• Age: 26
• Height: 6’1” (185 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Good scrambling, Unorthodox style, Standup

A professional MMA fighter since August of 2008, most UFC fans likely know Michael “Maverick” Chiesa from Season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter where he fought for Team Faber. Chiesa would ultimately go on to win the season with a Submission of the Night victory over fellow contestant Al Iaquinta. With an impressive submission game at his disposal, Chiesa has tapped out the opposition in eight of his 11 career victories, and also owns five first-round finishes – all in under three minutes. The Colorado native most recently earned Fight of the Night honors for his action-packed bout with Joe Lauzon that was unfortunately was brought to a halt by doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Chiesa’s right eye. Count on Chiesa to be more focused than ever on securing the win in his next UFC appearance.  

Diego Sanchez

• Nickname: The Nightmare
• Current Record: 27-7-0
• From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
• Fights out of: Albuquerque, NM, USA
• Age: 32
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Excellent grappling skills, conditioning, aggression

A true veteran of the sport and a long-time fan-favorite, Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez first made a name for himself in the UFC by winning the middleweight division of the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter. Since then, Sanchez has gone on to compete in another 20 UFC bouts while maintaining his reputation as one the organization’s most exciting fighters thanks to a willingness to brawl with any opponent he faces, while always leaving everything in the Octagon. Winning of eight of his last 13 fights, Sanchez will be on the hunt for a second consecutive victory when he takes on his next opponent at UFC 180 – the organization’s first event to be held in Mexico. 

Chan Sung Jung

• Nickname: The Korean Zombie
• Current Record: 13-4-0
• From: Po-Hang, South Korea
• Fights Out Of: Seoul, South Korea
• Age: 26
• Height: 5’7” (170 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: Punching Power, Granite Jaw, Aggressiveness

One of the most popular fighters hitting the canvas for the UFC in recent years, Chan Sung Jung also boasts one of the best nicknames in the game – and a has a style to match. Known for his unrelenting pressure, the “Zombie” never stops coming. Combine that with an incredible ability to absorb damage and it’s easy to see why Jung’s fights are often memorable wars. After winning Fight of the Year honors against Leonard Garcia in 2010, he became the first fighter in UFC history to submit someone with a Twister when he bested Garcia in their 2011 rematch.

BJ Penn

• Nickname: The Prodigy
• Current Record: 16-9-2
• From: Kailua, HI, USA
• Fights out of: Hilo, HI, USA
• Age: 35
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: Excellent Submissions, Strong Standup

BJ “The Prodigy” Penn has accomplished a lot over the course of a storied pro MMA career that began back at UFC 31 in May of 2001. One of the sport’s most feared fighters on the mat and one of Hawaii’s most popular athletes, Penn has competed across multiple weight classes and remains the only fighter to this day to hold titles in both the UFC’s Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. The first non-Brazilian to win a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world-title at the black belt level, Penn earned his BJJ black belt in only three years and his nickname in the process. Not having competed since a 2012 loss to Rory MacDonald, Penn will make his return to the Octagon to complete his trilogy against Frankie Edgar following their coaching stints on Season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter.

Conor McGregor

• Nickname: The Notorious
• Current Record: 14-2-0
• From: Dublin, Ireland
• Fights Out Of: Dublin, Ireland
• Age: 25
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: My Belief

One of Europe’s most popular fighters, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor began his pro MMA career in March of 2008, racking up a 12-2 record before making his UFC debut with a win over Marcus Brimage in 2013, scoring a TKO just over a minute into the first round. Outspoken and always entertaining, McGregor has ended 10 of his 14 wins with first-round finishes and is currently riding a 10-fight win streak that began back in 2011. Out of action since tearing his ACL during a win over Max Holloway, McGregor will get the chance to make his return to the Octagon in front of a hometown crowd when he faces of against Diego Brandao at July’s UFC Fight Night in Dublin.

Clay Guida

• Nickname: The Carpenter
• Record: 31-11-0
• From: Round Lake, IL, USA
• Fights Out Of: Albuquerque, NM, USA
• Age: 32
• Height: 5’7” (170 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: Wrestling, Solid Chin, Flexibility, Endurance

An 11-year MMA veteran and an eight-year veteran of the UFC, Clay “The Carpenter” Guida has remained one of the organization’s most popular fighters since making his Octagon debut in 2006. Bringing a high level of energy to all of his bouts and demonstrating great durability, Guida has posted wins against some of the UFC’s toughest athletes including Nate Diaz and Anthony Pettis. Guida has been a part of two Fight of the Year bouts, with the first coming in 2007 against Roger Huerta and the second in 2009 against Diego Sanchez.

