SEVEN world champions lose their titles in a crazy seven months for the UFC

TO say it’s been a turbulent seven months for UFC champions would be something of an understatement.

In just over half a year, SEVEN of the UFC’s 10 world championships have changed hands, with six of them coming via dramatic stoppages.

It’s highlighted the sheer level of competition at the elite level in the UFC and, with so many different ways to win and lose a mixed martial arts contest, world champions can’t afford to rest on their laurels.

Here, SunSport takes a look back at the seven title changes that have contributed to the most dramatic, unpredictable year of title fights in UFC history.

UFC Fight Night, January 17, Boston

Dominic Cruz defeats TJ Dillashaw (split decision)

After a long injury layoff that some believed would cost him his career, Dominick Cruz completed his remarkable return to the top to reclaim the title he never lost in the Octagon at UFC Fight Night in Boston.

Cruz outmanoeuvred defending champ TJ Dillashaw over five highly-technical rounds to capture his old belt via split decision and cap off one of the sport's most remarkable comeback stories.

He later went on to successfully defend his belt against Urijah Faber at UFC 199, but there was another title shock that night...

UFC 196, March 5, Las Vegas

Miesha Tate defeats Holly Holm (submission, R5)

Holly Holm appeared to be cruising to a decision win on the scorecards in her title defence against Miesha Tate, but there's just no counting out 'Cupcake'.

With most observers scoring it three rounds to one in favour of the champ, Tate threw caution to the wind in the final round and landed a crucial takedown on the tiring Holm before locking up the most important submission of her career.

The MGM Grand crowd went crazy as Holm went out on her shield, refusing to tap to Tate's rear-naked choke as one of the most beloved female fighters in the world finally captured UFC championship gold.

UFC 198, May 14, Curitiba

Stipe Miocic defeats Fabricio Werdum (KO, R1)

Ohio firefighter-turned-heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic stunned Fabricio Werdum - and the 45,000-strong crowd in Curitiba's Arena de Baixada stadium - when he dropped the defending champion with a short right to claim the UFC heavyweight title.

Miocic had been made to wait for his shot at gold, but when that opportunity finally came on enemy territory in Brazil he wasted no time, finishing Werdum in the first round to kickstart a remarkable couple of months for the city of Cleveland, whose sporting success drought ended with Miocic's title win, and followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA title.

UFC 199, June 4, Los Angeles

Michael Bisping defeats Luke Rockhold (KO, R1)

Few gave Michael Bisping a chance when he stepped in to face former foe Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 at just two weeks' notice.

But the Brit defied the odds - and the naysayers - to not only beat his old rival, but knock him out clean in the first round on an electric night in Los Angeles.

It meant Bisping became the UK's first UFC world champion, and SunSport caught up with the proud Brit backstage for his first UK interview as UFC champion, where he called for his first title defence on home soil, ideally in Manchester later this year.

UFC Fight Night, July 7, Las Vegas

Eddie Alvarez defeats Rafael dos Anjos (TKO, R1)

When it comes to sheer toughness and fighting spirit, few fighters can surpass Eddie Alvarez. And 'The Underground King' became UFC champion at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas during International Fight Week with a quite brilliant display.

Alvarez stopped lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos in thrilling fashion at the MGM Grand to send the crowd wild and become the first man to hold titles in both Bellator and the UFC.

Now the man to beat at 155lbs, the Philadelphia fighter will have no end of challenges ahead of him, with the lightweight division offering a murderers row of contenders waiting for their shot at glory.

UFC 200, July 9, Las Vegas

Amanda Nunes defeats Miesha Tate (submission, R1)

Miesha Tate's reign as UFC women's bantamweight champion lasted just one fight, as she was decisively beaten in her very first title defence by Brazil's Amanda Nunes.

Nunes' brand of powerful striking and fast pace in the early part of their fight proved crucial, as she ran over the defending champion, dropping her to the canvas with strikes before eventually finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke.

UFC 201, July 31, Atlanta

Tyron Woodley defeats Robbie Lawler (KO, R1)

Robbie Lawler became the seventh UFC champion to lose their belt in seven months after being stopped in quickfire fashion by Tyron Woodley.

Woodley closed the show with a thumping overhand right that sent the battle-tested champion crashing to the mat.

And 'The Chosen One' now has his sights set on a big-money match with the returning Nick Diaz, who'll fancy his chances of cutting Woodley's title reign short if they meet later this year.

We've still got five more months - and plenty more UFC title fights - still to come in 2016. How many more title changes will we see?

Whatever happens, you'll be able to read about it all right here on SunSport.