There is perhaps no division in the UFC that is more competitive than the lightweight class. Its combination of depth and high-ceiling talent means that there are any number of fighters, at any given time, with the potential to steal the crown.
But of course, not everyone can have a turn.
Ben Henderson currently sits atop the heap and has defended the strap three times without fail. Still, the sheer number of legitimate contenders rushing to take what he has—coupled with the two extremely close calls Bendo has already experienced as champ—suggests the title will be continually under threat.
Here we assess the UFC lightweight class’ current landscape, examining the title aspirations of each of the division’s top 10 fighters, as ranked by the UFC.
Each contender has been tagged with a probability that identifies the likelihood of them ever gaining the strap. That probability is based on a number of factors, including ability, age and current station within the division.
Read on to see who is most likely to adorn lightweight gold, before they call it quits.