Frankie Edgar

• Nickname: The Answer
• Current Record: 15-4-1
• From: Summit, NJ, USA
• Fights Out Of: Toms River, NJ, USA
• Age: 32
• Height: 5’6” (167 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: Wrestling, Cardio, Boxing

A fan-favorite and one of the most durable fighters to ever step into the Octagon, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar has been competing in the UFC since February of 2007. With a well-earned reputation for putting on exciting fights, Edgar boasts seven Fight of the Night bonuses, tying him with Diego Sanchez for the most in the organization’s history. A former UFC Lightweight Champion, Edgar logged two successful title defenses and one title retention before eventually losing to Benson Henderson and dropping down to Featherweight. Edgar’s trilogy against rival Gray Maynard is considered one of the best in the history of the UFC. The New Jersey native will complete the second trilogy of his career when he faces off against BJ Penn following their coaching stints on Season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter.

Jose Aldo

• Nickname: Junior
• Current Record: 24-1-0
• From: Manaus, Brazil
• Fights Out Of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Age: 27
• Height: Height: 5’7” (170 cm)
• Weight: 145 lbs (65 kg)
• Strengths: Very Strong Ground Game, Knockout Power, Stamina

Jose Aldo became the UFC’s inaugural Featherweight champion on Nov. 20, 2010 and hasn’t let the title go since. Following his first UFC title defense against Mark Hominick, the former WEC champ hasn’t looked back, defending it five times against some of the division’s top talent, including Kenny Florian, Chad Mendes and Frankie Edgar. Considered one of MMA best pound-for-pound fighters, Aldo is an adept finisher with 15 of his 23 career wins coming by way of knockout.

Josh Thomson

• Nickname: The Punk
• Current Record: 20-6-0, 1NC
• From: San Jose, CA, USA
• Fights Out Of: San Jose, CA, USA
• Age: 35
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70kg)
• Strengths: Cardio, Attitude

A true MMA veteran, Josh “The Punk” Thomson’s professional fighting career dates all the way back to 2001. Boasting a well-rounded skillset and strong ground game, Thomson has earned finishes in 14 of his 20 career victories, with eight coming via submission and another six by way of knockout. Making his original Octagon debut back in 2003 at UFC 44, Thomson went on to spend time as the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion before making his return to the UFC in April of 2013 with a Knockout of the Night performance over Nate Diaz.

Ross Pearson

• Nickname: The Real Deal
• Current Record: 17-7-0
• From: Sunderland, England
• Fights out of: San Diego, CA, USA
• Age: 29
• Height: 5’8” (172 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Boxing, Thai Boxing, Wrestling, Ground and Pound

An MMA veteran beginning his professional career in December of 2004, Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson made his official UFC debut when he won Season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom and a six figure contract with the organization. One of the UK’s most talented fighters, Pearson has proven his ability as a solid finisher, winning six bouts in his pro career with KO/TKOs and another four by way of submission. Following a No Contest decision against Melvin Guillard and a controversial decision loss to Diego Sanchez, Pearson will be looking to bounce back with a win in his next bout. He has never lost two consecutive fights in his career.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

• Nickname: The Eagle
• Current Record: 21-0-0
• From: Dagestan, Russia
• Fights Out Of: Dagestan, Russia
• Age: 25
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Wrestling

When you start your career with a 21-0-0 record, including going 5-0 upon entering the UFC, there’s a good chance people are going to take notice. With an impressive record already under his belt at the age of 25, it’s clear that Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov is quickly establishing himself as some of the toughest competition the UFC’s Lightweight division has to offer. The Eagle boasts a well-rounded skillset that has helped him earn seven wins by KO and another seven by submission, while also logging finishes in 10 of his last 13 wins.

Joe Lauzon

• Nickname: J-Lau
• Record: 23-10-0
• From: Brockton, MA, USA
• Fights Out Of: Bridgewater, MA, USA
• Age: 29
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Submissions

A true MMA veteran, Joe Lauzon has 33 professional fights to his name despite being only 29 years old. A submission specialist, Lauzon is known for his tendency to be involved in exciting bouts, win or lose, and holds the distinction of currently being tied with Anderson Silva as the all-time UFC Fight Bonus leader with 12 awards. After suffering back to back losses for the first time in his prolific career against Jim Miller and Michael Johnson, Lauzon wasted no time getting back to his winning ways, closing out 2013 with a victory over Mac Danzig.

Jim Miller

• Nickname: NA
• Record: 24-4-0, 1NC
• From: Sparta, NJ, USA
• Fights Out Of: Whippany, NJ, USA
• Age: 30
• Height: 5’8” (172 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Submissions, Cardio, Wrestling

A long-time veteran of the UFC’s Lightweight division, Jim Miller made his debut with the organization back in 2008 with a Submission of the Night win over Dave Baron. In addition to logging wins in 11 of his past 14 bouts, Miller has continued to live up to his reputation as a submission specialist with 14 of his 24 career victories coming by way of submission, while also earning another three finishes via knockout. Currently ranked No. 9 in the UFC’s Lightweight division, Jim’s brother Dan Miller also competes as a Welterweight for the UFC.

