In the eclectic realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), an array of talented athletes spans across various weight classes and genders. From the distinctive styles to idiosyncratic traits, the UFC showcases a vast array of talent that has no shortage of excitement or potential. Among the different weight classes, the ever-popular lightweight division is arguably the most star-studded. Notable for its plethora of high caliber fighters, the 155lbs division has been a constant source of exhilarating contests.
This division hosts fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, whose larger-than-life personalities and formidable skills have captivated audiences worldwide. Added to this is the tantalizing mix of distinctive, crowd-pleasing styles that elevate the sport’s watchability. Appreciating the rich history and contributions made by various fighters to this division, we aim to curate a compilation of some of the most prominent lightweight division competitors.
We will rank these fighters solely based on their skillsets. Our objective is to highlight the athletes that have enhanced the division’s prestige with their exemplary performances, setting a high bar for their predecessors and successors alike. Let us start with the tenth-ranked lightweight contender, Justin Gaethje, who is widely recognized as a ‘Performance Bonus Machine’ with a professional record of 25 wins and 5 losses.
Gaethje’s spectacular knockouts have earned him the title of a ‘highlight-reel performer’ inside the Octagon. His explosive fists, coupled with marked wrestling prowess, might not be frequently employed in the offensive but work wonders in preventing his opponents’ takedowns. His relentless pursuit of victory and high pain tolerance paint a daunting picture, making him a formidable challenger in the cage.
Occupying the ninth spot is Brazil’s Rafael Dos Anjos, with his diverse skill set and impressive professional record of 32 wins and 17 losses. His fighting style, honed through his BJJ World Champion pedigree, has ensured he’s only ever faced the most formidable opponents in the UFC. In the twilight of his career, Dos Anjos continues to be a pivotal test for the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight prospects.
Despite several losses in his career, Dos Anjos’ comprehensive fighting style has earned him the title of one of the most well-rounded fighters in history, and without a doubt, a revered figure in the lightweight division. Over 35 fights in the UFC thus far only corroborate Rafael dos Anjos’ legendary status within the company.
The eighth place belongs to Michael Chandler, who owns a professional record of 23 wins and 8 losses. Chandler’s aggressive methodology is uniquely explosive, evident in his swift win over Dan Hooker that earned him a shot at the UFC title. The challenges in Chandler’s UFC career have only come in the form of former champions.
Moving to the seventh slot, we have Eddie Alvarez, remembered for his exceptional boxing ability in the lightweight division. With a professional record of 30 wins, 8 losses, Alvarez’s powerful strikes and precision have seen him engaging with UFC’s elite fighters like Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje. His outstanding boxing has won him championships in two MMA organizations.
Tony Ferguson holds the sixth spot, renowned for arguably the finest winning spree in the UFC with 12 consecutive wins. Bearing a professional record of 25-11, Ferguson is known for more than just his victories. His brutal and hard to predict fighting style, especially his command of the D’arce choke, gave him a unique flavor that was difficult for his opponents to digest.
In the fifth spot, we have ‘The People’s Champion’, Dustin Poirier, who’s recorded a total of 30 victories against 9 losses. Poirier is an MMA fan-favorite, known for his relentless boxing style, which often results in intense fight situations. His victory list boasts prominent names like Max Holloway, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gathje.
Moving to the fourth spot, we find Charles Oliveira, a ‘True Underdog Story’ of the UFC, with a professional record of 34-10. His legacy is filled with thrilling finishes, making him one of the UFC’s all-time top finishers. Boasting the highest number of submissions in UFC history, Oliveira managed to reinvigorate his career after moving to the lightweight division.
In the third spot, Islam Makhachev, who sits with an impressive 26-1 scorecard, stands out as one of MMA’s greatest talents. With just one loss in his career, Makhachev’s wrestling prowess is balanced with strong striking skills. Indeed, many opine that he has the potential to outshine his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Enshrined in the second place, we find the pioneer of the lightweight division, BJ Penn, who demonstrated what it truly means to be a great UFC fighter early on. With a professional record of 16-14-2, Penn’s contribution to establishing the popularity and competitiveness of the lightweight division should not be underestimated. His quest for glory in two weight divisions helped shape the lightweight division as we know it today.
Finally, at the top, stands the undefeated domineering figure of Khabib Nurmagomedov, with an unparalleled professional record of 29-0. His flawless wrestling technique proved simply unbeatable for any opponent. Khabib became a part of one of the largest-selling UFC pay-per-views and chose to retire from the sport while still at the apex, an achievement few fighters can claim.