The UFC Lightweight Division in 2025: A Deep Dive into Ilia Topuria's Reign and the Scramble for Contention.

Following Charles Oliveira’s emphatic submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot last Saturday, a performance that underscored the enduring threat of the soon-to-be 36-year-old "Do Bronx," the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division has solidified its status as one of the most dynamic and unpredictable weight classes in mixed martial arts. The division, currently governed by Ilia Topuria, presents a complex hierarchy of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and compelling narratives, all vying for championship gold. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the current landscape at 155 pounds, assessing the key players and their trajectory in the pursuit of the lightweight throne.

The Reigning Champion: Ilia Topuria (17-0)

At 28 years of age, Ilia Topuria stands as the undisputed king of the lightweight division, having ascended to a two-division champion status following Islam Makhachev’s move to the welterweight class. His dominant first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira in their vacant title bout in June not only secured the lightweight strap but also cemented his position atop many pound-for-pound rankings. This victory followed equally decisive knockout performances against former featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in prior title contests, showcasing a consistent ability to finish elite competition.

Topuria, a proud Georgian who represents Spain, possesses an unparalleled blend of skills that makes him a formidable force. His striking, particularly his boxing, is widely regarded as among the most lethal in MMA, characterized by exceptional precision and one-punch knockout power in both hands. Coupled with a strong grappling foundation, Topuria presents a well-rounded challenge to any opponent. His rapid rise and charismatic persona have fueled speculation about his potential to become the UFC’s next global phenomenon. This prospect is further amplified by strong rumors suggesting Topuria will headline the UFC’s anticipated January debut on Paramount/CBS against Justin Gaethje, a move designed to coincide with the kickoff of a new seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal, strategically positioning Topuria as the face of the promotion’s expanding reach.

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Top Contenders: The Immediate Threats

Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)

Age: 29
UFC Ranking: No. 2
Latest Results: 4 consecutive wins (9-1 since 2019)

Arman Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot has been marred by inactivity and misfortune. A back injury forced his withdrawal from UFC 311 in January, preventing a highly anticipated rematch with Islam Makhachev and delaying his championship aspirations. Despite these setbacks, Tsarukyan solidified his contender status with a hard-fought split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in 2024. A physically imposing figure, Tsarukyan combines explosive knockout power with a robust wrestling base, making him a difficult matchup for any lightweight. He is set to snap an 18-month layoff when he headlines a November 22 Fight Night card in Qatar against Dan Hooker. A victory in this bout is widely expected to cement his position as the next in line for a shot at the lightweight title. Notably, Tsarukyan also weighed in as the official backup fighter for the Topuria-Oliveira title bout in June, indicating the UFC’s recognition of his readiness for a championship opportunity.

Paddy Pimblett (23-3)

Age: 30
UFC Ranking: No. 7
Latest Results: 7-0 in UFC

While Paddy Pimblett’s resume may not yet boast the depth of quality wins typically associated with a top contender, his immense marketing appeal and burgeoning rivalry with Ilia Topuria make him a significant wild card in the lightweight division. The Liverpool native commands a substantial following, particularly from the UK market, and his personality often transcends conventional fight metrics. Pimblett’s most notable victories have come against established but aging names such as Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler, whom he stopped in April, marking Chandler’s fifth defeat in six fights.

However, Pimblett has demonstrated notable improvements in his overall game and physical conditioning, particularly since becoming a father to twins, which has reportedly led to a more disciplined approach to fitness between fights. This newfound seriousness contrasts with earlier career performances, such as his contentious decision win over Jared Gordon in 2022, which drew criticism from many observers. Despite his current ranking, the narrative surrounding a potential Topuria-Pimblett clash is compelling enough that the UFC might consider fast-tracking "Paddy the Baddy" to a title shot. Even if Justin Gaethje is chosen for Topuria’s January defense, a scenario where Pimblett opts to wait for a spring shot against the winner remains a distinct possibility, leveraging his strong ground game and dramatic flair.

Still in the Mix: Enduring Elite Forces

Max Holloway (27-8)

Age: 33
UFC Ranking: No. 3
Latest Results: Won 4 of 5 since 2022 trilogy loss to Volkanovski

The former UFC featherweight king and current BMF champion, Max Holloway, continues to be a formidable presence in the lightweight division. In July, he successfully defended his symbolic BMF title by outslugging Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout at UFC 318, a contest widely praised for its intensity. Holloway’s only recent setback at lightweight came against Ilia Topuria in their 2024 featherweight title clash, where he was knocked out for the first time in his 15-year professional career. This prior defeat to Topuria could pose a challenge for Holloway to secure an immediate rematch, given the champion’s dominant performance.

