Top 10 Greatest MMA Lightweight Fighters of All Time
Honoring mixed martial arts greatest lightweight division fighters.
Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov (born 20 September 1988) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist of Avar ethnicity. Nurmagomedov is a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion and the reigning undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion. He currently holds the longest undefeated streak in MMA, with 27... read more He is not only the greatest lightweight fighter of all time... he is one of the greatest fighters ever lived. Top 3 greatest MMA fighters ever. When he retired, no one was completely looked unbeatable and invincible.
No need to even think about this. Without competition, Khabib is light-years ahead of everyone else. Simply in the top 3 of the MMA GOAT list and easily the #1 in the lightweight division.
Undefeated. Defeated three great fighters in just one stretch. That's it. No doubt why he's number one.
Anthony Armand "Tony" Ferguson is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division for the UFC. Tony is either first or second, end of story.
He was simply better than the others in his prime. He was exceptional on his back and had legitimate power. Edgar beat him when he was a little past his best. Towards the end of his career, his penchant for fighting much bigger fighters and too frequent poor discipline in camp caught up with him and shortened his prime.
But still the best ever at 155 in a division of killers. Doesn't get the respect he deserves.
This guy was simply the best who didn't even train seriously. Imagine if he did...
He's a legend and a pioneer of the LW division. Sure, his legacy is now ruined, but he's definitely one of the best in his prime.
I mean, he has an insane resume. If he beats Charles Oliveira, then he has six champions on his resume: Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway (x2), Conor McGregor (x2), and Oliveira himself. Dustin is a beast and is so far a top three in my books that could end up being a top two if he beats Oliveira come December.
Frank James "Frankie" Edgar is an American mixed martial artist from New Jersey who competes as a Featherweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is a former UFC Lightweight Champion.
Rafael Souza dos Anjos is a Brazilian mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's lightweight division and the current UFC Lightweight Champion.BJ at number one and Frankie beat him for the title the first time, dominated him the second time, and nearly killed him the third time. He also beat Sherk who is number three (God knows why). Too small for the weight class yet managed to win the title in a division full of killers. Best lightweight hands down.
Edgar has been around for 10 years, has been the champion, and is still winning fights against young talent and tough veterans. His career has been and still is very successful. He has octagon time records and all sorts of others.
Should have never won against Edgar the first or second time. And he didn't beat Gilbert. The judges love this guy and gave him decisions he shouldn't have won.
Conor Anthony McGregor (born 14 July 1988) is an Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer. He is the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion... read more
Nathan Donald "Nate" Diaz (born April 16, 1985) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Diaz is the younger brother of former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion and WEC Welterweight Champion, Nick Diaz. Prior to signing with the UFC,... read more One of the most underrated fighters of all time. He has never been knocked out in the UFC and has the most submission wins and post-match awards in history. Most of his losses come from the judges' decision. Just tells you that he is tough as it comes.
Edward "Eddie" Alvarez is a Puerto Rican-American mixed martial artist that currently competes in the UFC. Should be top 10 in my opinion. Been the top in the weight class in numerous promotions, and he is a true lightweight.
Eddie Alvarez is top 3 easily, top 5 of all-time lightweights!
Donald Anthony Cerrone is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer currently competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. Cowboy is one of the most exciting fighters and has faced and beaten the best of the best.