One of the UFC's Most Competitive Divisions

The UFC Lightweight division has become one of the most stacked divisions in the UFC. In the past few years there has been a massive influx of talent and explosive fighters.

The current UFC lightweight rankings are always changing. Up-and-coming fighters and long-time veterans fight their way up the rankings, while others fall down after time. 

This list is intended to reflect the lightweight rankings based on each of the top 15 fighter’s records. Underneath each of the top 10 fighter's names, you will see a brief overview of the fighter, including who they recently fought against and their win/loss record in those bouts.

Top 15 UFC Lightweight Fighters

Current Champion - Islam Makhachev

  1. Arman Tsarukyan
  2. Charles Oliveira
  3. Justin Gaethje
  4. Dustin Porier
  5. Mateusz Gamrot
  6. Michael Chandler
  7. Beneil Dariush
  8. Rafael Fiziev
  9. Max Holloway
  10. Renato Moicano
  11. Dan Hooker
  12. Jalin Turner
  13. Benoit Saint Denis
  14. Rafael Dos Anjos
  15. Bobby Green

Reigning Lightweight Champion - Islam Makhachev

Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, remains the current UFC lightweight champion, having defended the title at UFC 294 in a dynamic first-round head kick KO victory over Alexander Volkanovski.

With this win, Makhachev secured his title as the Lightweight champion. His professional record stands at an impressive 24-1, with victories coming by KO and submission. Makhachev will face off against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024.

#1 Lightweight Fighter - Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan is currently the #1 ranked Lightweight UFC fighter. With a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, he has notable victories over Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Joaquim Silva.

Known for his strong grappling abilities and improving skillset, Tsarukyan fought in an exciting match-up against Charles Oliveira in April 2024 at UFC 300.

#2 Lightweight Fighter - Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira is the current #2 ranked UFC Lightweight and a former Lightweight interim champion. He has won impressive victories by both submissions and KOs. Known for his excellent grappling and striking skills, Oliveira fought Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300.

After 3 rounds, the judges declared Tsarukyan the winner by split decision. This loss updated Oliveira's professional MMA record to 34 wins and 10 losses.

#3 Lightweight Fighter - Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje is currently ranked as the #3 Lightweight. Known for his aggressive fighting style and powerful striking, Gaethje has amassed an impressive professional record of 26-5.

He defeated Dustin Poirier in July 2023 and was awarded the Performance of the Night for his victory. Gaethje lost the BMF belt to Max Holloway in April 2024 after suffering a last-second KO.

#4 Lightweight Fighter - Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier is currently the #4 ranked Lightweight fighter with a professional record of 30 wins and 8 losses He has notable victories over fighters such as Dan Hooker, Max Holloway, Anthony Pettis, and Conor McGregor.

Poirier's most recent victory over Benoit Saint Denis took place at UFC 299 in March 2024. Poirier is known for his striking power (and pulling the Gilly).

His rank in the 155 pound division is well-deserved as is his status as a top-tier fighter in the sport.

#5 Lightweight Fighter - Mateusz Gamrot

Mateusz Gamrot is currently the #6 ranked lightweight fighter in the UFC. With a professional record of 24 wins and 2 losses, Gamrot has showcased his skills with victories over Rafael dos Anjos, Jeremy Stephens, and Rafael Fiziev.

Known for his well-rounded fighting style and strong grappling abilities, Gamrot won his latest bout against Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision after 3 rounds.

#6 Lightweight Fighter - Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler is currently the #7 ranked Lightweight in the UFC. With a professional record of 23 wins and 8 losses, Chandler has notable victories over fighters like Dan Hooker and Eddie Alvarez.

Known for his explosive striking and wrestling skills, Chandler has proven himself to be a strong contender in the division. Chandler is scheduled to fight Conor McGregor in the weight class above Lightweight, at Welterweight in June 2024, where they will headline UFC 303.

#7 Lightweight Fighter - Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush is currently ranked as the #7 Lightweight fighter in the UFC with a professional record of 22 wins and 6 losses. He has notable victories over top contenders like Tony Ferguson, Drew Dober, and Mateusz Gamrot.

Dariush lost his most recent fight against Arman Tsarukyan in December 2023. Despite this loss, Dariush is still a Top 10 contender in the UFC's Lightweight division.

#8 Lightweight Fighter - Rafael Fiziev

Rafael Fiziev is currently ranked as the #7 lightweight fighter in the UFC. He boasts a professional record of 12 wins with just three losses.

Fiziev is known for his explosive striking skills and has secured victories over notable opponents, including Bobby Green and Rafael dos Anjos. As a rising talent in the division, Fiziev shows great promise for future success.

#9 Lightweight Fighter - Max Holloway

Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje fought for the BMF belt at UFC 300. Holloway walked away as the winner after they fought for almost 5 full rounds of MMA action.

Holloway finished the fight with a jaw-dropping knockout with only 1 second remaining in the last and final round. Since they fought at Lightweight for the BMF title, this victory put Holloway in the Top 10 Lightweight rankings.

#10 Lightweight Fighter - Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano fought Jalin Turner at UFC 300, where Moicano finished Turner in Round 2 by way of technical knockout. This marked Moicano's 19th professional MMA victory.

Before that, Moicano fought (and defeated) Drew Dober, winning by unanimous decision. Moicano's next fight has not been announced.

Come Back to Check for Updates

There are UFC fights almost every week. This list will change as rankings shift, so come back to check for regular updates!