10 Best UFC Lightweight Fighters of All Time

The UFC lightweight division has seen some of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Over the past decade, the 155-pounds division has been regarded as the most stacked weight class in terms of elite fighters.

Here's a list of the top 10 UFC lightweight fighters of all time, considering their accomplishments, impact on the sport, and their skill sets.

10. Eddie Alvarez

Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor//Getty Images

With a record of 30-8-2, Eddie Alvarez always delivered when it came to exciting fights. Across his 40-fight professional MMA career, only 8 of his fights saw the final bell. Alvarez is one of the few fighters to hold titles in both the UFC and Bellator.

In 2016, “The Underground King” was crowned the UFC lightweight champion after defeating Rafael Dos Anjos. Unfortunately for the Philadelphia native, he walked into a superstar named Conor McGregor in his next fight and the Irishman put on a striking clinic against Alvarez as he knocked him out.

9. Conor McGregor 

Conor McGregor//Getty Images

Some may disagree with Conor McGregor being ninth on this list, however, some may argue he shouldn't even be on the list. McGregor became the double champ after completely annihilating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to claim the lightweight strap.

Despite this historic achievement, this remains his only win in the 155-pounds division, hence why he ranks ninth on my list: losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 and then back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021.

8. Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn//Getty Images

Despite being the smaller man in most of his fights at lightweight, Frankie Edgar still managed to capture and defend the title multiple times.

After winning the belt from BJ Penn in 2010, “The Answer” would go on to beat Penn in a rematch, he then retained his title after a split decision draw with Gary Maynard before knocking Maynard out in a rematch.

Edgar is tied for the most consecutive title defences in UFC lightweight history (3) - only Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, Islam Makhachev and Benson Henderson have matched that.

7. Benson Henderson 

Benson Henderson and Brandon//Getty Images

As alluded to previously, Benson Henderson has 3 consecutive UFC lightweight title defences to his name - tied for the most in UFC history.

Henderson's blend of athleticism, wrestling, and submission defence allowed him to reign as a champion for nearly two years in the UFC’s lightweight division. He claimed victories over several top contenders such as Nate Diaz, Frankie Edgar and Gilbert Melendez.

6. Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson punches Anthony Pettis//Getty Images

The prime years of Tony Ferguson were a joy to watch. He didn't just beat many of the top names in the lightweight division, he brutalised his opponents faces during his 12-fight win streak.

On his way to winning the UFC interim lightweight title against Kevin Lee, “El Cucuy” claimed victories against some of the elite names in the division at the time such as: Edson Barbosa, Rafael Dos Anjos and Josh Thompson.

Ferguson became a fan favourite for his unorthodox freestyling fighting style and his vicious elbows and D'arce choke attacks. Unfortunately though, he goes down in the history books to be one of the best fighters to never get an undisputed title shot.

5. Rafael Dos Anjos

Rafael Dos Anjos//Getty Images

Rafael Dos Anjos is one of the most well-rounded fighters in UFC history, combining high-level striking, grappling, and cardio to dominate the division during his title run between 2015 and 2016.

In that time, the Brazilian defeated many top names such as Anthony Pettis (to win the belt) and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

4. Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira//Getty Images

The all-time leader in submissions in the UFC with 16, Charles Oliveira captured the lightweight title in 2021 by beating Michael Chandler and defended it in spectacular fashion against Dustin Poirier. In 2022, “Do Bronx” was stripped of his title after failing to make weight against Justin Gaethje, but the Brazilian would emerge victorious.

Oliveira is known for his finishing ability and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. He is never in a boring fight. Only five of his 45 fights have gone the distance.

3. Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachevand Dustin Poirier grapple//Getty Images

A student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev quickly rose to the top of the lightweight division with his dominant sambo grappling and well-rounded skills.

He won the lightweight title in 2022 against Charles Oliveira and defended it successfully against Alexander Volkanovski, twice, and most recently, Dustin Poirier, cementing himself as one of the best lightweight fighters in recent times.

2. BJ Penn

BJ Penn and Frank Edgar//Getty Images

BJ Penn was the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes in the UFC. His combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking made him a pioneer in the lightweight division.

Across his two title reigns between 2008 and 2010, Penn defeated several top fighters like Matt Hughes, Joe Stevenson, Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez. Penn has the most lightweight title bouts in UFC history (8).