Gilbert Melendez

• Nickname: El Nino
• Current Record: 22-3-0
• From: Santa Ana, CA, USA
• Fights Out Of: San Francisco, CA, USA
• Age: 31
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Ground and Pound, Cardio, Transitions

Strikeforce’s longtime Lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez joined the UFC in April of 2013 with a bout against Benson Henderson for the UFC title. Despite snapping a seven fight win-streak with a close split decision loss to Bendo, Melendez remains one of the top fighters to beat in the division. An arsenal of sharp striking skills has earned Melendez 11 career knockouts since turning pro in 2002. Look for Melendez to coach the 20th season of the Ultimate Fighter, opposite Anthony Pettis before the two battle for the belt.

Gray Maynard 

• Nickname: The Bully
• Current Record: 12-4-1, 1NC
• From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
• Fights out of: Las Vegas, NV, USA
• Age: 35
• Height: 5’8” (172 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Wrestling, Conditioning, Striking

With a professional MMA career dating all the way back to 2006, Gray Maynard remained undefeated over the course of his first 12 pro bouts. A long time veteran of the UFC, Maynard made his debut with the organization in June of 2007 with a Fight of the Night performance against Rob Emerson. Utilizing an aggressive style inside the Octagon that allows him to be successful both on his feet and on the mat, most fight fans will remember Maynard for going up against Frankie Edgar in what is widely considered one of the greatest trilogies in UFC history. Losing back-to-back bouts for the first time in his career in 2013, Maynard will look to bounce back with a win over Fabricio Camoes at UFC 176.

Benson Henderson

• Nickname: Smooth
• Current Record: 20-3-0
• From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
• Fights Out Of: Glendale, AZ, USA
• Age: 30
• Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Wrestling, Good Submissions, Ground and Pound

Ever since making his way over from the WEC, Benson “Smooth” Henderson has been a staple at the top of the UFC’s Lightweight division. After initially taking the belt from Frankie Edgar in his fourth Octagon appearance, Henderson defended the strap three times against the likes of Edgar, Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez before finally losing it to rival Anthony Pettis in 2013. Already back to his winning ways with a victory over Josh Thomson, look for Bendo to work his way back to another title shot before long.

Donald Cerrone:

• Nickname: Cowboy
• Current Record: 22-6-0, 1NC
• From: Denver, CO, USA
• Fights Out Of: Albuquerque, NM, USA
• Age: 30
• Height: 6’0” (182 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Striking, Submissions, Muay Thai

Arriving in the UFC by way of the WEC in 2011, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is as well known for his victories inside the Octagon as he is for the trademark hat he sports on his walks out to it. Formerly a bull rider prior to beginning his career in MMA, Cerrone holds wins in 10 of his last 15 professional bouts and has displayed an affinity for finishing fights on the ground, with 14 of his 21 career wins coming via submission.

TJ Grant

• Nickname: NA
• Current Record: 21-5-0
• From: Calgary, AB, Canada
• Fights out of: Cole Harbour, NS, Canada
• Age: 30
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Strengths: Good Submissions, Well-Rounded, Aggressive, Always Pushing the Fight

Beginning his MMA career in 2006, Canadian TJ Grant has been a UFC staple since making his debut in April of 2009 with a win over Ryo Chonan. A well-rounded fighter with a solid ground game, 13 of Grant’s 21 wins have come by way of submission. Despite kicking off this UFC career as a Welterweight, Grant moved down a weight class in 2011, debuting as a Lightweight with a win over Shane Roller. Since making the transition, Grant has been perfect at Lightweight, going 5-0 and most recently scoring a TKO over Gray Maynard.

Nate Diaz

• Nickname: NA
• Current Record: 18-9-0
• From: Stockton, CA, USA
• Fights Out Of: Stockton, CA, USA
• Age: 28
• Height: 6’0” (182 cm)
• Weight: Weight: 155 lbs (70kg)
• Strengths: Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Heart

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 5, and one half of the fan-favorite Diaz brothers, Nate Diaz made his professional fighting debut in the WEC at the age of 19. With a dominant ground game and top-tier boxing in his arsenal, Diaz not only finished all four of his TUF 5 bouts, but has since gone on to earn nine of his last 13 wins by submission. Most recently showcasing his standup with a Knockout of the Night win over Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 finale, Diaz will be looking repeat his bonus-winning performance the next time he steps back into the Octagon.

Anthony Pettis

• Nickname: Showtime
• Current Record: 17-2-0
• From: Milwaukee, WI, USA
• Fights Out Of: Milwaukee, WI, USA
• Age: 27
• Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
• Weight: 155 lbs (70kg)
• Strengths: Excellent Standup, Strong Ground Game, Creativity

The WEC’s final Lightweight champion and the UFC’s current Lightweight title-holder, Anthony
“Showtime” Pettis brings some flash with him every time he steps into the Octagon. The Milwaukee native possesses a deep bag of tricks that’s helped him emerge as the winner of eight of his last nine bouts. After securing himself a place on MMA’s all-time highlight reel by landing the cage-jumping “Showtime Kick”, Pettis went on to prove his ground game could be just as slick, winning his UFC title with a Submission-of-the-Year-worthy armbar.

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