The UFC lightweight rankings showcase some of the very best talents in MMA. The division has long been the deepest
The UFC lightweight rankings showcase some of the very best talents in MMA. The division has long been the deepest and most talent-rich in the sport’s history. Several of its top competitors can also be found in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
With that in mind, here are the official Sportsnaut rankings for the top 10 lightweights in the best cage fighting promotion in all the land.
1. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has stamped his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights ever with his wins over Poirier, Volkanovski (twice), and Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant grappler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the sport. He will look to win gold at welterweight this year and vacate the lightweight strap. But remains at No. 1 in our rankings until he is beaten at 155 or permanently moves to 170 pounds.
2. Ilia Topuria (17-0)
Ilia Topuria will go down as one of the great featherweights of all time. But instead of building on his 145-pound resume, “El Matador” made the move up to lightweight in search of history. Well, he achieved that in June by becoming just the 10th fighter to win gold in two divisions. Crushing former 155-pound champ Charles Oliveria and adding him to his hitlist of legends.
Related: Ilia Topuria’s next fight – 3 Opponent options for the new lightweight king
3. Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)
Arman Tsarukyan has quietly been a top-10 lightweight for quite some time. During his run in the UFC, he has won many fights, and his only losses in the Octagon have come to the current champion, Islam Makhachev, and fellow ranked star Mateusz Gamrot. However, he has overcome those setbacks, and his impressive victory over Charles Oliveira got him the title opportunity he has worked hard for. Unfortunately, a debilitating back injury knocked him out of the bout a day before a scheduled opportunity at UFC 311.
4. Justin Gaethje (26-5)
Justin Gaethje is one of the best lightweight fighters of his generation by earning a legion of fans for being one of the most durable and violent athletes in division history. The American has been in some of the best bouts in division history, including wins and losses. One of his most brutal defeats came at UFC 300 to Max Holloway.
However, after taking a year off, he triumphantly returned with a big win against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. It helps him hold on to his top-five spot in our UFC lightweight rankings.
Related: Justin Gaethje next fight – When will “The Highlight” return to the cage?
5. Dustin Poirier (30-9)
Dustin Poirier is one of the most beloved lightweights of all time. He has taken part in some of the best matches in the division’s history and won quite a few of them. However, the biggest mark against a stellar resume is coming up short in title fights. And despite his best efforts at UC 302, he fell to division king Islam Makhachev. Nevertheless, he remains one of the best 155-pounders in the world.
Related: Dustin Poirier next fight – Get details on “Diamond’s” retirement fight
6. Max Holloway (26-8)
Max Holloway will go down as one of the greatest UFC featherweights of all time. However, all good things come to an end. With him being unable to overcome Alexander Volkanovski, he made the move up to lightweight to become the new BMF champ in 2024. A knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at 145 pounds solidified the fact that 155 is his permanent home. “Blessed” no longer having to cut a bunch of weight is a scary thing for the rest of the top 10.
Related: Max Holloway’s next fight – Get details on “Blessed’s” UFC return
7. Charles Oliveira (35-11)
Charles Oliveria owns several UFC records and will go down as one of the greatest Brazilian MMA fighters of all time. There is a lot to love about his fight style, and his resume is stacked with big wins. But age catches up with everyone, and it has affected “Do Bronx.”
He entered his UFC 317 clash with former featherweight Ilia Topuria as a sizable underdog. Well, those odds proved to be right as he was crushed by the one-time 145-pound champ in less than a round. Oliveira remains an elite fighter in the division, but he probably will never again fight for gold.
Related: Charles Oliveira’s next fight – 3 Opponent options for “do Bronx’s” UFC return
8. Beniel Dariush (23-6-1)
Beneil Dariush turned into one of the best lightweights in the world during an impressive eight-fight win streak. However, when he faced the elites of the division, he came up short. He got a chance at another top-10 fighter at UFC 317. He needed a win badly, and “Benny” was able to gut one out against Renato Moicano. He has set himself up for a big fight later this year.
9. Dan Hooker (24-12)
After moving back and forth between featherweight and lightweight, Aussie Dan Hooker has found a niche at 155 pounds. He also lands a spot in our UFC lightweight rankings after hard-fought wins over ranked opponents Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot. While they weren’t pretty, he’s fairly earned a spot on our top 10.
10. Paddy Pimblett (23-3)
Paddy Pimblett has his doubter, and if he likely still will after UFC 314, but the case against the Englishman is getting harder to make. Winning his first six straight in the Octagon put him on the map. But dominantly defeating Michael Chandler sent a message that “The Baddy” is legit and could be fighting for lightweight gold in 2026.
Related: Paddy Pimblett next fight – Who will “The Baddy” face next?
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Category: General Sports