Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the competitor has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a competitor held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the competitor shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized.
* Bolded letters in the competitor's name, if any, indicate the surname/family name.
Cole Konrad
2010-10-14
Kansas City, MO
Defeats Neil Grove in 8-man tournament final to become the first champion; vacant on 12-09-12 upon retirement.
Alexander Volkov
2012-12-14
Hammond, IN
Defeats Richard Hale in 8-man tournament final.
Vitaly Minakov
2013-11-15
Atlantic City, NJ
Stripped on 16-05-14 for failing to defense the title.
Ryan Bader
2019-01-26
Inglewood, CA
Defeats Emelianenko Fedor; also defeats interim champion Valentin Moldavsky on 22-01-29; Bellator is acquired by the Professional Fighters League in 23-11; Renan Ferreira defeats Bader on 24-04-24 in Riyadh, KSA to win the "PFL vs. Bellator Champion of Champions" Super Fights World Heavyweight Title; Bader leaves PFL on 25-03-26.