Nevertheless, Holloway remains highly active and competitive. He has expressed interest in a "fun stay-busy fight" in the form of a rematch against Charles Oliveira, this time for the BMF crown, a callout Holloway has publicly accepted. He has indicated a preference for this bout to occur in March, allowing sufficient recovery time for a potential high-profile June fight, possibly at the White House. Despite showing subtle signs of slowing, which have seen him fall out of most pound-for-pound top 10 lists, Holloway’s recent victories over Justin Gaethje and the effective "retirement" of Dustin Poirier within the lightweight division over the past 18 months firmly establish him as an elite contender at 155 pounds.

Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC)

Age: 35
UFC Ranking: No. 4
Latest Results: 3-3 in last 6

Just a week prior, the conversation surrounding Charles Oliveira’s championship prospects would have been considerably different. While his three losses over the past three years have been exclusively against elite opponents—Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, and Ilia Topuria—concerns lingered regarding his longevity, given his 17-year professional career and nearly 50 fights. Additionally, his knockout loss to Topuria just four months prior raised questions about his ability to withstand the division’s top strikers.

However, Oliveira’s recent and efficient submission victory over the No. 8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot served as a powerful reminder of his enduring threat to the lightweight title. The UFC’s all-time leader in fights, fight bonuses, submissions, and finishes, Oliveira is also rapidly approaching the record for total UFC wins. His performance against Gamrot highlighted his superior grappling and his continued capacity to finish fights, even against high-level opponents. Furthermore, before his stoppage by Topuria, Oliveira was finding success on his feet and in the clinch, leveraging his significant size advantage in the lightweight division. These factors ensure "Do Bronx" remains a potent force in the title picture.

Dark Horses: Emerging and Resurgent Contenders

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 prominent figure, though his status as an elite force has seen some fluctuations. If recent rumors hold true, Gaethje could indeed be next in line for Ilia Topuria’s first title defense in January. However, at 36 years old and turning 37 in November, his prime fighting days may be perceived as drawing to a close, despite a pair of solid victories over Rafael Fiziev since 2023.

Should the UFC select Gaethje from a crowded field of big-name contenders, it would likely be due to his consistent "action-fighter" style, his status as an increasingly rare American UFC title challenger, and the potential for his exciting, high-pace approach to dramatically boost Topuria’s growing global star power on the Paramount/CBS platform. While Gaethje’s potent striking ensures he always possesses a "puncher’s chance" in any contest, he would likely enter a fight against Topuria as a significant betting underdog. He has also been stopped in title or BMF fights three times since 2020, against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway.

Dan Hooker (23-12)

Age: 35
UFC Ranking: No. 6
Latest Results: Won 3 straight

The all-action New Zealander, Dan Hooker, is currently enjoying a notable career renaissance. Following a TKO victory over Claudio Puelles, he secured back-to-back split decision wins against Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot, rebuilding momentum after a challenging period where he lost four of five bouts against elite opponents. This win streak has been critical for "The Hangman" in re-establishing his presence in the top tier of the division.

Hooker is scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of the November 22 Fight Night card in Qatar. An upset victory against Tsarukyan would undoubtedly propel him to the very forefront of title contention. While Hooker has consistently proven his ability to compete at the elite level, his "feast-or-famine" brawling style, combined with a perceived lack of a truly elite, definitive win, positions him as an exciting yet still long-shot candidate for the lightweight belt.

Benoit Saint Denis (14-3)

Age: 29
UFC Ranking: No. 13
Latest Results: 2-2 in last 4

Benoit "God of War" Saint Denis should not be overlooked in the ongoing lightweight title picture. The hard-hitting striker and former French Army Special Forces soldier has experienced a tumultuous but instructive period in recent years. After losing his UFC debut in 2021, Saint Denis embarked on an impressive run of five consecutive stoppage victories, leading many to label him as the next significant force at 155 pounds.

However, this streak was followed by a pair of stoppage defeats: first against Dustin Poirier (a fight he reportedly took while battling illness) and subsequently against Renato Moicano (due to an eye injury). While these losses exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, Saint Denis appears to have learned from these setbacks. He bounced back strongly in 2025 with two submission victories over Kyle Prepolec and Mauricio Ruffy, showcasing a renewed focus on his wrestling and grappling skills. At 29 years old, Saint Denis possesses ample time to refine his game and remains one of the most rugged, dangerous, and physically imposing contenders within the top 15 of the lightweight division. His potential for future championship contention remains high.