Top 10 UFC Lightweight Champions & Title Reigns: The Ultimate UFC Lightweight Division Guide

Welcome to our definitive ranking of UFC Lightweight Champions, where we explore the legacy of these elite fighters and provide insights into the history and evolution of the UFC Lightweight Division.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division has long been considered one of the most talent-rich and fiercely competitive weight classes in mixed martial arts. Over the years, it has been graced by a collection of extraordinary athletes who have not only captured the coveted championship title but have also left an indelible mark on the sport through their skill, dominance, and captivating performances. Determining the ten greatest among these warriors is a task fraught with debate, yet it offers a fascinating look back at the evolution of the division and the remarkable individuals who have reigned supreme. This list aims to cut through the noise and provide a definitive ranking of the top 10 UFC lightweight champions as we look ahead to 2025, acknowledging the legacies built and the new standards set within this electrifying weight class.

Honorable Mentions: Legends Who Just Missed the Cut

Several other undisputed lightweight champions deserve recognition, even if they didn’t quite crack the top 10 for 2025. Sean Sherk, who claimed the vacant title in 2006 and had one successful defense before being stripped of the belt , was a dominant force during his time. Charles Oliveira, despite a remarkable career and a title reign that included one successful defense before a controversial weight miss led to him being stripped , remains a top contender and could certainly climb this list in the future depending on his performances leading up to and beyond 2025. Additionally, while interim champions like Tony Ferguson had significant impacts, the focus here remains on those who held the undisputed title.

Number 10: Jens Pulver – The Original Lightweight Icon

Rounding out our top 10 is the inaugural UFC lightweight champion, Jens “Lil’ Evil” Pulver. He made history at UFC 30 in February 2001 when he defeated Caol Uno by majority decision to become the first-ever titleholder in the division. Pulver successfully defended his championship twice, against Dennis Hallman and a young BJ Penn , before leaving the UFC due to a contract dispute.

Pulver’s significance as a pioneer of the lightweight division and the sport as a whole cannot be overstated. As the first champion, he laid the foundation for all subsequent titleholders. He later returned to the UFC and also served as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, further contributing to the sport’s growth. His legacy was cemented with his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.

Number 9: Conor McGregor – The Notorious UFC Lightweight Titleholder

Taking the ninth position is the global superstar, Conor McGregor. “The Notorious” made history at UFC 205 in November 2016 when he defeated Eddie Alvarez via second-round TKO to become the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes, adding the lightweight belt to his featherweight crown. However, McGregor never defended the lightweight title and was eventually stripped of the belt due to inactivity.

Despite the lack of title defenses, McGregor’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. His charismatic personality, knockout power, and ability to generate unprecedented levels of mainstream attention brought the UFC to new heights. His achievement of becoming a simultaneous two-division champion remains a historic moment. While the controversy surrounding his title reign due to the lack of defenses is often discussed, his brief but bright spark at the top of the lightweight division cannot be ignored.

Number 8: Eddie Alvarez: Unforgettable UFC Lightweight Champion

Securing the eighth spot is the gritty Eddie Alvarez. “The Underground King” finally reached the pinnacle of the sport when he defeated Rafael dos Anjos via first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 90 in July 2016 to become the UFC lightweight champion. While his reign at the top was brief, as he lost the title to Conor McGregor in his first defense , Alvarez’s journey to the UFC title was a long and storied one.

Before joining the UFC, Alvarez had already established himself as a champion in other major MMA promotions, most notably Bellator. He was known for his exciting and action-packed fighting style, often engaging in memorable wars with his opponents. Alvarez’s victory over Dos Anjos was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, fulfilling a long-term goal of becoming a UFC champion. His status as a champion in both Bellator and the UFC places him among an elite group of fighters who have achieved success at the highest levels of the sport.

Number 7: Rafael dos Anjos – From Underdog to Champion

Claiming the seventh position is the resilient Rafael dos Anjos. The Brazilian fighter achieved championship glory at UFC 185 in March 2015, delivering a dominant performance to defeat Anthony Pettis and win the UFC lightweight title. Dos Anjos proved his legitimacy as champion with a swift first-round TKO victory over Donald Cerrone in his sole title defense.

Dos Anjos’ journey to the top was a testament to his hard work and constant improvement. He evolved from a relatively unknown fighter into a dominant force in the division. His victory over Pettis was considered an upset at the time, highlighting his growth and the unpredictable nature of MMA. Dos Anjos also holds the distinction of being the first non-American to win the UFC lightweight championship. Even after losing the title, he remained a top contender in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions for many years, showcasing his enduring skill and professionalism.

Number 6: Anthony Pettis – The Showtime Era

Taking the sixth spot is the electrifying Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. He first captured lightweight gold in the WEC, defeating Benson Henderson with his iconic “Showtime Kick” – a leaping, off-the-cage kick that remains one of the most spectacular finishes in MMA history. Pettis carried that momentum into the UFC, eventually defeating Henderson again at UFC 164 in August 2013 to claim the UFC lightweight championship. He successfully defended his title once against Gilbert Melendez in a thrilling submission victory.

Pettis was known for his incredibly dynamic and creative fighting style, incorporating flashy strikes, innovative submissions, and highlight-reel finishes that earned him his “Showtime” moniker. As the final WEC lightweight champion before the promotion’s merger with the UFC , Pettis brought a unique flair and excitement to the division. While his UFC title reign was ultimately shorter than some others on this list, his impact through his unforgettable moments and exciting fights secures his place in the top 10.

