Following Charles Oliveira’s emotional submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot last Saturday, a performance that underscored the enduring prowess of the 35-year-old "Do Bronx," the UFC’s lightweight division has solidified its status as one of the most competitive and unpredictable weight classes heading into 2025. This resurgence of established veterans alongside the ascent of new talent necessitates a comprehensive reassessment of the 155-pound landscape, identifying key power players positioned to challenge the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, and distinguishing legitimate contenders from those with a less clear path to the title.

The Reigning Champion: Ilia Topuria (17-0)

At 28 years old, Ilia Topuria stands as the undisputed champion, holding an immaculate professional record of 17 wins and 0 losses, with an impressive 9-0 tenure within the UFC. Topuria secured his lightweight title by delivering a first-round knockout against Charles Oliveira in their vacant title bout in June. This victory followed a series of dominant performances, including consecutive knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in previous title contests, solidifying his position as a two-division champion after Islam Makhachev’s move to the welterweight division. Topuria’s rapid ascent and decisive victories have placed him firmly atop many pound-for-pound rankings, identifying him as a prime candidate to become the UFC’s next global superstar. This potential for widespread appeal is reportedly a significant factor in rumors suggesting Topuria will headline the UFC’s inaugural event on Paramount/CBS in January, potentially facing Justin Gaethje. This event would coincide with the launch of a new seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal, aiming to leverage Topuria’s growing international profile. Characterized by lethal boxing skills, one-punch power in both hands, and a well-rounded mixed martial arts game, Topuria represents a formidable challenge for any contender at 155 pounds.

Top Contenders: Positioning for a Title Shot

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Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)
Currently ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan, 29, holds a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, demonstrating significant momentum with four consecutive victories and a 9-1 record since 2019. Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot has been impeded by inactivity and a back injury that led to his withdrawal from UFC 311 in January, preventing a highly anticipated rematch with Islam Makhachev. His most recent performance, a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in 2024, was widely regarded as the performance that secured his claim for the next title opportunity. Tsarukyan, who also served as the backup fighter for the Topuria-Oliveira title bout in June, is set to return to competition following an 18-month layoff. He will headline a Fight Night card in Qatar on November 22 against Dan Hooker. A victory in this bout is expected to cement his position as the undisputed No. 1 contender for Topuria’s lightweight championship. Tsarukyan is known for his physically imposing presence, significant knockout power, and a strong wrestling foundation.

Paddy Pimblett (23-3)
Ranked No. 7 in the lightweight division, Paddy Pimblett, 30, possesses a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses, with an undefeated 7-0 record in the UFC. While his claim to a title shot based solely on strength of schedule and ranked victories remains a subject of debate within the MMA community, Pimblett’s considerable marketing appeal and a well-documented rivalry with Ilia Topuria position him as a potential challenger. His most notable victories include wins over veteran fighters such as Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler, the latter of whom he stopped in April, marking Chandler’s fifth defeat in six fights. Concerns regarding Pimblett’s fitness and performance were raised following his contentious decision victory over Jared Gordon in 2022. However, since becoming a father to twins, "Paddy the Baddy" has visibly committed to more rigorous fitness regimens between fights, showcasing improved form and a more serious approach to his professional career. Should the UFC opt for a different opponent for Topuria in January, such as Gaethje, a scenario exists where Pimblett might strategically await a spring title opportunity against the victor, leveraging his strong ground game and dramatic fighting style.

