Ali Akbar Rosady
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division, historically one of its most competitive and talent-rich weight classes, entered 2025 in a state of heightened unpredictability and considerable momentum. Following Charles Oliveira’s emotional submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot last Saturday, a performance that underscored the enduring capabilities of the soon-to-be 36-year-old "Do Bronx," the 155-pound landscape has solidified as arguably the most compelling in mixed martial arts. This recent triumph served as a potent reminder of the depth and volatility within the division, prompting a comprehensive re-evaluation of the current rankings and the fighters poised to challenge the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, or those whose aspirations may prove premature.
The following analysis delineates the key figures shaping the trajectory of the lightweight division, examining their recent performances, stylistic attributes, and prospective paths towards the championship.
The Reigning Champion
Ilia Topuria (17-0)
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Age: 28
UFC Record: 9-0
Ilia Topuria, representing Georgia and fighting out of Spain, ascended to the pinnacle of the lightweight division with a decisive first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira in their vacant title bout in June. This victory not only secured Topuria the lightweight championship but also established him as a two-division champion, following Islam Makhachev’s transition to the welterweight division. Topuria’s championship run has been marked by a series of high-profile victories, including consecutive knockouts of former featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, preceding his triumph over Oliveira. These performances have positioned Topuria atop many pound-for-pound rankings globally and underscore his potential to become the UFC’s next global superstar.
Rumors indicate that Topuria is being considered to headline the UFC’s anticipated January debut on Paramount/CBS, a strategic move designed to coincide with the launch of a new seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting agreement. Justin Gaethje has been frequently cited as a potential opponent for this event. Topuria’s fighting style is characterized by exceptional boxing prowess, widely regarded as among the most lethal in mixed martial arts, complemented by significant one-punch knockout power in both hands and a robust all-around game. His undefeated record and recent championship victories firmly establish his dominance at 155 pounds.
Top Contenders
Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)
Age: 29
UFC Ranking: No. 2
Latest Results: 4 consecutive wins (9-1 since 2019)
Arman Tsarukyan, a Georgian native of Armenian descent, has been a prominent figure in the lightweight title picture, despite periods of inactivity. A back injury compelled his withdrawal from UFC 311 in January, just one day prior to his scheduled rematch with Islam Makhachev, delaying a highly anticipated title opportunity. Tsarukyan’s case for a title shot was significantly bolstered by his split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in 2024, a bout that highlighted his powerful wrestling base and developing knockout capabilities.
A physically imposing lightweight, Tsarukyan is set to break an 18-month hiatus when he headlines a Fight Night card in Qatar on November 22 against Dan Hooker. Having weighed in as the official backup fighter for the Topuria-Oliveira title contest in June, a victory over Hooker could decisively cement Tsarukyan’s position as the next mandatory challenger for the lightweight championship, underlining his consistent high-level performances since 2019.
Paddy Pimblett (23-3)
Age: 30
UFC Ranking: No. 7
Latest Results: 7-0 in UFC
Paddy Pimblett, originating from the United Kingdom, represents a unique blend of marketing appeal and evolving competitive skill within the lightweight division. While his resume may not yet feature a multitude of wins over highly-ranked, prime contenders to unequivocally justify a top contender designation purely on merit, his significant fan base and established rivalry with Ilia Topuria position him as a potential challenger for the lightweight title in the near future.
Pimblett’s most notable victories include stoppages over veteran fighters such as Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler, the latter occurring in April, marking Chandler’s fifth defeat in six outings. However, Pimblett’s trajectory has shown marked improvement, particularly following the birth of his twins, which reportedly led to a more disciplined approach to his physical conditioning and fight preparation. This transformation has presented him as a more serious contender compared to his 2022 performance against Jared Gordon, a decision many observers felt he did not clearly earn. Should the UFC opt for a Gaethje-Topuria matchup in January, a scenario where Pimblett awaits a spring title opportunity against the winner remains a distinct possibility. With a robust ground game and a propensity for dramatic performances, "Paddy the Baddy" remains a significant wild card among the lightweight elite.
Still in the Mix
Max Holloway (27-8)
Age: 33
UFC Ranking: No. 3
Latest Results: Won 4 of 5 since 2022 trilogy loss to Volkanovski
Max Holloway, the former featherweight king and current BMF champion, successfully defended his symbolic title in July by out-dueling Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout at UFC 318. Holloway’s last defeat came at the hands of Ilia Topuria in their 2024 featherweight title contest, a fight where Holloway suffered the first knockout loss of his 15-year professional career. This prior defeat could potentially complicate his immediate prioritization for a rematch at lightweight.
