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 Lightweight Fighters
Reigning Lightweight Champion - Islam Makhachev
Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, remains the current UFC lightweight champion, after successfully defending the Championship 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 26-1, with victories coming by KO and submission.
After winning the championship belt, Makhachev faced off against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 (in June, 2024) to defend his Lightweight Championship belt. Makhachev won the fight by submission in Round 5.
As of now, Makhachev is scheduled to face off for the second time against Arman Tsarukyan in January, 2025 at UFC 311.
#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, but lost during 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 25-5.
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 the #4 ranked Lightweight with a professional record of 30 wins and 9 losses. Poirier has notable victories over fighters such as Dan Hooker, Max Holloway, Anthony Pettis, and Conor McGregor.
Poirier earned his most recent victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 in March 2024. Poirier is known for his striking power (and occasionally pulling the Gilly).
Poirier lost his latest fight after challenging Islam Makhachev for the Championship belt.
#5 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, Holloway earned himself a Top 10 spot in the Lightweight division.
Holloway is also ranked as a Featherweight in the UFC. Max has a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 8 losses.
#6 Lightweight Fighter - Dan Hooker
Dan "The Hangman" Hooker fights out of New Zealand and has a professional record of 24 wins and 12 losses. Throughout his career, Hooker has faced tough competition in the 155-pound division.
Known for his versatility, Hooker has notable victories over Jalin Turner and Gilbert Burns. Most recently, Hooker beat Mateusz Gamrot by split decision at UFC 305. Their fight was memorable enough to receive the Fight of the Night award.
#7 Lightweight Fighter - Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler is currently the #7 ranked Lightweight in the UFC. With a professional record of 23 wins and 9 losses, Chandler has earned 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 was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor at Welterweight in June 2024, after Chandler and McGregor coached against each other on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, but the fight was cancelled.
Instead, Chandler fought Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November 2024, with Chandler losing by unanimous decision after 5 Rounds.
#8 Lightweight Fighter - Mateusz Gamrot
Mateusz Gamrot has a professional record of 24 wins and 3 losses. Gamrot has showcased his skills with victories over Rafael dos Anjos, Jeremy Stephens, and Rafael Fiziev.
Gamrot lost his most recent bout against Dan Hooker (by unanimous decision). They fought for 3 rounds in Perth, Australia at UFC 305.
#9 Lightweight Fighter - Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush is currently ranked as the #9 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 ultra-competitive 170-pound division.
#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 won hist next fight against Benoît Saint Denis after the doctor called an end to the fight.
Moicano now has a professional record of 20 wins and 5 losses.
Check for Updates Next Weekend
Since, there are UFC fights almost every week, this list will change as rankings shift. Make sure you come back to check for regular updates!
