When it comes to the tallest bantamweight fighters in UFC, most folks expect the fighters to be, well, short. After all, bantamweight fighters usually don’t stand too tall – the average height in this division is about 5 feet 6 inches, or 1.72 meters. But don’t let that fool you! There are a few fighters who stand out from the crowd, and we’re gonna talk about them here.
First, let me tell ya, the bantamweight division isn’t like the big boys in the heavyweight or light heavyweight divisions where fighters tower over their opponents. But still, a couple of bantamweights can reach heights that might surprise you. The tallest bantamweight fighter right now is none other than the man, Sean O’Malley. Standing at a whopping 5 feet 11 inches, or 1.80 meters, he’s one of the tallest fighters in the bantamweight class, and that gives him a big advantage with his long limbs and reach.
Now, there’s another guy who’s pretty tall too—Cory Sandhagen. This fella also stands at 5 feet 11 inches, same as O’Malley. They’re both among the top of the division when it comes to height, and that’s no small feat in a division known for being made up of shorter fighters.

But, here’s the thing: just ’cause you’re tall don’t mean you’re always gonna win. Look at someone like TJ Dillashaw, who’s on the shorter side, standing at 5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm). He’s been able to make a name for himself in the UFC with his quick movements and smart fighting skills, even though he’s not the tallest guy in the cage.
- Sean O’Malley: 5’11” (180 cm)
- Cory Sandhagen: 5’11” (180 cm)
- TJ Dillashaw: 5’6″ (167.5 cm)
- Merab Dvalishvili: 5’6″ (167.5 cm)
- Antonio Banuelos: 5’3″ (160 cm) – shortest bantamweight ever
And let’s not forget the tall fella from the past, Stefan Struve. Now, I know he ain’t no bantamweight, but his 7-foot frame is worth mentionin’. He’s still the tallest fighter in UFC history, standing at 7 feet, or 2.13 meters. Ain’t nobody gonna beat that record anytime soon, that’s for sure.
What does this all mean for the bantamweight division? Well, the height difference can sure make a difference in a fight. The taller fighters like O’Malley and Sandhagen have an advantage with their reach and long legs, but the shorter fighters often make up for it with speed and agility. It’s all about how they use what they got.
So, even though the tallest bantamweights aren’t towering over others like you’d expect in other divisions, they still pack a punch. Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen are prime examples of how height in the bantamweight division can be a real asset.
If you’re looking at the ultimate list of tallest bantamweights, O’Malley and Sandhagen are your guys. Their height, combined with their skill, makes them top contenders in the UFC.
Tags:[tallest bantamweight UFC, UFC bantamweight division, UFC fighter height, Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, bantamweight reach, UFC rankings]