However, Holloway has recently expressed interest in a highly anticipated rematch against Charles Oliveira, this time for the BMF title, following Oliveira’s public callout. Holloway has indicated a preference for this bout to take place in March, allowing sufficient recovery time with an eye towards a potential June fight at the White House. Despite a slight deceleration that has seen him fall out of most pound-for-pound top 10 lists, Holloway’s durability and elite striking skills ensure his status as a formidable lightweight, evidenced by his knockout of Justin Gaethje and the retirement of Dustin Poirier within the division over the past 18 months.
Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC)
Age: 35
UFC Ranking: No. 4
Latest Results: 3-3 in last 6
Just a week prior to his recent performance, the narrative surrounding Charles Oliveira might have been considerably different. While his three losses over the last three years have been exclusively against elite competition (Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria), concerns regarding his extensive 17-year professional career, spanning nearly 50 fights, and a recent knockout loss just four months prior, were prevalent. However, Oliveira’s highly efficient submission of the No. 8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot served as a powerful reminder of his enduring threat to the lightweight title.
Oliveira holds numerous UFC records, including the all-time leader in fights, fight bonuses, submissions, and finishes, and is nearing the record for most wins in the promotion’s history. His recent victory also highlighted that prior to being stopped by Topuria, he had achieved significant success on his feet and in the clinch, leveraging his size advantage within the lightweight division. His capacity for dramatic finishes and veteran experience make him a constant threat.
Dark Horses
Justin Gaethje (26-5)
Age: 36
UFC Ranking: No. 5
Latest Results: Won 3 of last 4
Justin Gaethje, the former interim lightweight titleholder, continues to be a significant presence in the division, though his status as a perennial elite force has seen fluctuations. Despite securing victories over Rafael Fiziev since 2023, Gaethje, who turns 37 in November, is navigating the latter stages of an illustrious career. Recent speculation suggests he could be the next challenger for Ilia Topuria’s title in January.
The rationale for selecting Gaethje amidst a crowded field of contenders is likely multifaceted, stemming from his reputation for action-packed fights, his status as a rare American UFC title contender, and the potential for his aggressive style to elevate Topuria’s growing global profile on the new Paramount/CBS broadcasting platform. While Gaethje invariably possesses a puncher’s chance in any contest, he would enter a potential matchup with Topuria as a significant betting underdog. He has been stopped in title or BMF fights on three occasions since 2020, against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway.
Dan Hooker (24-12)
Age: 35
UFC Ranking: No. 6
Latest Results: Won 3 straight
Dan Hooker, the "Hangman" from New Zealand, is currently experiencing a career renaissance following a TKO victory over Claudio Puelles and subsequent back-to-back split decision wins against Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot. This resurgence was crucial for Hooker, who had previously endured a challenging period, losing four of five bouts against elite competition.
Should Hooker secure an upset victory over Arman Tsarukyan in their November Fight Night main event, his standing within the lightweight division would be dramatically elevated, potentially catapulting him into immediate title contention. However, as a fighter known for his feast-or-famine brawling style, who has demonstrated the capacity to compete at the elite level but still lacks a definitive signature win against a top-tier contender, Hooker remains an exciting, albeit long-shot, prospect for the championship.
Benoit Saint Denis (14-3, 1 NC)
Age: 29
UFC Ranking: No. 13
Latest Results: 2-2 in last 4
Benoit Saint Denis, known as the "God of War," should not be discounted in the evolving lightweight title picture. The hard-hitting striker and former French Army Special Forces soldier has experienced a turbulent trajectory in recent years. After an initial loss in his 2021 UFC debut, Saint Denis amassed an impressive five-fight winning streak, all by stoppage, leading many to identify him as a rising star at 155 pounds.
However, a subsequent pair of stoppage defeats, first against Dustin Poirier (a fight he accepted while reportedly ill) and then against Renato Moicano (due to an eye injury), highlighted areas for defensive improvement. Saint Denis appears to have addressed these setbacks, returning in 2025 with two consecutive submission victories over Kyle Prepolec and Mauricio Ruffy, showcasing a renewed emphasis on his wrestling game. At 29 years old, Saint Denis possesses ample time to further refine his skills and remains one of the most rugged and dangerous contenders within the top 15 of the lightweight division.
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