Lightweight
1. Conor McGregor (21-3)
No one in the sport’s history has found a way to stay in the MMA headlines without doing anything productive quite like McGregor. While “The Notorious” one remains embroiled in hypothetical discussions to face UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson in the coming months, he has been up to more attention-grabbing business in the meantime. On Nov. 10 in his native Ireland, McGregor dove into the cage to celebrate with victorious SBG Ireland teammate Charlie Ward at Bellator 187, resulting in a well-publicized shoving incident with referee Marc Goddard. For McGregor, the case remains that all publicity seems to be good publicity, at least for now.2. Tony Ferguson (23-3)
As goes Conor McGregor so goes the fate of Ferguson, at least for now. Despite his claiming the UFC interim lightweight title to presumably set up a showdown with the biggest star in the sport, Ferguson has found McGregor to be elusive. The Irishman has publicly stated he wants equity in the UFC and co-promotional rights before agreeing to a unification bout. As a result, “El Cucuy” is left with an unclear immediate future until McGregor’s demands are resolved or refused.3. Eddie Alvarez (28-5, 1 NC)
It has been a disappointing run for Alvarez, as the Philadelphia native endured a major reversal of fortunes in short order. Just over a year ago, Alvarez became UFC lightweight champion by blistering Rafael dos Anjos to take the strap. Two fights later, he was savaged by Conor McGregor and relinquished his strap. He then had to settle for a no-contest against 155-pound contender Dustin Poirier in May due to a series of illegal knees he dished out. Next up for Alvarez is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The former UFC and Bellator titlist is lined up to be a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 26; however, he is set to coach against 18-0 Justin Gaethje, who may be the only elite lightweight in the world with a greater lust for offense and more profound disregard for defense than Alvarez himself. May the wildest man win.4. Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0)
Something always seems to keep Nurmagomedov from his biggest bouts and from fighting for the UFC lightweight crown, whether it is timing, weight cut-related illness or just a slew of injuries. After his weight cutting debacle nixed an interim lightweight title bout with Tony Ferguson earlier this year, “The Eagle” was not just going to waltz back into the Octagon in a title fight. Instead, he will get a tough, dangerous fight at UFC 209 but one that will certainly give him a title opportunity if he proves victorious. Nurmagomedov has signed on to face surgical Brazilian striker Edson Barboza on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas.5. Edson Barboza (19-4)
Barboza’s dynamic talents have never been questioned. However, throughout his seven-year UFC tenure, each time the Brazilian striker starts to build momentum towards a title shot, he falters in a critical fight. Can Barboza ever win the big one? We certainly have another case for examination on our hands now, as he will face the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 219 on Dec. 30. A win over “The Eagle” will put Barboza on the doorstep of that elusive UFC title shot.6. Kevin Lee (16-3)
First, he had to battle the scale, and heaven only knows how he was allowed to get in the Octagon with such a gruesome staph infection. However, Lee made it to UFC 216 and for 10 minutes, “The Motown Phenom” gave Tony Ferguson a ton of problems. However, as his fitness slipped and Lee slowed, he saw his chance at the UFC interim lightweight title go out the window courtesy of a third-round Ferguson triangle. Following the defeat and the drama surrounding his prefight health, Lee is contemplating a move to 170 pounds.7. Justin Gaethje (18-0)
Outside of Anderson Silva’s iconic, virtuoso performance against Chris Leben in June 2006, Gaethje may have authored the finest UFC debut for a high-profile free agent signee at “The Ultimate Fighter 25” Finale. In his first Octagon appearance, “The Highlight” lived up to his sobriquet, authoring the leading candidate for “Fight of the Year” against Michael Johnson, outlasting and knocking out his foe in a raucous 10-minute brawl. Gaethje’s reward for his debut win may not be a real reward at all. The 18-0 Trevor Wittman understudy signed on to coach the 26th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” against Eddie Alvarez, who could either represent a dream opponent to break Gaethje into the elite stratum at 155 pounds or a nightmare opponent ready to brutally exploit the former World Series of Fighting champ’s willingness to brawl. They have been booked opposite one another at UFC 218 on Dec. 2.8. Dustin Poirier (22-5, 1 NC)
Poirier may well have been bamboozled out of his biggest career win against Eddie Alvarez in May, due to the illegal knee incident that ended their contest prematurely. However, “The Diamond” fought with something to prove in his UFC Fight Night 120 headliner on Nov. 11, dominating former lightweight champ Anthony Pettis over 12 minutes of blood-soaked brawling, earning a submission victory before calling out the winner of the forthcoming Alvarez-Justin Gaethje contest. Could we really be so lucky?9. Michael Chiesa (14-3)
Chiesa might have been bummed three years ago when he was unceremoniously stopped on a cut against Joe Lauzon in an exciting, competitive bout. However, after referee Mario Yamasaki completely botched the conclusion to Chiesa's bout with Kevin Lee, the disappointment must be magnified tenfold. “The Maverick” carried consecutive wins over Mitch Clarke, Jim Miller and Beneil Dariush into his June 25 bout with Lee but did not get much of a chance to extend his winning streak, as Yamasaki handed Lee the technical submission via rear-naked choke. Chiesa’s appeal to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission was denied.10. Beneil Dariush (14-3-1)
Looking to erase the memories of his “Knockout of the Year” loss to Edson Barboza in April, Dariush came out on fire in his UFC 216 bout with Evan Dunham, nearly stopping him with vicious strikes in the first round. However, the Kings MMA product could not put away Dunham, and the American fought back to even the scores over 15 minutes, resulting in a majority draw.Other Contenders: Nate Diaz, Evan Dunham, Al Iaquinta, Francisco Trinaldo, James Vick.
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