Still in the Mix: Enduring Threats and Strategic Moves

Max Holloway (27-8)
The former featherweight king and current BMF champion, Max Holloway, 33, is ranked No. 3 at lightweight, holding a record of 27 wins and 8 losses. Since his trilogy loss to Alexander Volkanovski in 2022, Holloway has secured four victories in five bouts. He successfully defended his symbolic BMF title by outslugging Dustin Poirier in their trilogy encounter at UFC 318 in July. Holloway’s previous loss to Ilia Topuria occurred in their 2024 featherweight title bout, where he suffered the first knockout defeat of his 15-year career. This history could complicate his immediate path to a lightweight title rematch against Topuria. However, Holloway has expressed interest in a potential BMF title rematch against Charles Oliveira, who issued a callout. Holloway has indicated a preference for this bout to take place in March, allowing sufficient recovery time for a possible June fight at the White House. Despite a slight decline from his peak pound-for-pound status, Holloway remains an elite lightweight, evidenced by his knockout victory over Justin Gaethje and the retirement of Dustin Poirier within the division over the past 18 months.

Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC)
Charles Oliveira, 35, is ranked No. 4 in the lightweight division, with a professional record of 36 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest. His recent record of 3 wins and 3 losses over the past six fights reflects a challenging period, though his defeats have come against elite opponents: Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, and Ilia Topuria, the latter by knockout just four months prior. Oliveira’s recent submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot served as a powerful reminder of his continued threat to the lightweight title. With 17 years in professional mixed martial arts and nearly 50 fights, Oliveira holds numerous UFC records, including all-time leader in fights, fight bonuses, submissions, and finishes, while also closing in on the record for total wins. His size advantage allowed him to find success on the feet and in the clinch against Topuria before the knockout, indicating his potential to trouble the champion under different circumstances.

Dark Horses: Emerging Contenders and Potential Spoilers

Justin Gaethje (26-5)
Ranked No. 5 at lightweight, Justin Gaethje, 36, holds a record of 26 wins and 5 losses, with 3 wins in his last 4 bouts. While rumors suggest Gaethje could be Topuria’s first title defense in January, marking a significant opportunity for the former interim lightweight champion, his status as a consistent elite force has faced scrutiny, despite recent victories over Rafael Fiziev since 2023. Gaethje’s potential selection as Topuria’s next opponent would likely be driven by his fan-friendly, action-oriented fighting style, his status as a prominent American title contender, and the belief that his aggressive approach could further elevate Topuria’s growing star power among casual fans on the new broadcasting platform. Despite his "puncher’s chance" in any contest, Gaethje would enter a hypothetical bout against Topuria as a significant betting underdog, having been stopped in three title or BMF fights since 2020 (against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway). Gaethje will turn 37 in November.

Dan Hooker (23-12)
Ranked No. 6 in the lightweight division, Dan Hooker, 35, has seen a resurgence in his career, securing three consecutive victories after a challenging period where he lost four of five bouts against elite opponents. His recent win streak includes a TKO over Claudio Puelles and back-to-back split decision victories over Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot. Hooker’s upcoming fight against Arman Tsarukyan in November presents a pivotal opportunity; an upset victory could significantly elevate his standing within the division. Known for his "feast-or-famine" brawling style, Hooker has consistently demonstrated his ability to compete at an elite level, yet he still seeks a truly definitive victory over a top-tier contender to solidify his title aspirations.

Benoit Saint Denis (14-3, 1 NC)
Despite being ranked No. 13 at lightweight, Benoit Saint Denis, 29, nicknamed "God of War," remains a compelling dark horse contender. The former French Army Special Forces soldier has experienced a volatile trajectory in recent years. After a loss in his 2021 UFC debut, BSD embarked on a five-fight winning streak, all by stoppage, positioning him as a rapidly ascending force at 155 pounds. However, he subsequently suffered two stoppage defeats: against Dustin Poirier, a fight he reportedly took while battling illness, and against Renato Moicano, due to an eye injury. These losses highlighted areas for defensive improvement. Saint Denis has since adapted, bouncing back in 2025 with two submission victories over Kyle Prepolec and Mauricio Ruffy, showcasing a renewed focus on his wrestling game. At 29, Saint Denis possesses the youth and potential to integrate all aspects of his game, maintaining his status as one of the most rugged and dangerous contenders within the top 15.

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