Number 5: Benson Henderson – Smooth Domination

Securing the fifth position is the smooth and calculated Benson Henderson. He reached the pinnacle of the lightweight division at UFC 144 in February 2012, defeating Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision to become the champion. Henderson enjoyed a successful reign, defending his title three times against a who’s who of the division: Frankie Edgar in a closely contested rematch, Nate Diaz in a dominant performance, and Gilbert Melendez in a highly anticipated clash.

Henderson’s fighting style, often described as “smooth”, was a well-rounded mix of dynamic striking, strong wrestling, and opportunistic submissions. Before his UFC success, Henderson was also the WEC lightweight champion, defeating Donald Cerrone to unify the titles when the WEC merged with the UFC. His ability to consistently perform at a high level and his longevity in the sport, including continued success in other promotions like Bellator , underscore his place among the lightweight elite.

Number 4: Frankie Edgar – The Answer’s Resilient Reign

Taking the fourth spot is the tenacious Frankie Edgar. “The Answer” shocked the world at UFC 112 in April 2010 when he dethroned the seemingly unbeatable BJ Penn to capture the UFC lightweight championship , marking a significant upset due to Penn’s prior dominance. Edgar went on to prove his championship mettle with three successful title defenses, including a dominant rematch victory over Penn and two memorable battles against Gray Maynard, one of which ended in a draw and the other in a knockout victory for Edgar.

Edgar was renowned for his incredible toughness, seemingly endless cardio, and unwavering resilience inside the octagon. Despite often being the smaller fighter in his matchups , his exceptional footwork, boxing skills, and wrestling allowed him to outwork and outmaneuver his opponents. Even after losing the lightweight title, Edgar continued to compete at the highest level, achieving success in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions, showcasing his remarkable adaptability. His contributions to the sport and his status as a former champion will be further cemented with his upcoming induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Number 3: BJ Penn – Pioneering MMA Lightweight Champion

Claiming the third position is “The Prodigy”, BJ Penn. A true pioneer of the sport, Penn holds the distinction of being a two-division UFC champion, having captured both the lightweight and welterweight titles. His lightweight reign began at UFC 80 in January 2008 when he defeated Joe Stevenson to claim the vacant championship. Penn went on to defend his title successfully three times against formidable opponents: Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian, and Diego Sanchez.

Early in his career, Penn was known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, becoming the first non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship at black belt level. His transition to MMA saw him quickly rise through the ranks, earning the moniker “The Prodigy” for his natural talent and rapid development. Penn’s willingness to challenge himself against any opponent, often moving up in weight to face larger fighters , further solidified his legendary status. His contributions to the sport were recognised with his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015.

Number 2: Khabib Nurmagomedov – Legendary UFC Title Reign

Securing the second spot is the undefeated phenomenon, Khabib Nurmagomedov. His reign as the UFC lightweight champion was nothing short of legendary, marked by an unblemished record of 29 wins and no losses. “The Eagle” captured the vacant title at UFC 223 in April 2018 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Al Iaquinta. He then proceeded to defend his championship three times against a trio of elite contenders: Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov’s fighting style was a force of nature, characterised by unparalleled grappling and suffocating top control that left his opponents feeling helpless. His ability to chain wrestle and relentlessly pursue takedowns was unmatched, and once he established top position, escape seemed virtually impossible. While his title reign might be shorter than Makhachev’s is projected to be by 2025, Khabib’s undefeated record is a monumental achievement in the sport’s history. His retirement at the peak of his powers left a significant void in the division, but his impact on popularising MMA globally, particularly in his native Dagestan and the surrounding regions, remains undeniable.

The Reign at the Top: Islam Makhachev – Setting New Records as a UFC Lightweight Champion

Leading the charge and claiming the coveted number one spot is the current king of the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev. His journey to the championship pinnacle has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, echoing the dedication of his renowned mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev captured the UFC lightweight title at UFC 280 in October 2022, submitting the highly regarded Charles Oliveira with a second-round arm-triangle choke. Since then, he has embarked on a dominant reign, successfully defending his crown four times. His first defence came against the then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February 2023, followed by a decisive knockout victory in their rematch at UFC 294 in October 2023. Makhachev then went on to submit Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024 and most recently Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025, setting a new record for the most consecutive lightweight title defences in UFC history.

Makhachev’s fighting style is a masterclass in controlled aggression, blending the formidable Dagestani grappling pedigree he shares with Khabib with an increasingly polished striking game. His ability to seamlessly transition between suffocating top control and devastating submissions has proven to be a nightmare for his opponents. The fact that Makhachev is now surpassing records previously held or associated with his mentor speaks volumes about his trajectory and the new heights he is reaching within the division. Even former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar believes that if Makhachev continues on his current path, he will undoubtedly be considered the greatest lightweight of all time. This sentiment, coupled with UFC CEO Dana White’s recognition of Makhachev as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world , underscores the argument for his top ranking as we look towards the landscape of the division in 2025. While comparisons to Khabib are inevitable, Makhachev’s longer title reign (as of 2025) and his ambition to potentially become a double champion solidify his position as the current standard-bearer and the deserving number one on this list.

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