'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
UFC 280 changed the entire dynamic of the lightweight division. Two fighters with double-digit win streaks went at it for the vacant lightweight title. Charles Oliveira's 11-fight winning streak was ended by a masterful performance from Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé Islam Makhachev.
The Dagestani pulled off a second-round submission victory over 'do Bronx', who has the most submission victories in the promotion's history.
Following Islam Makhachev's win, the lightweight division has undergone changes in the rankings. Former champion Charles Oliveira retains his spot in the top 5.
UFC lightweight rankings: Top 5
Champion: Islam Makhachev
Makhachev brought the belt back to Dagestan a year after Khabib vacated his throne. Makhachev is looking to begin another era of Dagestani dominance in the lightweight division.
1.Charles Oliveira
Charles 'do Bronx' Oliveira, the former champion, lost his belt at UFC 274 in what was a very controversial weigh-in. Many fighters claimed the weigh-in was not done correctly and the scale was off when the Brazilian weighed in at half a pound over the weight limit. Despite winning his fight against Justin Gaethje, Oliveira was stripped of the title.
Even after losing at the hands of Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, he has retained his No.1-ranked contender spot.
2.Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is a former interim lightweight champion. In his last fight, he lost to Charles Oliveira and has not fought since the championship bout in December 2021. His next fight sees him challenge Michael Chandler to potentially decide the next title challenger.
3.Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje has fought the best of the best at 155lbs, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Despite losing to both of them, he is one of the best lightweights at the moment.
4.Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush is on an eight-fight winning streak. His most recent performance against Mateusz Gamrot solidified his claim to challenge for the title next. However, the Iranian American is yet to face an opponent from the top 5.
5.Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler, a former Bellator champion, is looking to replicate his success in the UFC. However, he hit a rough patch recently, winning just one of his last three fights. At UFC 281, he fights Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier at Madison Square Garden.
