The Champion: Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, has established himself as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts. With a professional MMA record of 26-1, Makhachev’s only loss came back in 2015, and since then, he has been on an undefeated streak, showcasing his superior grappling, striking, and overall strategic approach to the fight game.
Makhachev’s most notable achievements include his victory over Charles Oliveira to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 280 and successfully defending his title against Alexander Volkanovski. His exceptional sambo background, combined with a disciplined striking game, has made him one of the toughest fighters in the UFC today.
As of November 2023, Makhachev is ranked #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his elite status in the sport. With his well-rounded game, relentless pace, and fight IQ, Makhachev is expected to continue as the champion throughout 2025. His dominance in the lightweight division makes him the favorite to retain the title by the end of the year.
The Biggest Threat: Ilia Topuria (Featherweight Champion)
Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC Featherweight Champion, has made waves in the UFC with his aggressive and versatile fighting style. With a perfect 16-0 record, Topuria has already defeated some of the best in the Featherweight division, including Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His knockout power and submission skills have earned him recognition as one of the brightest young stars in the UFC.
Topuria's meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, and despite competing in the Featherweight division, his talent and potential have led to speculation about him eventually moving up to challenge for the Lightweight title. His aggressive striking and well-rounded game could pose significant problems for Makhachev, especially with his ability to mix in powerful strikes with grappling and submissions.
If Topuria moves up to challenge for the lightweight title in 2025, he could be the biggest threat to Makhachev's reign. His undefeated streak and aggressive fighting style make him a dangerous contender in any weight class. Although he is currently focused on defending his Featherweight title, Topuria’s potential rise in the lightweight division is one to watch.
The Underdog: Arman Tsarukyan (#1)
Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked #1 in the UFC Lightweight rankings, is another rising star in the division with a professional record of 22-3. Known for his aggressive fighting style and well-rounded skill set, Tsarukyan has showcased his striking and grappling abilities with impressive victories over top fighters like Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.
Tsarukyan's career began with a strong debut in the UFC, where he faced Islam Makhachev in 2019. Although Tsarukyan lost that fight, he showed tremendous promise, and since then, he has steadily improved. His split-decision victory over Oliveira in 2024 was a career-defining moment, further solidifying his place as one of the top contenders in the division.
While Tsarukyan is highly regarded and considered one of the brightest young talents in the lightweight division, he still faces challenges in surpassing elite fighters like Makhachev. Although he has the skills to become champion, his path to the title will likely involve overcoming Makhachev’s well-established dominance in the division. Tsarukyan remains an underdog for 2025, but with his work ethic and fight IQ, he could surprise the MMA world and claim the title.
