The UFC’s lightweight division is perhaps the most competitive and talented in all of the sport. At 155 lbs, fighters aren’t just technically brilliant; they’re athletic monsters. Whilst they may look small compared to other divisions, it is the combination of speed and power that makes this such a harsh and unforgiving environment. Naturally, this immense competition has bred some of the greatest fighters the UFC has ever seen. Here we will rank the top 10 greatest to have ever stepped in the octagon at 155.
Lottomart, makers of Gold Blitz Extreme, have compiled all of the best lightweight fighters in UFC of all time
10. Eddie Alvarez 24-11-1
Eddie Alvarez defeated Raphael Dos Anjos to win the UFC lightweight championship. He had also previously held the Bellator lightweight title, making him a 2 organisation champ, something few have achieved. He was known for his aggressive striking and durability,y which meant he was never fully out of a fight. Eddie Alvarez has faced some tough competition, like Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, and Donald Cerrone. Alvarez’s UFC 205 victory cemented him in lightweight history.
9. Justin Gaethje 27-5-0
Justin “the highlight” Gaethje made his UFC debut in 2017. His adaptability is what makes him so special. Gaethje changed his style from an impulsive and reckless approach to a more relaxed approach that focused on the technical aspects of mixed martial arts. His KO record alone is enough to know that few can truly match him in the division, with 20 knockouts in 27 wins.
8. Conor McGregor 22-6-0
Maybe the most influential UFC fighter of all time. “The Notorious” Conor McGregor reached levels of stardom others could only dream of, catapulting the organisation to new heights. But his impact inside the octagon is just as great. Making history as the first UFC 2 division champion, McGregor cemented himself in mixed martial arts history. Some of the greatest UFC fights have had Conor at the centre, such as his iconic knockout against Jose Aldo at UFC 194 or his brutal loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the most hyped MMA fight of all time, setting the record for most PPVs for the sport. However, due to his departure from the UFC for a while and his not fighting as much as others on this list, this is as far as he goes.
7. Tony Ferguson 26-11-0
Tony Ferguson is regarded as many as a what-if. At his peak, he beat fierce opponents such as Raphael dos Anjos and Edson Barbosa, but due to injuries and other external issues, Tony never got a chance to be the undisputed champion of the lightweight division. Even so, few can argue against his greatness.
6.Raphael Dos Anjos 32-17-0
Raphel Dos Anjos is as well-rounded as they come. Able to strike and wrestle with the best, he decimated his competition on his way to the top. But perhaps the most impressive thing about him is the competition he’s beaten, like Anthony Pettis to win the belt and Donald Cerrone.
5. B.J Penn 16-14-0
B.J “the prodigy” Penn was a pioneer of the division. Known for his incredible jiu-jitsu, Penn’s ground game could finish anyone. He became the UFC Lightweight Champion, defending his title multiple times and later also winning the UFC Welterweight Championship, making him one of the first fighters to hold belts in two divisions. Although he had a career of highs and lows, his influence over the division is undeniable.
4. Dustin Poirier 30-10-0
Dustin “Diamond” Poirier is one of the toughest UFC fighters of all time. Having fought an insane amount of top fighters, Dustin has wins over legends like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Eddie Alvarez. He’s also gone toe to toe with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. But what makes Poirier so special is his unrelenting spirit and drive never to give up; this attitude is ultimately why he ranks so high in the division’s greats.
3. Charles Oliveira 36-11-0
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveria is one of the most loved fighters of all time. His wholesome personality and charisma make him the perfect person to root for. But behind that smile is one of the most technically gifted fighters in the UFC. His record-breaking submission skills and ability to strike with the best make him a nightmare matchup for anyone. Having won the lightweight title and defended it successfully, he has proved to everybody that his name belongs with the greats.
2. Islam Mahachev 28-1-0
Islam Mahachev is one of the most well-rounded fighters of his time, with a mix of unstoppable wrestling and amazing striking. He can go toe to toe with anyone. His recent win crowned him double champ and put to rest the critique that he wouldn’t be able to beat bigger guys. Islam has beaten the best of the best and done everything there is to do in the lightweight division, but his move up to 170 lbs keeps him at second.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov 29-0-0
Regarded by many as the greatest of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov has achieved what no one else could, going undefeated and steamrolling the entire division. In what was maybe the most talented the lightweight division had ever been, Nurmagomedov made it look like child’s play, having never bled in 29 fights, a stat which is unheard of. His wrestling was unstoppable, ragdolling his opponents; no one in the division had a counter to the Dastan style. Many point to his dominant victory over Conor McGregor as the day he cemented himself as a legend.