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Lightweight
1. Islam Makhachev (23-1) | UFC [1]
If there were any doubts regarding Makhachev’s championship worthiness prior to UFC 280, there aren’t any now. Makhachev outclassed Charles Oliveira on the feet and on the ground en route to a second-round submission victory to claim lightweight gold at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, carrying on a legacy started by retired ex-champ and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now the owner of an 11-fight winning streak at 155 pounds, Makhachev can look forward to a first title defense against reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.2. Charles Oliveira (33-9, 1 NC) | UFC [2]
Oliveira entered UFC 280 with the confidence of someone on an 11-fight winning streak, but in the end he simply had no answers for Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian was outgunned on the feet and outgrappled on the canvas en route to a second-round submission loss in the evening’s main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22. The setback doesn’t diminish all that Oliveira has accomplished, most notably a complete turnaround from a middling featherweight to one of the top talents in the sport at 155 pounds. The defeat didn’t dampen his resolve, as “Do Bronx” was already plotting his climb back to the top in the fight’s immediate aftermath.3. Dustin Poirier (29-7, 1 NC) | UFC [3]
Poirier proved there’s still a clear pecking order at lightweight, as he weathered a strong early push from Michael Chandler to secure a third-round submission victory at UFC 281 in New York. “The Diamond” has won four of his last five Octagon appearances and he could very well get a third shot at lightweight gold sooner than expected after recent foe Charles Oliveira was dethroned by Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. Regardless, Poirier proved he still ranks among the best lightweights in the sport and should continue to be involved in high-profile bouts.4. Beneil Dariush (22-4-1) | UFC [4]
Though he might’ve been on the verge of a title shot already, Dariush accepted a risky fight against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280 and delivered, winning a hard-fought unanimous decision in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22. The Kings MMA product has won eight consecutive bouts within the Las Vegas-based promotion and looks to have as strong a case as anyone for the next opportunity at lightweight gold. Additionally, his 16 career 155-pound triumphs are tied for third-most in division history.5. Justin Gaethje (23-4) | UFC [5]
Gaethje appeared to have hurt Charles Oliveira on two occasions early in their headlining fight at UFC 274, but “The Highlight” ultimately missed an opportunity to capture championship gold when his opponent rallied for a submission victory at the 3:22 mark of Round 1 at Footprint Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 7. Gaethje delivered another violent performance as expected, but the former World Series of Fighting title holder is now 0-2 in UFC title bouts — losing via submission on both occasions. Nonetheless, Gaethje’s penchant for all-action fights likely means he’ll have no shortage of interesting options for his next Octagon appearance.6. Michael Chandler (23-8) | UFC [6]
Once again, Chandler had an opponent reeling but couldn’t finish the job, as he was submitted by Dustin Poirier in a featured lightweight affair at UFC 281. Although he has lost three of his last four UFC outings, Chandler figures to remain a favorite with promotional brass thanks to his penchant for all-action fights. That said, his hopes of securing another lightweight championship fight appear to be pretty dim at this point in time.7. Rafael Fiziev (12-1) | UFC [7]
Fiziev took another major step toward title contention at UFC on ESPN 39, as he knocked out ex-champ Rafael dos Anjos in the fifth round of their headlining bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on July 9. In addition to his pinpoint striking, Fiziev showcased solid cardio and defensive wrestling — both vital attributes in the brutal lightweight division. With six consecutive victories to his credit, “Ataman” will be in line for another top contender. Whether that’s requested opponent Justin Gaethje or someone else remains to be seen.8. Dan Hooker (22-12) | UFC [8]
After losing four of his last five Octagon appearances, Hooker showed he still has a little juice left at UFC 281, as he finished the submission-minded Claudio Puelles with a body kick 4:06 into Round 2 of their lightweight encounter in New York. “The Hangman” ended the five-fight winning streak of the fast-rising Puelles and proved he’s still one of the top action fighters in the division in the process. Hooker is already targeting a return to action at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.9. Rafael dos Anjos (32-14) | UFC [9]
Dos Anjos enjoyed a successful return to welterweight at UFC on ESPN 42, tapping out Bryan Barberena with a rear-naked choke in the second round of their co-main event encounter in Orlando. After a loss to Rafael Fiziev in his most recent lightweight appearance, the 38-year-old Brazilian appears content to remain at 170 pounds for the time being — though he could return to 155 pounds if an interesting fight arises.10. Mateusz Gamrot (21-1, 1 NC) | UFC [10]
Gamrot came up just barely short at UFC 280 on Oct. 22, dropping a unanimous decision to Beneil Dariush after a sensational three-round scrap. While the setback snapped a four-fight win streak for “Gamer,” the former two-division KSW titleholder does not figure to take much of a step back, given his high-quality wins over Arman Tsarukyan and Diego Ferreira, his penchant for exciting fights and his status as a relatively new face in the division.Other Contenders: Arman Tsarukyan, Damir Ismagulov, Thiago Moises, Jalin Turner, Olivier Aubin-Mercier.
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