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The UFC Lightweight division has a strong claim to being the deepest weight class in the organization. Champions from multiple eras, a historically active contender pool, and a champion in Islam Makhachev who represents a continuation of the Dagestani wrestling tradition that Khabib Nurmagomedov made famous — the 155-pound division is appointment viewing for anyone who follows MMA seriously.

UFC Lightweight Champion: Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is the UFC Lightweight Champion and the current pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the world by most rankings. A Dagestani wrestler and longtime training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev combines elite wrestling with significantly improved striking and a sophisticated submission game that has evolved dramatically over his UFC career.

He won the lightweight title at UFC 280 in October 2022 with a second-round rear naked choke of Charles Oliveira and has defended it successfully multiple times. His championship defenses include a masterclass against Alexander Volkanovski (who moved up from featherweight to challenge him) and Dustin Poirier. Makhachev’s combination of technical wrestling and refined striking has made him extraordinarily difficult to beat, and he continues to improve with each fight.

UFC Lightweight Top Contenders

#1 Contender: Charles Oliveira

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins and most finishes in UFC history, and his run to the lightweight championship — which included stopping Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in succession — was one of the most dramatic championship runs in the organization’s modern era. His BJJ is among the best in the sport, and his willingness to engage in wars makes every one of his fights compelling. The rematch with Makhachev remains the division’s most anticipated potential fight.

#2: Dustin Poirier

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is one of the most complete and decorated lightweights in UFC history. A former interim champion and world-class striker with BJJ expertise, Poirier has defeated Conor McGregor twice, stopped Dan Hooker and Kenny Florian emphatically, and pushed the very best lightweights the world has offered. His loss to Makhachev in 2024 came in a title fight; his record at lightweight still represents an elite resume. At 35, Poirier is in the final chapter of a great career.

#3: Justin Gaethje

Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje is the most thrilling lightweight in the division’s history by fan consensus. His pressure fighting, leg kicks, and willingness to stand in the pocket and exchange have produced some of the most exciting fights in UFC lightweight history. He’s been submitted by Khabib, defeated Poirier for the interim title, and continues to perform at an elite level despite having absorbed significant damage across a career built on exciting fights. The BMF fight loss to Holloway at UFC 300 — where Holloway taunted him in the final seconds — was one of the year’s most memorable moments.

#4: Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush has assembled one of the longest unbeaten streaks in UFC lightweight history, winning fight after fight with consistent, complete performances. His wrestling and BJJ are elite, his striking has improved significantly, and his ability to control where fights happen has neutralized every opponent he’s faced during his recent run. He has been patient in awaiting his title shot opportunity.

#5: Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan is one of the most exciting young lightweights in the UFC. The Armenian fighter combines excellent wrestling with sharp striking and the kind of aggressive, attacking mentality that produces exciting fights. He pushed Islam Makhachev in a close decision in 2019 (before Makhachev’s run to the championship) and the potential for a rematch in a title context is one of the division’s most interesting narratives.

The Shadow of Khabib

The lightweight division’s current champion — Makhachev — trained alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov and learned from the same Dagestani wrestling tradition. The natural comparison is constantly drawn, and Makhachev’s performances have supported the argument that he may be even more well-rounded than his legendary training partner.

The division is in a healthy state: a dominant champion, multiple former champions and elite contenders below him, and a deep enough pool that every title defense comes with genuine competitive threat. For fans who think the Khabib era was the division’s peak, Makhachev is making a compelling argument that it was merely a prologue.